Yamaha U3 SH3 Silent Piano

The Yamaha U3 SH3 Silent range of pianos are traditional acoustic pianos, but with the added versatility of digital technology. The factory-fitted Yamaha U3 SH3 silent system allows you to practice ‘silently’ using headphones without disturbing others in the household.

Thanks to the U3’s height, this instrument offers a significantly longer string length and larger soundboard than Yamaha’s U1 model, offering a greater depth of tone, deeper bass response & a warmer sound. The U3’s taller action also provides a longer keystick length than smaller upright pianos, giving a smooth and well-balanced playing experience.

The U3 offers a superb dynamic range thanks also to the materials that Yamaha hand-pick for these pianos, making sure that every component works to transmit as much sound energy as possible to the soundboard. The U3 is produced by Yamaha in their Kakegawa factory in Japan. which has become renowned across the industry for its high levels of craftsmanship and superb attention to detail. Once in the UK, all Yamaha U3s are further prepared at their facility in Milton Keynes to ensure each instrument is beautifully set up.

Why Buy A Silent Piano Instead Of A ‘Normal’ Piano?

The Yamaha U3 SH3 Silent piano is exactly the same as its standard acoustic counterpart, but with the convenience of digital technology when you need it. The touch, feel, and response are the same as a regular acoustic piano when in standard acoustic mode. When you play using headphones, the hammers are prevented from hitting the strings, and the digital sound is activated, which the player can hear using headphones.

Silent Pianos were first launched by Yamaha in 1993, and the digital technology and key sensors have been constantly improved. The latest U3 SH3 models feature the digital sound of the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer concert grand pianos and use a newly developed non-contact continuous detection sensor system for greater reliability and lower maintenance requirements than previous models. These new silent models from Yamaha also have built-in wireless Bluetooth technology for connection to the Yamaha Smart Pianist app, which allows control of the piano's features using the touchscreen of your smart device.

See & Try The Yamaha Silent Piano System Before You Purchase

You can see and try the Yamaha Silent Piano U3 SH3 System in our piano shops which are located in Reigate (Surrey), Milton Keynes, and Eastbourne (East Sussex). We usually have a selection of pianos fitted with the U3 SH3 system ready for you to try. Call us on 01323 639335 to check which models are currently on show.

Part Exchange Your Piano For A New Yamaha U3 SH3 Silent Piano

If you want to upgrade your existing instrument to a new Yamaha U3 SH3 silent piano, then please send details of what you have, including photos, to partex@bonnersmusic.co.uk, and we’ll get right back to you with a part exchange valuation. We will need to know the make, model (if known) and serial number of your piano.

Play The Sound Of Two World-Class Concert Grands

The Yamaha U3 SH3 Silent Piano System features the voices of both Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial Concert Grand pianos. Each of the 88 keys of these two distinctly different instruments has been recorded (sampled) individually.

When using headphones, the player will experience playing each of these grand pianos with the very best clarity and response possible. Yamaha has implemented binaural sampling technology on both of these piano voices, which gives an unbelievably natural surround sound type experience when using headphones.

The CFX is a bold, bright piano, ideal for popular, jazz and light classics, whilst the Bosendorfer Imperial has a more ‘European’ rounded, mellow voice and is ideal for delicate classics or a full-blown concert performance.

Other Instrument Voices

The Yamaha U3 SH3 silent piano features a total of twenty instrument voices, including Fortepiano sounds, electric pianos, harpsichords, organs, strings choir and synth pad. These are all valuable voices for the modern musician and allow you to find the perfect voice for your style of performance. The U3 SH3 silent system also features 480 XG Voices + 12 Drum/SFX Kits for MIDI song playback.

The Touch Of A Standard Acoustic Piano

When switched into 'silent' mode, the Yamaha U3 SH3 Silent piano uses an exclusive non-contact continuous detection electromagnetic inductive sensor system to detect key movement. This sensor system does not actually touch the keys, so the player should not feel any discernible difference between a standard acoustic piano and a Yamaha silent piano.

Enhanced headphone output with Binaural sampling (CFX & Bosendorfer voices only)

The CFX & Bosendorfer piano sounds use binaural sampling technology when played through headphones - this gives a surround sound type experience when using standard HiFi headphones.

Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM)

When using the Yamaha U3 SH3 piano in ‘silent’ mode, Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) calculates the string and damper resonance in real-time to give the most authentic, life-like playing experience, even when using headphones.

Grand Expression Modelling

Grand Expression Modeling is a groundbreaking new technology that enables pianists to use their performance techniques to produce the limitless tonal variation unique to grand pianos. The ability to vary the intensity and speed of touch to produce different tones adds another dimension to the joy of musical expression with a digital instrument.

Smart Pianist App

Yamaha’s Smart Pianist App is a free download which allows you to access popular functions such as voice selection, metronome settings, or even display musical scores using your smart devices such as tablets & smartphones. Connect Smartpianist to your Yamaha U3 SH3 silent piano using the built-in wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

Simplistic Control Panel Design

In order to maintain the traditional look of a beautiful acoustic piano, the control panel on the Yamaha U3 SH3 silent piano is simple and unobtrusive. The operation of the silent system is very user-friendly.

USB to HOST with Audio Streaming

The Yamaha U3 SH3 silent piano is fitted with a USB to HOST socket, which allows you to record high-quality audio to an external computer or another device without needing an additional USB audio interface.

AUX In Connection

The AUX IN Connection on the Yamaha U3 SH3 silent piano enables you to listen to or play along with the sound from external audio devices such as smartphones, computers or tablets.

Built-In Recording Feature

The built-in song recorder can be used to capture your performance or as a useful tool for practising intricate pieces. One song can be saved to the internal memory of the piano, but this capacity can be increased by plugging in a commercially available USB memory stick so that the total number of saved songs is virtually limitless.

Metronome

There is a built-in metronome that can be used with headphones for practice purposes.

MIDI IN/OUT Connections

Connect the U3 SH3 SIlent piano to other MDI-equipped instruments with the standard 5-pin MIDI interface. Both in and out MIDI sockets are present.

Included Accessories

AC adaptor*, power cord*, headphones, headphone hanger, attachment screws for headphone hanger, Owner’s Manual

Why Buy A Silent Piano Instead Of A Digital Piano?

Modern digital pianos have advanced tremendously in recent times, but nothing beats the keyboard response of a genuine acoustic piano. A silent piano offers a true acoustic piano experience, with a digital sound available for when you need it. The difference is that when playing using the digital sound, you have the same keyboard feel & touch as an acoustic piano.

Only higher-priced hybrid digital pianos offer a similar keyboard performance to that of a Silent Piano. If you are looking at purchasing a high-end digital piano, then we would recommend that you also consider a silent acoustic piano.