Description
Yamaha U1 TA3 TransAcoustic™ Upright Piano
Iconic Yamaha U1 Performance with TransAcoustic™ & SILENT Piano™ Technology
A perennial favourite among discerning pianists, the Yamaha U1 has long set the benchmark for upright piano performance. Renowned for its balanced tone, responsive touch, and exceptional build quality, the U1 is trusted by pianists, teachers, and institutions worldwide.
The Yamaha U1 TA3 TransAcoustic™ Upright Piano enhances this legendary instrument with Yamaha’s most advanced TransAcoustic™ TA3 technology, allowing you to control volume freely while hearing sound resonate naturally from the piano itself — plus the added flexibility of SILENT Piano™ SH3 headphone practice.
Available now from McLaren’s Pianos, specialists in Yamaha acoustic and hybrid pianos.
What is TransAcoustic™ Technology?
TransAcoustic™ is Yamaha’s revolutionary technology that allows the piano’s soundboard to act as a speaker.
Unlike conventional digital or hybrid pianos, TransAcoustic™ sends digital sound directly into the acoustic soundboard, causing the entire instrument to resonate naturally — just like an acoustic piano.
How TransAcoustic™ Works
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The tone generator sends an optimised audio signal
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Transducers attached to the soundboard receive the signal
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Coils vibrate the soundboard directly
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Vibrations travel through the bridges and strings
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The whole piano resonates with rich, natural sound
The result is a deeply immersive, room-filling tone that feels completely acoustic — with no external speakers required.
Play Piano at Any Volume — No Headphones Required
There are times when the full power of an acoustic piano isn’t ideal for family members or neighbours. With TransAcoustic™ mode, you can simply adjust the volume while maintaining expressive, resonant sound.
When TransAcoustic™ mode is activated:
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Hammers no longer strike the strings
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Non-contact sensors detect keystroke depth, velocity, and timing
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Digital sound is played through the soundboard
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Volume is freely adjustable
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No headphones or external amplification needed
This makes the Yamaha U1 TA3 TransAcoustic™ ideal for homes, apartments, and flexible practice schedules.
Two World-Renowned Piano Sounds
The TransAcoustic™ TA3 system includes two of the finest piano voices ever created:
Yamaha CFX Concert Grand
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Yamaha’s flagship concert grand piano
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Individually sampled across all 88 keys
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Brilliant treble and commanding bass
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Wide dynamic and tonal range
Bösendorfer Imperial
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Legendary Viennese grand piano
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Rich, warm, and sonorous tone
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Distinctive European character
These premium voices deliver breathtaking realism whether playing acoustically, in TransAcoustic™ mode, or silently with headphones.
A Broad Sonic Palette – 20 Voices
The Yamaha U1 TA3 TransAcoustic™ Piano features 20 pre-installed voices, including:
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Electric pianos
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Harpsichord
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Pipe and jazz organs
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Strings and choir
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Synth pad
This versatility allows you to explore different musical styles and creative textures.
Combine Acoustic & Digital Sound
A unique advantage of TransAcoustic™ TA3 is the ability to layer acoustic piano sound with digital voices.
For example:
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Acoustic piano blended with orchestral strings
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Subtle digital textures enhancing natural resonance
This creates inspiring, organic sounds unavailable on any other instrument, offering limitless creative possibilities.
Play-Along & Listening Features
Enjoy interactive playing and listening options:
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50 built-in preset songs
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Play along with your own recordings
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Stream commercially available music through the soundboard
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Play duets with yourself or enjoy playback
Featuring SILENT Piano™ SH3 Technology
The Yamaha U1 TA3 also includes SILENT Piano™ SH3, allowing private practice with headphones.
What is SILENT Piano™?
When SILENT mode is engaged:
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Hammers stop before striking strings
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Key and hammer sensors capture your performance
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Sound is delivered through headphones
This provides:
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24-hour silent practice
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No disturbance to others
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Authentic acoustic piano touch
Immersive Headphone Sound (SILENT Mode Only)
CFX Binaural Sampling
Using specialised microphones placed at the player’s natural listening position, Yamaha captures the full spatial detail of the CFX concert grand. The result is a deeply natural, enveloping headphone experience.
Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM)
Enhanced VRM physical modelling recreates:
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String resonance across all 88 keys
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Damper-pedal interaction
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Soundboard, rim, and frame resonance
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Aliquot resonance in upper octaves
This delivers vivid realism and expressive depth in SILENT mode.
Stereophonic Optimizer
For piano voices other than the CFX Grand, the Stereophonic Optimizer recreates natural sound distance through headphones.
Exceptional Expressiveness & Realism
Smooth Release Technology
Accurately reproduces tonal changes from staccato to legato playing.
Key-Off Samples
Captures subtle tonal variations as dampers return to the strings, enhancing realism and musical nuance.
Authentic Yamaha Touch — No Compromise
Key Sensors
Each of the 88 keys features Yamaha’s non-contact, continuous-detection sensors, preserving natural feel in acoustic, TransAcoustic™, and SILENT modes.
Hammer Sensors
Non-contact hammer sensors accurately detect slow keystrokes and rapid repetition without affecting touch.
Quick Escape System
Ensures optimal hammer-to-string distance so the keyboard feel remains consistent in all playing modes.
Smart Connectivity & Modern Features
Bluetooth® Audio
Wirelessly stream music from compatible smart devices and play along through the piano’s soundboard.
Smart Pianist App
The free Smart Pianist app allows you to:
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Select voices
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Control metronome and settings
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Display digital sheet music
(Requires optional UD-WL01 USB Wireless LAN Adaptor for wireless use.)
Recording, Connections & Control
Dual Recording Systems
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Built-in recorder for instant playback
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USB audio recording in WAV format for PC, CD, or portable players
Connection Terminals
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USB TO HOST
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AUX IN / AUX OUT
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MIDI IN / MIDI OUT
Elegant Control Panel
Discreetly designed to blend seamlessly with the piano, offering intuitive operation.
Accessories & Practice Tools
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🎧 Open-structured Yamaha headphones for clarity and reduced fatigue
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⏱ Built-in metronome usable in both TransAcoustic™ and SILENT modes
Why Buy from McLaren’s Pianos?
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✔ Yamaha specialists
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✔ Expert advice and demonstrations
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✔ Professional delivery and setup
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✔ Trusted UK piano retailer
Enquire Today
Discover the ultimate blend of acoustic tradition and modern innovation.
Contact McLaren’s Pianos today to arrange a demonstration or receive personalised advice on the Yamaha U1 TA3 TransAcoustic™ Upright Piano.
