Yamaha U1 TA3 TransAcoustic upright piano - polished ebony

TC3 TransAcoustic system

The TransAcoustic pianos from Yamaha feature advanced technology, and have been equipped with a volume control feature. It is also possible to play silently through headphones and the new TransAcoustic technology will allow you to adjust your piano volume, so you can play without disturbing anybody.

Even at low volumes, the soundboard still vibrates so you can enjoy the physical sensation of natural acoustic sound as you play.

Realistic acoustic sound

TransAcoustic technology employs a mechanism of resonance keyed by the soundboard through a digital tone generator. The initial sound created is small but is amplified by the soundboard and the entire body of the piano serves as the resonator. This creates a very realistic playing experience.

Creating acoustic sound from digital audio sources

Although the sounds are created digitally, there is no need for a speaker unit. The included transducers prevent the hammers from striking the strings and convert the digital signals into vibrations which are then relayed to the soundboard. The soundboard then amplifies the vibrations and the sound reaching your ears is as rich as that of an acoustic piano.

Still an acoustic piano

Despite all the extra technologies that have been added to this range of TransAcoustic pianos, it is still a genuine acoustic instrument. Yamaha has created pianos that allow players to develop and express themselves with a rich sound and reliable quality.

Volume controls

The new TransAcoustic feature makes it possible to play with a true acoustic piano, or alternatively, switch on TransAcoustic mode and use the included volume control features to continue playing during anti-social hours.

With this new technology, your piano becomes a speaker so you don't have to wear headphones or use unwanted cables. Although the sound is being created digitally, the soundboard still vibrates and the strings still resonate so the feel of an acoustic piano is maintained.

Practice in silence

This new range of TransAcoustic pianos is also equipped with SILENT Mode. Plug in your headphones and enjoy the realistic piano sounds at any time without disturbing anyone with a realistic experience which is enhanced with the binaural sampling.

Binaural sampling creates a truly spacial and immersive sound while you wear headphones. The piano sounds like it is in front of you rather than in your ears, which also reduces fatigue and enables you to practice for longer!

Sounds taken from professional grands

Sampling the sounds from two concert grand pianos, the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial have been chosen for their harmonious tones which have been captured and faithfully reproduced for the purposes of the TransAcoustic technology.

These two world renowned concert grand pianos are joined by a long list of other keyboard instrument voices, including electric piano, harpsichord and organ.

Download the Smart Pianist app

Smart Pianist connects your iOS or Android device to the piano, either via USB or via the optional UD-WL01 wireless LAN adaptor to remotely control the instrument's sounds, control the record facility and metronome and even display music notation on screen. The app will also scan your iTunes library and produce a basic score so you can learn to play your favourite songs!

Installation at the Yamaha factory

Unlike most silent systems, Yamaha's Silent and TransAcoustic systems are installed during the manufacturing process. Yamaha piano actions are designed to accommodate these systems, so you can be sure of the highest quality performance and reliability. Nothing has been compromised!