Piano Technician Review: Yamaha G2 Grand Piano
What's the difference between a Yamaha G2 and G3?
The G2 is very similar in design to the G3, however, when you take a closer look, the piano features whether be it the sound, or the feel of the action are not as good as one would expect.
The piano sound quality between these two pianos (G2 & G3) are worlds apart!
What you DO NOT want to do is compare a G3 with a C3, conclude that they are similar, and end up buying a G2 because it's the in the same line of pianos or for the nicer price range!
Source: Piano World
This is the biggest piano buying mistake I’ve seen on a forum recently, which I know is not a great choice.
If you know me, I’ve written about the G3 (Yamaha G3 Used Piano Review) and how I was pleasantly surprised by the nice responsive action and quality of sound compared with the shorter model G series pianos.
What's better than a Yamaha G2?
The GC1 (and similarly the C series), which I have written about briefly in comparison in my GB1K review is a substantially higher quality piano. It's the base-line of high-quality instruments as far as Yamaha Grand Pianos goes.
Overtime, the old G series was not up to a high Yamaha standard, so they decided to discontinue the line altogether.
Now there's the GC1 and the C series acoustic piano that has an advanced scale design which eliminated the "sour" notes of the old model G pianos.
The CX Models I put at the very top of the list for Yamaha Grand Pianos. For an in depth synopsis of the qualities and features for this model piano, read my Yamaha CX Grand Piano Technician Review.
What are the characteristics of a Yamaha G2 Grand Piano?
I recently tuned a G2 and was able to surmise some of the typical characteristics from that piano that are consistent with expectations for this particular model based on my previous encounters and experiences. Which means that I don't think that the G2 has a wonderful tone.
Essentially, I don’t like the bass break section particularly in the lowest few notes in the mid range of the piano.
These notes may sound satisfactory at best when played one at a time, however, when you play octaves in this particular section of the piano it sounds as though it’s out of tune even though it is as good in tune as it possibly can be.
While the action feels good, it wasn’t in great condition much like the voicing, which wasn’t very consistent either, but what can I expect from a piano that gets tuned once a year at a maximum.
This G2, like other G2’s was not a new piano by any means. Since the G2 has been discontinued since mid 1990's you may expect similar qualities in this used piano as in others you may come across.
There was a cracked soundboard, strings were grimy, and over the passing of time this particular model does not hold up to Yamaha industry standards.
The key bushings were worn to some extent, so there was extra side to side play that is distasteful.
One of the visual symptoms of key bushings being too worn is if the key spacing does not look consistent. I found inconsistent key spacing in this piano.
What are the features of a Yamaha G2 Grand Piano?
Thankfully, this G2 was not a gray market piano so the tuning pins were in good condition and felt much better than expected in this baby grand piano.
The piano tuned up nicely, perhaps there were a few pins that felt a little less tight than I would prefer.
My job was to tune it, clean it, and repair a lid hinge
I replaced the lid hinge because it was missing on this piano.
Thankfully, all Yamaha pianos have the exact same size lid hinge, so I only had to bring one replacement hinge to fix.
There were some screws on the hinge that needed tightening and even a screw missing.
These are the types of little details that you will find with an older piano of this caliber.
I cleaned over the soundboard and found some discoloration due to an unknown old liquid spill that I was able to completely remove.
This is when I noticed the corroded strings, plate stains, wear & tear marks and years of dust collection. I certainly want to be sure that the instrument I own is much cleaner.
Final Thoughts
Some piano teachers may not be able to tell the sorts of differences that I am describing unless specifically pointed out on this older model.
Piano tuners will certainly be able to point it out because it presents a unique challenge while tuning, and requires great service in order to blend the imperfections of this model.
With state of the art innovation, Yamaha has produced better musical instruments over time specifically with the successor being the C (Conservatory) series which are a great example of an acoustic grand that meets and exceeds the industry standard.
Review Articles:
Bechstein A2 Academy Upright Piano: Technical Review
Yamaha G3 Used Grand Piano Review with Facts - 6'1"
Yamaha GB1K Baby Grand Piano Review: 2023