1985 Yamaha GH-1 Baby Grand Piano – A Rare Find!

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin.

Today we have something very special for you: a 1985 Yamaha GH-1 baby grand piano in a stunning Ebony Polish finish.

Is the Yamaha GH-1 Known for Being Bright?

You might be thinking, “A Yamaha GH-1? Aren’t those known for being incredibly bright?” That’s a fair question! Many Asian production pianos—especially GH-1s from this era—can sometimes have a metallic or thin quality in the treble. These instruments were originally designed to cut through ensembles, which can be overwhelming in a home setting.

But this piano is different.

Our technicians have devoted extensive time to voicing this instrument. By carefully needling the hammers, we’ve softened the initial attack and removed that harsh bite typical of the model. The result is extraordinary: the GH-1 now offers the precision and reliability Yamaha is famous for, paired with a warm, round, singing tone you rarely hear in this line.

It sounds closer to a vintage American or European piano than the stereotypically bright Yamaha baby grand.

Key Information

• Brand: Yamaha
• Model: GH-1
• Year: 1985
• Finish: Polished Ebony
• Condition: Great
• Size: 5’3″

The Living Pianos Inspection

We come across many Yamaha pianos, but finding one from the mid-80s in this kind of condition is a true rarity.

The Case

The Ebony Polish finish is in excellent shape. The classic high-gloss mirror look makes it a striking focal point in any room.

The Action

As expected from Yamaha, the action is extremely consistent—responsive, fast, and perfectly even across the keyboard. It’s a joy to play for students and professionals alike.

The Tone

This is where the piano truly shines. If you’ve hesitated to buy a Yamaha because of the “tinny” tone often associated with compact grand models, this GH-1 will surprise you. It has:

• A deep, rich bass for its size
• A bell-like treble that is clear but never piercing
• A warm, blended tone throughout the registers

Finding a Japanese-made Yamaha (Hamamatsu factory) voiced to this level of warmth is exceptionally rare—especially at this price point. It’s ideal for a serious student, a teaching studio, or anyone wanting a reliable and beautifully voiced grand without the brightness associated with typical GH-series pianos.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about this Yamaha GH-1 or would like to explore more of our available pianos, feel free to contact us directly.

Thanks for joining us here at Living Pianos – Your Online Piano Store!