Anyone shopping for a new acoustic piano quickly arrives at Yamaha's b series – and with it the question: b10, b20 or b30? The three share the same DNA, but differ enough in height, sound volume and bass foundation that the right choice depends on your room, your playing level and your budget.
This Yamaha b10, b20 and b30 comparison ranks the three models along the criteria that really matter when buying a piano: cabinet height and soundboard, tonal character, touch and value for money. At the end, a clear recommendation by use case.
01The b series at a glance: what the three share
All three models belong to the revised Yamaha b series and share the same core components: a solid-core soundboard (instead of the previous model's laminated design) and hammers built with manufacturing technology developed for Yamaha's CFX concert grand. That lifts the whole series tonally – including the smallest model.
The difference between b10, b20 and b30 is essentially one of size: every centimetre of cabinet height enlarges the soundboard area, and with it the sound volume, the bass foundation and the dynamic range. Hear the three side by side and you hear exactly that progression.
02Height, soundboard and sound volume compared
Cabinet height is the most tangible distinguishing feature – and it determines how much soundboard area and string length are available. More area means more air in motion, so more sound volume and a more solid bass foundation.
The Yamaha B10 Klavier schwarz poliert, at around 110 cm, is the most compact of the three – focused and articulate, ideal for smaller rooms and home practice. The Yamaha B20 Klavier schwarz poliert, at around 116 cm, adds a noticeably larger soundboard area: more tonal depth and a more resonant bass. The Yamaha B30 Klavier schwarz poliert, at around 121 cm, is the largest – the fullest sound in the series, with more projection, longer sustain and a broader dynamic range.
| Model | Height (approx.) | Tonal character | Ideal for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b10 | 110 cm | Focused, articulate | Small rooms, children & beginner families | Entry |
| b20 | 116 cm | More depth, more resonant bass | Ambitious beginners, mid-size rooms | Mid-range |
| b30 | 121 cm | Fullest sound, more projection | Advanced players, larger rooms | Upper tier |
03Touch and feel
In terms of touch, all three models benefit from the new hammers, made on the CFX model to a very tight manufacturing tolerance – giving an even, precise feel across the whole keyboard.
As cabinet height increases, the response tends to carry further: on the b30, a loud, full tone is produced with slightly less effort than on the more compact b10. For beginners the day-to-day difference is small – for advanced players who work a lot with dynamics, it is noticeable.
04Which one suits me? Recommendation by use case
For a family with a practising child, or a returning player in a normal living room, the b10 is the obvious choice: compact, already at the new series sound level and the most affordable of the three. It is not a compromise instrument but a full acoustic piano in its most space-saving form.
If you practise more ambitiously, have a slightly larger room and want more bass foundation and tonal depth, the b20 is the right call – the balanced middle of the series. The b30 is aimed at advanced players and larger rooms, where its fuller sound and greater projection truly come into their own. You will find a wider selection of acoustic pianos in our Klaviere category.
05Quiet practice: the b30 with Silent and TransAcoustic systems
If you also want to practise late at night or in a thin-walled flat, take a look at the two special b30 variants. Both combine a real acoustic piano with a digital playing option.
The Yamaha B30 Klavier schwarz poliert mit SC3 Silent System stops the hammers at the press of a button and delivers the sound over headphones – the action stays acoustic, the room stays quiet. The Yamaha B30 Klavier schwarz poliert mit TC3 TransAcoustic goes a step further and uses the soundboard itself as a speaker, so the digital sound resonates physically through the instrument. Both are a good fit when consideration for housemates or neighbours matters, without giving up a real acoustic piano.
All three models in the Yamaha b series are full acoustic pianos at the new series level – the choice is mainly a question of room, playing level and budget. As a rule of thumb: the b10 for a compact entry, the b20 as a balanced middle, the b30 for the fullest sound and quiet practice with the Silent or TransAcoustic system.
Frequently asked questions
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Which Yamaha b model is best for beginners?
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Find the right Yamaha piano
Compare the b series models and explore our full selection of acoustic pianos.
View all pianosView the Yamaha b10Passende Produkte
Yamaha B10 Klavier schwarz poliert
Yamaha B20 Klavier schwarz poliert
Yamaha B30 Klavier schwarz poliert
Yamaha B30 Klavier schwarz poliert mit SC3 Silent System
Yamaha B30 Klavier schwarz poliert mit TC3 TransAcoustic