I prefer K3 but may also consider U1.Yamaha’s U1 and Kawai’s K-3 are basically at the same level, with somewhat different designs each having their own merits. K3 has a mellower tone, preferred by non-Jazz players over Yamaha’s too bright sound; its ABS-carbon action parts has started being accepted as better alternatives to wooden ones after 40 years’ effort; sooner or later the Millennium III Action will be proven to be the best industry for the money you paid; and there is the adjustable bench, etc, etc.I have lived and worked in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Japan</st1lace></st1:country-region> for more than 15 years, and know that both Yamaha and Kawai are large, very competitive companies not just for making pianos. U1 is now priced higher simply because its popularity from the past, but K3 has more than catched up in recent years. I believe it will not take many years before a similar K3 is priced the same as a similar U1. Then we will be happy that we have bought a K3 at the right time.Just see the joint-venture, made-in-China Pertina upright, it’s market price is approaching Yamaha’s.