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Re: [disklavier] Need update on Repairing CD Drive vs. Upgrading to 850

2014-01-22 by FC TC

Thanks for your input.

I just spoke with David from Yamaha who assumed I was a technician --- I never pretended to one or not to be one :>). The markup on prices is 100%. He checked out my test mode and confirmed I have the latest firmware. He also told me that a new 'converter' cable will go from the piano to the 15-pin D connector on the controller itself. So the DKC 850 retail price is $1595 and with a 100% markup, I plan on shopping around for best price. David warned me not to go with a UK model.

He also told me that the CD-ROM on the DKC 55 'at one time' was generic. It is read-only. I may have one in my stock pile, replace it and put it up for sale on eBay or here if anyone wants it.

Fred Kagel
New Jersey






On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 11:02 AM, Spencer Chase <lists@...> wrote:
 
  
i don't do dealers :) i do all the maintenance myself and have an independent mechanic for anything i can't handle.

Mercedes parts might be a little higher (actually the cost is based
    on actual production cost which is related to volume, parts that are
    used on every vehicle (because they rarely make stupid unnecessary
    hanges from model to model) are quite reasonable but not necessarily
    from a dealer)) but they are usually of excellent quality and are do
    not need replacement as often as inferior parts. some parts can
    actually be fixed because they are not molded together as in other
    cars. so the person owner has the option to clean something for a
    few buck or pay a dealer a fortune to replace it. 

better continue any more on this thread off the list as it is
    definitely off topic.


On 1/22/2014 7:06 AM, Emile van Sebille wrote:

  
>That may be true, but when the rearview mirror got loose in my SL350 the quote was $1400 to fix it.  Maybe the part was only two bucks, but the opportunity for the dealer with a captive audience?  priceless!
>
>Emile
>
>
>On 01/21/2014 07:43 PM, Spencer Chase wrote:
>
>  
>>actually, parts for my Mercedes do not cost much more than similar parts for my Toyota and the Mercedes needs them less often. certainly not 20 times as much as with the floppy drive.
>>
>>
>>On 1/21/2014 6:18 PM, Alan Dorschug wrote:
>>
>>  
>>>They also spend a lot more for BMW and Mercedes parts.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>From: Spencer Chase <lists@spencerserolls.com>
>>>To: disklavier <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
>>>Sent: Tue, Jan 21, 2014 9:07 pm
>>>Subject: Re: [disklavier] Need update on
                        Repairing CD Drive vs. Upgrading to 850
>>>
>>>
>>>  
>>>because there are a lot of rich doctors and lawyers who own DKV
>>>
>>>
>>>On 1/21/2014 4:33 PM, Sam Kanter wrote:
>>>
>>>  
>>>>How about $311.15 for a floppy drive? Why does Yamaha need to gouge us with these prices?
>>>>
>>>>Sam 
>>>>www.keyboardcollective.com
>>>>(212) 684-3304
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>*(Sent from phone - please excuse brevity and typos.)
>>>>
>>>>On Jan 21, 2014, at 6:20 PM, FC
                                        TC <fctc04@...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>  
>>>>>I just called Yamaha and they want $250 + tax and shipping to replace the CD ROM Drive. Ya got to be kidding! I was referred to a technician by the name of David regarding the DKC 850 just to confirm that it is a direct replacement for the DKC 55, which seems to be the recommendation on this board. I did not get a price.The under $900 + shipping (from Japan) site mentioned earlier is not functioning. Can anyone confirm that the DKC 850 is a direct replacement and give me a current price?
>>>>>
>>>>>Also, may I request anyone
                                              who has a Mark III service
                                              manual in PDF --- that
                                              would be appreciated. I
                                              know that I have to keep
                                              the DKC55 for service
                                              updates, but I would also
                                              like to have the CD
                                              function. I can't believe
                                              that this issue is not a
                                              simple chip or part
                                              replacement inasmuch as I
                                              have heard the same
                                              problem mention here
                                              before. 
>>>>>
>>>>>TIA,
>>>>>Fred Kagel
>>>>>New Jersey
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>On Sunday, January 19, 2014 11:52 PM, FC TC <fctc04@...> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>>  
>>>>>We have a Mark III w the DKC55RCD Controller w 15 pin connector. The CD stopped working (won't recognize CDs, won't eject CDs unless using a pin/staple). To me it looks like a piece broke off of the CD tray on the right hand side near the pin hole. Q1: What is involved in replacing the CD, removal of case, cables, firmware, etc? Q2: What should be the price for the Drive only? Can I get the parts from any other source other than Yamaha? 
>>>>>
>>>>>On the other
                                                          hand, we were
                                                          jealous of not
                                                          being able to
                                                          get the Live
                                                          performance of
                                                          Elton John a
                                                          while ago. Q3:
                                                          What is the
                                                          current cost
                                                          of the 850
                                                          Controller,
                                                          source of
                                                          part, any
                                                          gotchas on the
                                                          installation
                                                          (other than
                                                          transferring
                                                          memory to
                                                          floppies to
                                                          external USB,
                                                          and the
                                                          reminder to
                                                          keep the old
                                                          controller for
                                                          system
                                                          upgrades/maintenane)?
>>>>>
>>>>>We live in New
                                                          Jersey.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
>>>--  Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550-Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@... http://www.spencerserolls.com (707) 984-8356 
(425) 791-0309
>>
>>--  Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550-Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@... http://www.spencerserolls.com (707) 984-8356 
(425) 791-0309
>

--  Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550-Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@... http://www.spencerserolls.com (707) 984-8356 
(425) 791-0309

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