Disklavier

Good afternoon, everyone.

For reasons that have not been explained, Yamaha does not recommend the DKC-850 for the MX100A/B, Wagon Grand, and MX80 systems. However, if MIDI input and output are functioning on these systems, the unit can be set to work with them by connecting with MIDI cables, following the same procedure that is used with the Mark II.

Starting with the Mark IIXG (and any Mark II that was previously upgraded to the Mark IIXG), the DKC-850 can be set up as a complete replacement unit for the existing control unit. From a user interface perspective, the DKC-850 control box provides functionality that is essentially indistinguishable from what you get with an E3 Disklavier. Of course the DKC-850 does not update the hardware in the piano. For example, it does not provide a silent system for pianos that did not have one originally. Regrettably, the DKC-850 does not support the high resolution recording and playback of the Disklavier PRO. So, when used to “upgrade” a Mark IIXG PRO or Mark III PRO, you simultaneously downgrade the “PRO” aspect of the instrument.

Using the DKC-850 as an upgrade for a Mark II or Disklavier earlier obviously extends the functionality of the earlier instrument. However, you do have the awkwardness of contending with 2 control units: the original and the new one. Because the old and new units connect with MIDI cables, you do not get access to DisklavierTV or DisklavierRadio since Yamaha does not permit data from those services to be transmitted by the MIDI Out port.

Regards,
PianoBench

> On Jun 7, 2019, at 12:48 PM, dleang@... [disklavier] <disklavier@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
> 
> I don’t believe the system on the MX100B can be swapped our completely in lieu of the DKC 850. My understanding is that these have to work together through the MIDI ports. So if my system is faulty now, adding the DKC 850 won’t help. :-( 
> 
>