Disklavier

Good morning, everyone.

In a message dated 11/15/02 3:32:19 PM, Rob writes:

<< Most of the MIDI files that I download off the internet bang the keys 
of the piano very hard when I play them on the Disklavier.  Does 
anyone have any suggestions for how to optimize MIDI files for a 
Disklavier?>>

Others have given you good advice regarding the issue of note-on velocity. 
Also keep in mind that each track in a MIDI file has a Volume parameter 
refered to as controller 7. The Disklavier's native controller 7 value is 
100. Many MIDI files set this value higher, probably to compensate for the 
weak piano sound found in many General MIDI devices, particularly computer 
sound cards. When the Disklavier receives a controller 7 value greater than 
100 (and the range is 0 to 127), it ends up playing the keys louder than the 
note-on velocities would normally imply.

<<Can it be damaging to the piano to play files off the 
internet that cause the keys of the Disklavier to be pressed too 
hardly? >>

Yes. Normally, if the listening level is comfortable, there should be no 
excessive wear on the instrument.

Regards,
PianoBench