Disklavier

A DU1A is the latest MarkIII Disklavier.  I am not surprised that they may 
not be available until July. It sometimes takes that long to get them from 
Japan. This unit will have CD audio capablity (real stereo) - Piano Smart 
(plays along with regular CDs), a Silent System, a warranty, and all the 
latest features and technology are built into it.  It will also have a tone 
generator for the Ensemble sounds, speakers built-in, and play and record 
standard MIDI files.  It will read both double density and High density 
floppy disks and have a To Host port so you would not need to buy a MIDI 
interface if you wanted to use it with a computer.  The ROM is upgradeable 
from the internet when Yamaha comes up with new features.  You can even use 
software like Voyetra's Teach Me Piano with it.  You also get 16 memory 
disks built-in.

The MPX1 is a MarkIIXG system with the Silent feature.  It does most of the 
things mentioned above, but without the CD player, the Smart key, and has 
only 1 memory disk instead of 16.  Even if you add one for about $1295, it 
still would not do Piano Smart at this time.  You would also need to 
purchase a powered speaker(s, but the output is double monaural.

The MX100 is the original Disklavier introduced on 1987.  The electronics 
are at least 13 years old, and the heads on the floppy disk drive are 
probably worn. There is no flash memory or memory at all.  No tone generator 
for Ensemble sounds.  Does not play or record standard MIDI files. Can only 
read the older 720k double density floppy disks. No Silent feature, Smart 
Key or Piano Smart.  No incremental pedaling.

All three of these systems are put on Yamaha's finest studio upright piano, 
the U1.  A felt mute rail is not the same thing as the Silent system where 
you put on headphones.  Playing a piano with the mute rail activated is like 
riding a bicycle with a flat tire.

With many things, you get what you pay for.  You either spend the money up 
front for quality, the latest features and technology and a warranty; or 
spend it later on service, repairs, upgrades, accessories and aggravation.  
Sometimes the lowest price is not the best value.


Carol Beigel
crbrpt@...

>From: "jeffbakal" <jsbakal@...>
>Reply-To: disklavier@yahoogroups.com
>To: disklavier@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [disklavier] DU1A vs. used MX100-II - value and prices?
>Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 20:50:42 -0000
>
>I am looking to get an upright piano for my family and have come
>accross a used MX100-II for $5500 from a private party.  I went to a
>local Yamaha store to see the new models and found the salesman lied
>about the models to clear an MPX1 (?) off the floor for $13K and said
>the Mark III vertical would be unavailable until July 2003.  It looks
>like it was introduced last year!  I could afford a new piano but
>like to get a good value and am not certain whether it makes sense to
>buy a $15000 new DU1A when I can get a good quality used MX100-II for
>little more than a third the price.  Of all the features I see on the
>DU1A, the most interesting is the "silent feature" so my kids could
>practice and I would get some peace and quiet when they are starting
>out.  Also my wife could practice after the kids are sleeping.  The
>salesman told me the mute rail (felt muffler) was included in all u1
>pianos and probabaly adequate.  Has anyone bought the DU1A and if I
>wanted to go that route, what would be a target price for sale?  Any
>other thoughts from owners of these models or other disklavier
>afficionados?
>


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