Disklavier

On Thu, 27 Mar 2003, Carol Beigel wrote:
> I think Pianobench needs to step in here.  My impression is that the
> recordings are the same.  I know the MarkIIXG used beams from both the
> key and hammer sensors.  Since I have not actually seen a DU1A I do not
> know if it uses only the key sensors to record.  There is probably no
> difference.

From what I can tell, the DU1A has two beams on each hammer plus the key
sensors, but I was really impressed with the performance of the MPX1Z when
I tried it so I'm not sure if its anything I should worry about. Probably
not.

> As to the CD output, remember, the DCD1 is an add-on CD player to a
> MarkIIXG system.  Unless it is also hooked up to a stereo system, the
> output is double monoaural for the MIDI.  I don't think this system even
> plays Yamaha CDs.  Hope I am wrong.

This probably isn't a problem either; I intend to just play the piano
along with MIDI backings most of the time, often with headphones, and
occasionally use CD's so it's a moot point. Thanks for the clarification
though.

> Most questions about audio put me out of my league.  Because the
> Disklavier is a hybrid instrument, it often requires two technicians
> with different backgrounds for servicing.  I can take care of the piano
> and MIDI functions, but someone else takes care of the audio amplifiers
> and systems.
>
> I do know that the MarkIII grand pianos have built-in stereo amplifiers
> and speakers.  I think the DU1A also has these features.  If it is
> really important for you to record your piano playing along with a
> commercial CD (PianoSmart) you definitely need a MarkIII system.
> Something about MID Time Code.

Yeah - the MTC / audio recording is something I could easily achieve using
a laptop PC though so its not really a problem for me.

The DU1A doesn't have internal speakers, but I think it comes with a pair
of Yamaha powered speakers which are extra on the MPX1Z. Not really an
issue for me - I have a hifi in the room that the disklavier would be
going in.

> I was playing with Power Tracks Pro Audio 8 last night on my computer,
> from www.pgmusic.com $29, and was easily able to get a MIDI recording
> made from my MarkIIXG Disklavier to render to a .wav file that I could
> burn to a CD. I was shocked at the ease and quality!  This program also
> mixes audio with MIDI, so perhaps you too could use software like this
> to fade out the piano (MIDI) when recording with an audio CD. I am not
> an expert in these matters, but they are certainly fun to play with.
> My interest in learning to do this is that a piano teacher who owns a
> MarkIII wants to find a cheap and easy way for her students to make CDs
> of their piano playing to give as gifts.

I've got quite a bit of experience recording - I'm about to have 7th and
8th CDs released which I recorded, although not me playing - so getting
audio recordings of performances isn't a problem. I will take a look at
Power Tracks Pro now though - I've always stayed away from "budget"
software having been unimpressed in the past.

I am a programmer by day, so hopefully once I buy my disklavier I will get
around to writing some software - I've already been looking at writing a
DKVtools alike program to work on Windows NT / 2k / XP as well as 9x/Me.

> I keep sounding like a broken record, but keep asking questions.. Make
> sure you know what you are getting AND what you are NOT getting BEFORE
> you buy!
> Good luck!!!!

Not at all - thankyou very very much for taking the time to answer. While
I have a lot of experience with MIDI and keyboards/modules, I have very
little knowledge of "player pianos".

After reading your mail I spent quite a while on the phone today with a
couple of dealers, and there are major problems getting a DU1A in the UK -
I was quoted 6 to 9 months and told there have only been a couple actually
enter the country. Japan seems to have problems in supplying them, and
this is keep the price right up - nobody will discount what they don't
have in stock.

Essentially it would cost me 2,500UKP more to own a DU1A. Those extra
couple of features are not worth that to me - and in any case I the main
reason for buying one is that it is essentially a U1. Hopefully in the
next few weeks I should own a MPX1Z - I just need to sell my old piano
first to make room for it :(

Thankyou once again,

James