Disklavier

Good morning, everyone.

In a message dated 8/12/03 2:02:05 PM, sjmu@... writes:

<< I've read some of the posts on upgrades of older Disklaviers.  Can 

someone give me some feedback on the costs associated with this?>>

There is really no upgrade for the ealiest models: MX100A&B (uprights), Wagon 
grands (they have the controller in a wagon that sits on wheels on the 
floor), and the MX80 series (console pianos).

These earlier models, however, can have new features added to them by adding 
these additional control units:

DSR1 ($1,295 suggested list)--adds most Mark IIXG features, including support 
for Standard MIDI Files, high density (HD) disks, and a built-in tone 
generator.

DCD1 ($1,295 suggested list)--adds a CD drive that supports Yamaha's 
PianoSoft Plus Audio CDs.

Yamaha is about to release an update to the DCD1 which--under certain 
conditions--will also support the Smart PianoSoft floppy disk recordings (recordings 
that plays synchronously with commercially available audio CDs). Since this 
update has not been released, we do not have any official information regarding 
limitations  when used with older models.

The next generation Disklavier (after the ones mentioned above) was the Mark 
II. It had an official upgrade kit that would turn the piano into a Mark IIXG 
(with support for HD disks, SMFs, and a internal tone generator). Most of the 
kits are gone, although it is possible that Yamaha may still have a few. You 
can call Yamaha Piano Service: (800) 854-1569 between 8:30-5:00 PST. Push 2 at 
the first menu choice and 2 at the second menu choice.

Without this official upgrade, the next best choice is to add the DSR1. 
Either with or without the upgrade, you can also add the DCD1 with the same 
limitations mentioned above.
  

<<What does a Mark III (latest/greatest) have in features that can be 

added to older Mark II models.  How much would this cost?  I am 

looking at few Mark II pianos and wonder how much I'm going to have 

to add to make it the same (feature wise) as a new Mark III?  Are 

there some things that CAN NOT be upgraded?  >>

An older Disklavier with all of these add-ons will not give you the complete, 
integrated experience of a Mark III and you may miss a couple of features. 
For example, the Mark III uses a single remote control. Older models will use 
one remote for the original controll box (or DSR1) and another one for the DCD1. 
The DCD1 will not show the titles of the selections on Yamaha-published CDs 
and it will not transpose the playback of a CD.

There are other quirks associated with older Disklaviers that have been 
updated with a DSR1. You should check the DSR1 manual at your dealer to see what it 
involved.

Regards,
PianoBench