Disklavier

But the MNTA web site says a Disklavier Pro was used for the  
recordings.  I too am disappointed about this misuse of the recording  
device.  This seems to be a setup issue due to the lack of knowledge of  
the people setting up the piano for recording.  The Pro models come  
defaulted to standard midi mode.  One needs to set it up properly to  
record in XP mode.  Someone needs to educate those doing the recordings.

> _______________________________________________________________________ 
> _
> _______________________________________________________________________ 
> _
>
> Message: 10
>    Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 23:08:09 EST
>    From: PianoBench@...
> Subject: Re: Re: MTNA High School Piano Competition Finalists
>
> Good evening, everyone.
>
> Regarding the MTNA performances, John Q. writes:
>
> << Sigh.  Yet more interesting classical performances, captured in low-
> res mode.  Wasn't a Disklavier "Pro" available?  Couldn't the
> recordings have been made in high-res (XP Mode)? >>
>
> MTNA (Music Teachers Nationa Conference) has one of the largest music
> educator conventions every year. Yamaha is a major sponsor, providing a
> couple dozen pianos, Disklaviers, and Clavinovas to exhibitor booths,
> concerts rooms, and presentation rooms. The effort is very costly and a
> logistical nightmare.
>
> Ultimately, all of the instruments come through the local dealer.  
> Although I
> attended the convention and recorded the students, I do not know why a
> Disklavier Pro was not available. However, I can imagine any number of
> logical reaons why one was not.
>
> As the proud owner of a DC6Pro, I, too, am a Pro enthusiast. At this  
> time,
> however, we live in a world in which Disklavier Pro pianos are in a  
> small
> minority and not always immediately available.
>
> Regards,
> PianoBench

Good morning, everyone.

In a message dated 12/19/02 11:15:01 AM, dbudde@... writes:

<< But the MNTA web site says a Disklavier Pro was used for the  
recordings.  I too am disappointed about this misuse of the recording  
device.  This seems to be a setup issue due to the lack of knowledge of  
the people setting up the piano for recording.  The Pro models come  
defaulted to standard midi mode.  One needs to set it up properly to  
record in XP mode.  Someone needs to educate those doing the recordings. >>

Apparently I am the person who needs to be educated on the use of the 
Disklavier Pro since I made the recordings.

My increasingly dim memory of last March when I made the recordings is that 
the piano was not a Pro. Probably it was a DC3A. I think that the text that I 
submitted to the MNTA web master was incorrect, and I shall ask for a 
correction.

We did this same project the year before. At that time, we had a 9-foot 
Disklavier Pro. Rather than type all new text, I edited the text that was 
used previously and submitted it. I missed this point and will get it fixed.

I apologize for the angst that this has caused.

Regards,
PianoBench

So, the previous year's MTNA recordings were clearly made on a Pro.  
Were they recorded in high-res?  Are they available?

It seems that two things conspire against readily getting high-res 
recordings from Pros:

1) The "default" recording mode on Pros is low-res.

2) High-res recordings generate about 3 times as much data as low-res 
recordings, and the 1.44MB diskette drive is woefully inadequate.  (I 
see that Yamaha's new synthesizers accept 128MB SmartCards.)

These two conditions are product faults, meaning that they should be 
corrected by the manufacturer in the next product release.  What's 
the most effective way to make sure this feedback is being delivered 
into Yamaha's product requirements team, so that we might get these 
faults corrected ASAP?

- John Q.

Good afternoon, everyone.

In a message dated 12/19/02 11:56:35 AM, John Q. writes:

<< So, the previous year's MTNA recordings were clearly made on a Pro.  
Were they recorded in high-res?>>

I believe so.

<<Are they available?>>

Not any more. They were on the web site for a long time. To make them 
available again would involve tracking down the performers and getting signed 
permission slips once more. I am sorry that I shall not be able to do that.

<<It seems that two things conspire against readily getting high-res 
recordings from Pros:

1) The "default" recording mode on Pros is low-res.>>

Everyone is entitled to their opinion on this one. Some people prefer this as 
their default. If someone purchases a Pro, they should probably invest a 
little time in learning how to manipulate its features.

I can assure you that when I am involved in making recordings for public 
consumption, I know the difference.

<<2) High-res recordings generate about 3 times as much data as low-res 
recordings, and the 1.44MB diskette drive is woefully inadequate.  (I 
see that Yamaha's new synthesizers accept 128MB SmartCards.)

These two conditions are product faults, meaning that they should be 
corrected by the manufacturer in the next product release.  What's 
the most effective way to make sure this feedback is being delivered 
into Yamaha's product requirements team, so that we might get these 
faults corrected ASAP? >>

I know for a fact that your opinions are well-known by the important people 
at both YCA and YCJ. However, I don't know the future product plans of the 
company.

Regards,
PianoBench

Wish all the members of the Disklavier Group a merry Christmas and a
very happy New year. Have a fun filled and joyful holiday!

Special thanks to Dr John Walker, Robert Welcyng (in Alaska), Suresh
Mysore,  Carol Beigel, for all the rest who helped in my project in Sri
Lanka and special thanks to the moderator Todd Muncy and family without
which there would not have been a group.

Best wishes
From
Budds (Buddhika)
Colombo
Sri Lanka