Disklavier

Thanks for the help, Steve.  From what you've said I don't think that I 
would miss the pro functionality too much.  Would you say the same for 
the hammer sensors that come on the DC3A and above?  I think yours is 
supposed to have them, and that would probably increase the accuracy 
quite a bit.

My only quibble with Yamaha is that if the pro technology only amounts 
to a $5,000 difference in price, why not offer it on smaller pianos?  
I'm sure that it's not a size issue, since the disklavier technology 
only occupies the part of the piano that is closest to the keys.

Carl

On Jan 21, 2004, at 11:44 AM, Stephen J. McAndrew wrote:

> Carl,
>
> I have been watching this discussion for a while now and am the owner 
> of a 1 year old DC3A.  I considered the Pro model and after 
> researching it found that the pro did have more sensitivity and did 
> not have the built in speaker system ( which I don't use anyway). I 
> have found, however, that the recording qualities of the regular DSK 
> have been more than sufficient for my purposes.  The playback is 
> excellent at 0Db (which is where the playback level should be).  A lot 
> of folks want a piano that can be played back very softly instead of 
> at the actual levels of the performance and that doesn't make a lot of 
> sense to me.  If I want to hear a piece at a level other than it was 
> meant to be reproduced I will play the recorded version on my stereo 
> system as background music.
>
> For more critical applications and in concert performance applications 
> the Pro unit would certainly be a measure above albeit it not a gross 
> improvement.  I have a midi studio and do orchestrations and 
> arrangments sometimes utilizing the DSK in them.  I couldn't be 
> happier with the results and this is fairly critical utilization the 
> of instrument.  I have heard people time and time again submit 
> responses to the list-serv stating that the regular DSK is excellent 
> and if you have the money to spare, sure, buy the Rolls Royce.  I 
> would love to get a DC7A and would get better lower end response, but 
> for the size of my room and the type of application it'simply 
> "frosting on the cake" that that would cost me about $17, 000.000 to 
> upgrade. For the return on investiment musically,  for the venue in 
> which I use it, and in terms of my pocket book, the return on 
> investiment isn't there.  I have had two non-pro DSks and they have 
> been excellent, the pianos are excellent.  I also have a C3 regular 
> grand that was purchased in 1972 that plays better now than it did at 
> time of purchase. So I can't recommend the piano itself enough.
>
> Whatever you decide the DSK is a superb instrument whether you buy the 
> Pro or the Non-Pro version.  If you get the Pro you would need to get 
> the ProA to get the same features available in the Mark III non-pro so 
> you would need to add a few dollars more on top of that.  
> Personallyhaving had the DC3A theres no way I would spend that much 
> extra money for a little more accuracy.
>
> Good Luck on your final purchase
>
> Steve
>
> Stephen McAndrew, MA
> Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
> 603 650-8114
> stephen.j.mcandrew@...
> stephen.j.mcandrew@...
>
> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
>
> This e-mail transmission, including any attachments, is for the sole 
> use of the intended recipients(s) and may contain confidential and 
> privileged information.  Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or 
> distribution violates confidentiality and privacy laws, and is 
> prohibited.  If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the 
> sender immediately by reply email and destroy all copies of the 
> original message.  Thank you for your cooperation.
>
>

Primarily to Carl:

Once you have narrowed down the DKV model that you want, I suggest you 
contact some dealers around the country. Don't overlook Canada. (Dealers 
may not seek you out beyond their territory, but they are allowed to 
deal with you if you contact, or better, visit them.)  Set down a 
specific list of what you want--the model piano, perhaps an adjustable 
bench, humidifier system, PianoSoft diskettes, setup of the piano in 
your home, several tunings, etc.  Ask for quotes--once, twice, three 
times--and share the numbers you get (not the dealer names).  Then, tell 
them that you are ready to buy and will honor the best and final offers 
(adjusted for shipping costs).  Of course, you are going to pay cash. 
Get a loan from a bank if you need to. Don't get into an "easy" 
installment purchase.

I believe it is best to buy a piano that has never been uncrated.  It 
probably started its journey from Hamamatsu.  The crates are just sturdy 
enough, but adequately padded, and the instrument is enveloped in a 
sealed bag containing a desiccant. A few thousand miles more across the 
country is no big deal.  Dealers know the best means of shipping and the 
costs are lower than what you might expect.

Don't get in a big hurry.  Be aware that occasionally there is a 
perfectly good, not the latest model, but still in the crate, DKV 
languishing in some dealer's attic while the new models roll in and out 
again.  That dealer, understanding your seriousness to buy, might offer 
you a very attractive deal on it.

Now, some of my friends are going to yell, "No! No! You need local 
dealer support!"  I argue that: 1) The dealer who sells to you (assuming 
he is reputable) will support the sale at a distance just as well as a 
local dealer. 2) Independent piano technicians perform most of the 
services anyway and are completely capable of providing the needed 
support and, in turn, are supported by Yamaha of America.

As an example, a dealer in Portland, OR, sold a piano to a party in 
Juneau, Alaska.  When the piano was unpacked, a scratch was found on it. 
  The dealer sent their very skilled refinisher to Juneau for a few 
days.  The repaired scratch was undetectable and the customer was fully 
satisfied.

Carl Youngblood wrote:
> Thanks for the help, Steve.  From what you've said I don't think that I 
> would miss the pro functionality too much.  Would you say the same for 
> the hammer sensors that come on the DC3A and above?  I think yours is 
> supposed to have them, and that would probably increase the accuracy 
> quite a bit.
> 
> My only quibble with Yamaha is that if the pro technology only amounts 
> to a $5,000 difference in price, why not offer it on smaller pianos?  
> I'm sure that it's not a size issue, since the disklavier technology 
> only occupies the part of the piano that is closest to the keys.
> 
> Carl
> 
> On Jan 21, 2004, at 11:44 AM, Stephen J. McAndrew wrote:
> 
> 
>>Carl,
>>
>>I have been watching this discussion for a while now and am the owner 
>>of a 1 year old DC3A.  I considered the Pro model and after 
>>researching it found that the pro did have more sensitivity and did 
>>not have the built in speaker system ( which I don't use anyway). I 
>>have found, however, that the recording qualities of the regular DSK 
>>have been more than sufficient for my purposes.  The playback is 
>>excellent at 0Db (which is where the playback level should be).  A lot 
>>of folks want a piano that can be played back very softly instead of 
>>at the actual levels of the performance and that doesn't make a lot of 
>>sense to me.  If I want to hear a piece at a level other than it was 
>>meant to be reproduced I will play the recorded version on my stereo 
>>system as background music.
>>
>>For more critical applications and in concert performance applications 
>>the Pro unit would certainly be a measure above albeit it not a gross 
>>improvement.  I have a midi studio and do orchestrations and 
>>arrangments sometimes utilizing the DSK in them.  I couldn't be 
>>happier with the results and this is fairly critical utilization the 
>>of instrument.  I have heard people time and time again submit 
>>responses to the list-serv stating that the regular DSK is excellent 
>>and if you have the money to spare, sure, buy the Rolls Royce.  I 
>>would love to get a DC7A and would get better lower end response, but 
>>for the size of my room and the type of application it'simply 
>>"frosting on the cake" that that would cost me about $17, 000.000 to 
>>upgrade. For the return on investiment musically,  for the venue in 
>>which I use it, and in terms of my pocket book, the return on 
>>investiment isn't there.  I have had two non-pro DSks and they have 
>>been excellent, the pianos are excellent.  I also have a C3 regular 
>>grand that was purchased in 1972 that plays better now than it did at 
>>time of purchase. So I can't recommend the piano itself enough.
>>
>>Whatever you decide the DSK is a superb instrument whether you buy the 
>>Pro or the Non-Pro version.  If you get the Pro you would need to get 
>>the ProA to get the same features available in the Mark III non-pro so 
>>you would need to add a few dollars more on top of that.  
>>Personallyhaving had the DC3A theres no way I would spend that much 
>>extra money for a little more accuracy.
>>
>>Good Luck on your final purchase
>>
>>Steve
>>
>>Stephen McAndrew, MA
>>Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
>>603 650-8114
>>stephen.j.mcandrew@...
>>stephen.j.mcandrew@...
>>
>>CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
>>
>>This e-mail transmission, including any attachments, is for the sole 
>>use of the intended recipients(s) and may contain confidential and 
>>privileged information.  Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or 
>>distribution violates confidentiality and privacy laws, and is 
>>prohibited.  If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the 
>>sender immediately by reply email and destroy all copies of the 
>>original message.  Thank you for your cooperation.
>>
>>
> 
> 
> 
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
> 
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
> 
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> 
> Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among many other things, The url is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com 
> 
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
> 
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join 
>  
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 
> 
> 
> 


-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska

I have posted to this list many reasons why you might
NOT want to price shop around the country and
elsewhere.  I still think you can get the best deal
from your local Yamaha dealer.  I have serviced
Disklaviers bought "from afar" and have found things
that ended up costing the buyer - in terms of both
money and angst. Rather than repeat my view here again,
I  have posted my opinions on my website,
www.carolrpt.com under the Ask Carol section.

Carol Beigel

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Welcyng" <rwelcyng@...>
To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:26 PM
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK


> Primarily to Carl:
>
> Once you have narrowed down the DKV model that you
want, I suggest you
> contact some dealers around the country. Don't
overlook Canada. (Dealers
> may not seek you out beyond their territory, but they
are allowed to
> deal with you if you contact, or better, visit them.)
Set down a
> specific list of what you want--the model piano,
perhaps an adjustable
> bench, humidifier system, PianoSoft diskettes, setup
of the piano in
> your home, several tunings, etc.  Ask for
quotes--once, twice, three
> times--and share the numbers you get (not the dealer
names).  Then, tell
> them that you are ready to buy and will honor the
best and final offers
> (adjusted for shipping costs).  Of course, you are
going to pay cash.
> Get a loan from a bank if you need to. Don't get into
an "easy"
> installment purchase.
>
> I believe it is best to buy a piano that has never
been uncrated.  It
> probably started its journey from Hamamatsu.  The
crates are just sturdy
> enough, but adequately padded, and the instrument is
enveloped in a
> sealed bag containing a desiccant. A few thousand
miles more across the
> country is no big deal.  Dealers know the best means
of shipping and the
> costs are lower than what you might expect.
>
> Don't get in a big hurry.  Be aware that occasionally
there is a
> perfectly good, not the latest model, but still in
the crate, DKV
> languishing in some dealer's attic while the new
models roll in and out
> again.  That dealer, understanding your seriousness
to buy, might offer
> you a very attractive deal on it.
>
> Now, some of my friends are going to yell, "No! No!
You need local
> dealer support!"  I argue that: 1) The dealer who
sells to you (assuming
> he is reputable) will support the sale at a distance
just as well as a
> local dealer. 2) Independent piano technicians
perform most of the
> services anyway and are completely capable of
providing the needed
> support and, in turn, are supported by Yamaha of
America.
>
> As an example, a dealer in Portland, OR, sold a piano
to a party in
> Juneau, Alaska.  When the piano was unpacked, a
scratch was found on it.
>   The dealer sent their very skilled refinisher to
Juneau for a few
> days.  The repaired scratch was undetectable and the
customer was fully
> satisfied.
>

Thanks Carol.  I read your advice, especially about not buying gray 
market disklaviers.  Thanks a lot for that.  I was considering it.  But 
is it really so bad to buy from, say, Canada?  I presume that these 
pianos are prepared for the same harsh climate changes that US ones 
are.  I'm moving to Seattle, and I'm thinking of buying from a place in 
British Columbia.  They say that they have technicians who can come 
down to service it for me.  If they are guaranteeing it for me, and if 
I have a certified piano technician take a look at it for me before I 
buy it, should I still be worried about buying from a distant vendor?

Thanks,
Carl

On Jan 21, 2004, at 5:22 PM, Carol Beigel wrote:

> I have posted to this list many reasons why you might
> NOT want to price shop around the country and
> elsewhere.  I still think you can get the best deal
> from your local Yamaha dealer.  I have serviced
> Disklaviers bought "from afar" and have found things
> that ended up costing the buyer - in terms of both
> money and angst. Rather than repeat my view here again,
> I  have posted my opinions on my website,
> www.carolrpt.com under the Ask Carol section.
>
> Carol Beigel
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Welcyng" <rwelcyng@...>
> To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:26 PM
> Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK
>
>
> > Primarily to Carl:
> >
> > Once you have narrowed down the DKV model that you
> want, I suggest you
> > contact some dealers around the country. Don't
> overlook Canada. (Dealers
> > may not seek you out beyond their territory, but they
> are allowed to
> > deal with you if you contact, or better, visit them.)
> Set down a
> > specific list of what you want--the model piano,
> perhaps an adjustable
> > bench, humidifier system, PianoSoft diskettes, setup
> of the piano in
> > your home, several tunings, etc.  Ask for
> quotes--once, twice, three
> > times--and share the numbers you get (not the dealer
> names).  Then, tell
> > them that you are ready to buy and will honor the
> best and final offers
> > (adjusted for shipping costs).  Of course, you are
> going to pay cash.
> > Get a loan from a bank if you need to. Don't get into
> an "easy"
> > installment purchase.
> >
> > I believe it is best to buy a piano that has never
> been uncrated.  It
> > probably started its journey from Hamamatsu.  The
> crates are just sturdy
> > enough, but adequately padded, and the instrument is
> enveloped in a
> > sealed bag containing a desiccant. A few thousand
> miles more across the
> > country is no big deal.  Dealers know the best means
> of shipping and the
> > costs are lower than what you might expect.
> >
> > Don't get in a big hurry.  Be aware that occasionally
> there is a
> > perfectly good, not the latest model, but still in
> the crate, DKV
> > languishing in some dealer's attic while the new
> models roll in and out
> > again.  That dealer, understanding your seriousness
> to buy, might offer
> > you a very attractive deal on it.
> >
> > Now, some of my friends are going to yell, "No! No!
> You need local
> > dealer support!"  I argue that: 1) The dealer who
> sells to you (assuming
> > he is reputable) will support the sale at a distance
> just as well as a
> > local dealer. 2) Independent piano technicians
> perform most of the
> > services anyway and are completely capable of
> providing the needed
> > support and, in turn, are supported by Yamaha of
> America.
> >
> > As an example, a dealer in Portland, OR, sold a piano
> to a party in
> > Juneau, Alaska.  When the piano was unpacked, a
> scratch was found on it.
> >   The dealer sent their very skilled refinisher to
> Juneau for a few
> > days.  The repaired scratch was undetectable and the
> customer was fully
> > satisfied.
> >
>
>
>
>
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:   
> disklavier@...
>
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and 
> moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
>
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>
> Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It contains 
> some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among many other 
> things, The url is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com
>
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much 
> mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery option 
> instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to 
> the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank email 
> to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@...m
>
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> 	• 	To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
>  
> 	• 	To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
> 	• 	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to theYahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>

I agree with Carol to the extent that you will be wise to do your "due 
diligence" before considering any offer on a new Disklavier.  Always 
check the reputation of the dealer and confirm that they indeed have 
current dealer status with Yamaha.  And DO NOT buy a gray market instrument.

That out of the way, if I live in city A, and you live in city B, and 
you and I both find the best price offer and satisfactory support from 
the dealer in city A (as opposed to the dealer city B), I fail to 
understand how you would gain more satisfaction in paying the extra to 
buy locally from dealer B.

A successful dealer who is savvy in the business, who sells at higher 
volume, who has a full line of stock, who has the staff, and who can 
answer your product questions knowledgeably, may well be able to offer 
you a better price and support than the inefficient guy who must get his 
price in order to cover the store rent and stay in business.  Those are 
the attributes that count--not where the store is located.

If there is a warranty problem, Yamaha will support you regardless of 
which authorized dealer sold you the instrument.  People do move around 
the country and take their pianos with them.  Yamaha has a wide support 
network of trained independent technicians throughout the world and 
their intention is to insure customer satisfaction.

Carol Beigel wrote:
> I have posted to this list many reasons why you might
> NOT want to price shop around the country and
> elsewhere.  I still think you can get the best deal
> from your local Yamaha dealer.  I have serviced
> Disklaviers bought "from afar" and have found things
> that ended up costing the buyer - in terms of both
> money and angst. Rather than repeat my view here again,
> I  have posted my opinions on my website,
> www.carolrpt.com under the Ask Carol section.
> 
> Carol Beigel
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Robert Welcyng" <rwelcyng@...>
> To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:26 PM
> Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK
> 
> 
> 
>>Primarily to Carl:
>>
>>Once you have narrowed down the DKV model that you
> 
> want, I suggest you
> 
>>contact some dealers around the country. Don't
> 
> overlook Canada. (Dealers
> 
>>may not seek you out beyond their territory, but they
> 
> are allowed to
> 
>>deal with you if you contact, or better, visit them.)
> 
> Set down a
> 
>>specific list of what you want--the model piano,
> 
> perhaps an adjustable
> 
>>bench, humidifier system, PianoSoft diskettes, setup
> 
> of the piano in
> 
>>your home, several tunings, etc.  Ask for
> 
> quotes--once, twice, three
> 
>>times--and share the numbers you get (not the dealer
> 
> names).  Then, tell
> 
>>them that you are ready to buy and will honor the
> 
> best and final offers
> 
>>(adjusted for shipping costs).  Of course, you are
> 
> going to pay cash.
> 
>>Get a loan from a bank if you need to. Don't get into
> 
> an "easy"
> 
>>installment purchase.
>>
>>I believe it is best to buy a piano that has never
> 
> been uncrated.  It
> 
>>probably started its journey from Hamamatsu.  The
> 
> crates are just sturdy
> 
>>enough, but adequately padded, and the instrument is
> 
> enveloped in a
> 
>>sealed bag containing a desiccant. A few thousand
> 
> miles more across the
> 
>>country is no big deal.  Dealers know the best means
> 
> of shipping and the
> 
>>costs are lower than what you might expect.
>>
>>Don't get in a big hurry.  Be aware that occasionally
> 
> there is a
> 
>>perfectly good, not the latest model, but still in
> 
> the crate, DKV
> 
>>languishing in some dealer's attic while the new
> 
> models roll in and out
> 
>>again.  That dealer, understanding your seriousness
> 
> to buy, might offer
> 
>>you a very attractive deal on it.
>>
>>Now, some of my friends are going to yell, "No! No!
> 
> You need local
> 
>>dealer support!"  I argue that: 1) The dealer who
> 
> sells to you (assuming
> 
>>he is reputable) will support the sale at a distance
> 
> just as well as a
> 
>>local dealer. 2) Independent piano technicians
> 
> perform most of the
> 
>>services anyway and are completely capable of
> 
> providing the needed
> 
>>support and, in turn, are supported by Yamaha of
> 
> America.
> 
>>As an example, a dealer in Portland, OR, sold a piano
> 
> to a party in
> 
>>Juneau, Alaska.  When the piano was unpacked, a
> 
> scratch was found on it.
> 
>>  The dealer sent their very skilled refinisher to
> 
> Juneau for a few
> 
>>days.  The repaired scratch was undetectable and the
> 
> customer was fully
> 
>>satisfied.
>>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
> 
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
> 
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> 
> Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among many other things, The url is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com 
> 
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
> 
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join 
>  
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 
> 
> 
> 


-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska

You need to contact Yamaha about that.  There is the
Yamaha Corporation of America and there is Yamaha
Canada. Whatever market the serial number your piano is
sold in is the ONLY sure market you can get parts.  My
suggestion is that you buy your piano in the market you
reside - if you are going to live in the U.S. then make
absolutely sure your Disklavier will have a United
States serial number.  I suspect if you buy a DKV in
Canada, then Canada is the ONLY place your technician
will be able to get parts.

This parts issue is really, really important!!!
Although the parts may be interchangeable, someone is
going to have to assume the product liability for them,
so I doubt a corporation that did not sell the product
will suppport it!!

Carol Beigel

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl Youngblood" <carl@...>
To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 8:19 PM
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK


Thanks Carol.  I read your advice, especially about not
buying gray
market disklaviers.  Thanks a lot for that.  I was
considering it.  But
is it really so bad to buy from, say, Canada?  I
presume that these
pianos are prepared for the same harsh climate changes
that US ones
are.  I'm moving to Seattle, and I'm thinking of buying
from a place in
British Columbia.  They say that they have technicians
who can come
down to service it for me.  If they are guaranteeing it
for me, and if
I have a certified piano technician take a look at it
for me before I
buy it, should I still be worried about buying from a
distant vendor?

Thanks,
Carl

On Jan 21, 2004, at 5:22 PM, Carol Beigel wrote:

> I have posted to this list many reasons why you might
> NOT want to price shop around the country and
> elsewhere. I still think you can get the best deal
> from your local Yamaha dealer. I have serviced
> Disklaviers bought "from afar" and have found things
> that ended up costing the buyer - in terms of both
> money and angst. Rather than repeat my view here
again,
> I have posted my opinions on my website,
> www.carolrpt.com under the Ask Carol section.
>
> Carol Beigel
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Welcyng" <rwelcyng@...>
> To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:26 PM
> Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK
>
>
> > Primarily to Carl:
> >
> > Once you have narrowed down the DKV model that you
> want, I suggest you
> > contact some dealers around the country. Don't
> overlook Canada. (Dealers
> > may not seek you out beyond their territory, but
they
> are allowed to
> > deal with you if you contact, or better, visit
them.)
> Set down a
> > specific list of what you want--the model piano,
> perhaps an adjustable
> > bench, humidifier system, PianoSoft diskettes,
setup
> of the piano in
> > your home, several tunings, etc. Ask for
> quotes--once, twice, three
> > times--and share the numbers you get (not the
dealer
> names). Then, tell
> > them that you are ready to buy and will honor the
> best and final offers
> > (adjusted for shipping costs). Of course, you are
> going to pay cash.
> > Get a loan from a bank if you need to. Don't get
into
> an "easy"
> > installment purchase.
> >
> > I believe it is best to buy a piano that has never
> been uncrated. It
> > probably started its journey from Hamamatsu. The
> crates are just sturdy
> > enough, but adequately padded, and the instrument
is
> enveloped in a
> > sealed bag containing a desiccant. A few thousand
> miles more across the
> > country is no big deal. Dealers know the best means
> of shipping and the
> > costs are lower than what you might expect.
> >
> > Don't get in a big hurry. Be aware that
occasionally
> there is a
> > perfectly good, not the latest model, but still in
> the crate, DKV
> > languishing in some dealer's attic while the new
> models roll in and out
> > again. That dealer, understanding your seriousness
> to buy, might offer
> > you a very attractive deal on it.
> >
> > Now, some of my friends are going to yell, "No! No!
> You need local
> > dealer support!" I argue that: 1) The dealer who
> sells to you (assuming
> > he is reputable) will support the sale at a
distance
> just as well as a
> > local dealer. 2) Independent piano technicians
> perform most of the
> > services anyway and are completely capable of
> providing the needed
> > support and, in turn, are supported by Yamaha of
> America.
> >
> > As an example, a dealer in Portland, OR, sold a
piano
> to a party in
> > Juneau, Alaska. When the piano was unpacked, a
> scratch was found on it.
> > The dealer sent their very skilled refinisher to
> Juneau for a few
> > days. The repaired scratch was undetectable and the
> customer was fully
> > satisfied.
> >
>
>
>
>
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:
> disklavier@...
>
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's
founder and
> moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
>
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>
> Todd's family web site was completely updated
012/22/03. It contains
> some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites
among many other
> things, The url is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com
>
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are
getting too much
> mail, go the the web site and change your email
delivery option
> instead. That will fix the problem, while maintaining
your access to
> the group. If you insist on leaving us completely
send a blank email
> to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@...
>
> Know someone who wants to join? Have them send a
blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this
link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> \ufffd To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
>
> \ufffd To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> \ufffd Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to theYahoo!
Terms of Service.
>
>

To Post a message to the group, send it to:
disklavier@...

To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's
founder and moderator, send it to:
disklavier-owner@...

To reach our group's web site go to:
http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier

Todd's family web site was completely updated
012/22/03.  It contains some fun disklavier content and
links to midi sites among many other things, The url
is:
http://MuncyFamily.com

THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are
getting too much mail, go the the web site and change
your email delivery option instead.  That will fix the
problem, while maintaining your access to the group.
If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank
email to:
disklavier-unsubscribe@...

Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank
email to:
disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this
link:
http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join


------------------------ Yahoo! Groups

Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
 disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
 http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

I believe I'm quite fortunate.  I've owned a DC3 Mark II for over seven 
years and I have never needed a single part for it.

 From a Canadian dealer, I once bought a PianoSoft diskette that proved 
to be defective.  Yamaha Canada Music cheerfully fixed it and mailed it 
back to me.

Carol Beigel wrote:
> You need to contact Yamaha about that.  There is the
> Yamaha Corporation of America and there is Yamaha
> Canada. Whatever market the serial number your piano is
> sold in is the ONLY sure market you can get parts.  My
> suggestion is that you buy your piano in the market you
> reside - if you are going to live in the U.S. then make
> absolutely sure your Disklavier will have a United
> States serial number.  I suspect if you buy a DKV in
> Canada, then Canada is the ONLY place your technician
> will be able to get parts.
> 
> This parts issue is really, really important!!!
> Although the parts may be interchangeable, someone is
> going to have to assume the product liability for them,
> so I doubt a corporation that did not sell the product
> will suppport it!!
> 
> Carol Beigel
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Carl Youngblood" <carl@...>
> To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 8:19 PM
> Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK
> 
> 
> Thanks Carol.  I read your advice, especially about not
> buying gray
> market disklaviers.  Thanks a lot for that.  I was
> considering it.  But
> is it really so bad to buy from, say, Canada?  I
> presume that these
> pianos are prepared for the same harsh climate changes
> that US ones
> are.  I'm moving to Seattle, and I'm thinking of buying
> from a place in
> British Columbia.  They say that they have technicians
> who can come
> down to service it for me.  If they are guaranteeing it
> for me, and if
> I have a certified piano technician take a look at it
> for me before I
> buy it, should I still be worried about buying from a
> distant vendor?
> 
> Thanks,
> Carl
> 
> On Jan 21, 2004, at 5:22 PM, Carol Beigel wrote:
> 
> 
>>I have posted to this list many reasons why you might
>>NOT want to price shop around the country and
>>elsewhere. I still think you can get the best deal
>>from your local Yamaha dealer. I have serviced
>>Disklaviers bought "from afar" and have found things
>>that ended up costing the buyer - in terms of both
>>money and angst. Rather than repeat my view here
> 
> again,
> 
>>I have posted my opinions on my website,
>>www.carolrpt.com under the Ask Carol section.
>>
>>Carol Beigel
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Robert Welcyng" <rwelcyng@...>
>>To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
>>Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:26 PM
>>Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Pro Vs. DSK
>>
>>
>>
>>>Primarily to Carl:
>>>
>>>Once you have narrowed down the DKV model that you
>>
>>want, I suggest you
>>
>>>contact some dealers around the country. Don't
>>
>>overlook Canada. (Dealers
>>
>>>may not seek you out beyond their territory, but
>>
> they
> 
>>are allowed to
>>
>>>deal with you if you contact, or better, visit
>>
> them.)
> 
>>Set down a
>>
>>>specific list of what you want--the model piano,
>>
>>perhaps an adjustable
>>
>>>bench, humidifier system, PianoSoft diskettes,
>>
> setup
> 
>>of the piano in
>>
>>>your home, several tunings, etc. Ask for
>>
>>quotes--once, twice, three
>>
>>>times--and share the numbers you get (not the
>>
> dealer
> 
>>names). Then, tell
>>
>>>them that you are ready to buy and will honor the
>>
>>best and final offers
>>
>>>(adjusted for shipping costs). Of course, you are
>>
>>going to pay cash.
>>
>>>Get a loan from a bank if you need to. Don't get
>>
> into
> 
>>an "easy"
>>
>>>installment purchase.
>>>
>>>I believe it is best to buy a piano that has never
>>
>>been uncrated. It
>>
>>>probably started its journey from Hamamatsu. The
>>
>>crates are just sturdy
>>
>>>enough, but adequately padded, and the instrument
>>
> is
> 
>>enveloped in a
>>
>>>sealed bag containing a desiccant. A few thousand
>>
>>miles more across the
>>
>>>country is no big deal. Dealers know the best means
>>
>>of shipping and the
>>
>>>costs are lower than what you might expect.
>>>
>>>Don't get in a big hurry. Be aware that
>>
> occasionally
> 
>>there is a
>>
>>>perfectly good, not the latest model, but still in
>>
>>the crate, DKV
>>
>>>languishing in some dealer's attic while the new
>>
>>models roll in and out
>>
>>>again. That dealer, understanding your seriousness
>>
>>to buy, might offer
>>
>>>you a very attractive deal on it.
>>>
>>>Now, some of my friends are going to yell, "No! No!
>>
>>You need local
>>
>>>dealer support!" I argue that: 1) The dealer who
>>
>>sells to you (assuming
>>
>>>he is reputable) will support the sale at a
>>
> distance
> 
>>just as well as a
>>
>>>local dealer. 2) Independent piano technicians
>>
>>perform most of the
>>
>>>services anyway and are completely capable of
>>
>>providing the needed
>>
>>>support and, in turn, are supported by Yamaha of
>>
>>America.
>>
>>>As an example, a dealer in Portland, OR, sold a
>>
> piano
> 
>>to a party in
>>
>>>Juneau, Alaska. When the piano was unpacked, a
>>
>>scratch was found on it.
>>
>>>The dealer sent their very skilled refinisher to
>>
>>Juneau for a few
>>
>>>days. The repaired scratch was undetectable and the
>>
>>customer was fully
>>
>>>satisfied.
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>To Post a message to the group, send it to:
>>disklavier@...
>>
>>To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's
> 
> founder and
> 
>>moderator, send it to:
>>disklavier-owner@...
>>
>>To reach our group's web site go to:
>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>>
>>Todd's family web site was completely updated
> 
> 012/22/03. It contains
> 
>>some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites
> 
> among many other
> 
>>things, The url is:
>>http://MuncyFamily.com
>>
>>THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
>>If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are
> 
> getting too much
> 
>>mail, go the the web site and change your email
> 
> delivery option
> 
>>instead. That will fix the problem, while maintaining
> 
> your access to
> 
>>the group. If you insist on leaving us completely
> 
> send a blank email
> 
>>to:
>>disklavier-unsubscribe@...
>>
>>Know someone who wants to join? Have them send a
> 
> blank email to:
> 
>>disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this
> 
> link:
> 
>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>\ufffd To visit your group on the web, go to:
>>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
>>
>>\ufffd To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>>disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>>
>>\ufffd Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to theYahoo!
> 
> Terms of Service.
> 
>>
> 
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:
> disklavier@...
> 
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's
> founder and moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
> 
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> 
> Todd's family web site was completely updated
> 012/22/03.  It contains some fun disklavier content and
> links to midi sites among many other things, The url
> is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com
> 
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are
> getting too much mail, go the the web site and change
> your email delivery option instead.  That will fix the
> problem, while maintaining your access to the group.
> If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank
> email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@...
> 
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank
> email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this
> link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
> 
> 
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> 
> 
> 
> 
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
> 
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
> 
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> 
> Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among many other things, The url is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com 
> 
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
> 
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join 
>  
> 
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disklavier/
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 
> 
> 
> 


-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska