Yahoo Groups archive

Disklavier

Index last updated: 2026-04-28 23:20 UTC

Thread

PianoDisc versus Disklavier

PianoDisc versus Disklavier

2004-05-12 by Ed Hutton

I'm very impressed with the Disklavier systems from Yamaha (DC1 and 
DC2). Unfortunately one dealer has my state locked up for Yamaha.  
Since there is no competition in this state, I was more or less 
forced to give careful consideration to other brands.

  I've been looking at an Kawai RX-1 with PianoDics's PDS-128+. 
Tonight I did a pretty extensive test drive of the RX-1 complete with 
laptop and midi applications. I like the touch and sound of the 
piano. The PDS-128+ seems to work well and it certainly is a nice 
player piano. The midi functions worked but weren't intuitively easy 
like some of the newer digital pianos. Still all in all it seems 
quite workable.

  Anyone have experience with both systems who can offer a compelling 
reason why I should buy Yamaha? The Kawai dealer comes across much 
more straight forward. I've also received very positive testimonials 
from local musicians on the Kawai dealer. And so far he has tried no 
negative selling, no scare stories, just a very honest appraisal of 
the market and his wares.

  So while I very much like the Yamaha products. I don't like the 
state wide monopoly. The Kawai products with PDS seem similar and I 
can get multiple quotes in state with local service.

  Any truly compelling reason to go with Yamaha (which I think is a 
fine product)?

Re: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier

2004-05-12 by Carol Beigel

Yamaha supports with parts ALL the models of
Disklaviers they have ever marketed over the 20 years
they have been available. There is a consistent quality
and service is available anywhere.

PianoDisc is a nice system, but gives you nothing more
than a Disklavier - even less.  The Record doesn't work
as well.  There is no Silent system.  It only plays
MIDI format 0.  I doubt the 128+ has as many MIDI
voices and the 128 circuit boards have been around a
long, long, long time.  I remember the first PianoDisc
system - the PD32.  They just laugh at you now if you
need parts, and strongly suggest the entire PianoDisc
system be upgraded to the 128.  Cost is at least $5000.

The biggest problem with PianoDisc is a service issue.
Technicians are reluctant to service someone else's
"installation".  These system are notorious for NOT
being properly installed - especially the pedal
solenoids.  Because PianoDisc is designed to be a
retrofit, often major redesign of the pedal system
(trapwork) is necessary.  The pedal solenoids are
offset so the pedals never feel right on your foot.
The Disklavier is a factory-only installation the the
pedal solenoids are an "in-line" design.

As a piano technician I have no complaints with either
the Kawai RX-1 piano, or the PianoDisc system.
However, that package is no comparison to the quality
and value of a Yamaha Disklavier and the warranty and
service that comes with it.  Show the Yamaha dealer
what money will buy from the supposed competition and
see what happens.  Just make sure you know what
features you are NOT getting should you pass up the
Disklavier!

Carol Beigel
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ed Hutton" <e.hutton@...>
To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 11:21 PM
Subject: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier


>
>   I'm very impressed with the Disklavier systems from
Yamaha (DC1 and
> DC2). Unfortunately one dealer has my state locked up
for Yamaha.
> Since there is no competition in this state, I was
more or less
> forced to give careful consideration to other brands.
>
>   I've been looking at an Kawai RX-1 with PianoDics's
PDS-128+.
> Tonight I did a pretty extensive test drive of the
RX-1 complete with
> laptop and midi applications. I like the touch and
sound of the
> piano. The PDS-128+ seems to work well and it
certainly is a nice
> player piano. The midi functions worked but weren't
intuitively easy
> like some of the newer digital pianos. Still all in
all it seems
> quite workable.
>
>   Anyone have experience with both systems who can
offer a compelling
> reason why I should buy Yamaha? The Kawai dealer
comes across much
> more straight forward. I've also received very
positive testimonials
> from local musicians on the Kawai dealer. And so far
he has tried no
> negative selling, no scare stories, just a very
honest appraisal of
> the market and his wares.
>
>   So while I very much like the Yamaha products. I
don't like the
> state wide monopoly. The Kawai products with PDS seem
similar and I
> can get multiple quotes in state with local service.
>
>   Any truly compelling reason to go with Yamaha
(which I think is a
> fine product)?

Re: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier

2004-05-12 by Robert Welcyng

Ed,

You are not required to buy in your state.  You can approach any dealer 
in the U.S. or Canada.  While it's always nice to work with a pleasant 
forthright dealer, it's a piano, not a salesperson, that you will be 
taking home.  Take your time, try out the products, and get informed. 
You are the one who has to decide what characteristics are important to 
you.  Don't be bashful about making offers--there are always other 
dealers. As you might guess, the folks around here are heavily biased 
toward Disklavier. I can't think of a "compelling reason" that you 
absolutely must get a Disklavier.  However, if Disklavier is the answer 
you'd like to hear, I add my hearty recommendation.

Ed Hutton wrote:
>   I'm very impressed with the Disklavier systems from Yamaha (DC1 and 
> DC2). Unfortunately one dealer has my state locked up for Yamaha.  
> Since there is no competition in this state, I was more or less 
> forced to give careful consideration to other brands.
> 
>   I've been looking at an Kawai RX-1 with PianoDics's PDS-128+. 
> Tonight I did a pretty extensive test drive of the RX-1 complete with 
> laptop and midi applications. I like the touch and sound of the 
> piano. The PDS-128+ seems to work well and it certainly is a nice 
> player piano. The midi functions worked but weren't intuitively easy 
> like some of the newer digital pianos. Still all in all it seems 
> quite workable.
> 
>   Anyone have experience with both systems who can offer a compelling 
> reason why I should buy Yamaha? The Kawai dealer comes across much 
> more straight forward. I've also received very positive testimonials 
> from local musicians on the Kawai dealer. And so far he has tried no 
> negative selling, no scare stories, just a very honest appraisal of 
> the market and his wares.
> 
>   So while I very much like the Yamaha products. I don't like the 
> state wide monopoly. The Kawai products with PDS seem similar and I 
> can get multiple quotes in state with local service.
> 
>   Any truly compelling reason to go with Yamaha (which I think is a 
> fine product)?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 


-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska

Re: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier

2004-05-12 by Jeremy Roberts

Ed,

I bought my new DC5A from an "out of state dealer" -- that was recommended
to me by a friend.

This dealer, who I only spoke with on the phone and via emails, advised me
on my options, and knowing I was an experienced pro music technology buyer,
either had all the answers or knew not to BS me - he called me back.

The dealer arranged for shipping at-cost and paid for my local tech to spend
hours setting it up, 2 tunings, tweaking and regulating until I was
satisfied (I am).

I paid what I consider to be a very fair price in a somewhat competitive
environment.

Did I "screw" my local dealer out of a sale? No - if my local dealer had
spent a few minutes going after my transaction (and quoted me a price
slightly less than suggested retail), I may not have thought to look
elsewhere.

My instrument has full US warranty and since my tech is not affiliated with
any retailer, he doesn't care who sold it to me.

If you email me privately, I'll give you the name of my dealer.

As for PianoDisc vs. DKV -- I never considered anything else... The
integration and elegance of the DKV is simply amazing. And if you have a
preference for pianos (as I do), the Yamaha is a very different animal than
the Kawai. I was advised by many to pick the piano you want, then worry
about the record/playback system. In my case, I was going to get a Yamaha C5
or better... It was then only a matter of finding the best electronics.

If you want a yamaha, get the yamaha. If you don't like your local dealer,
there are others that will give you great service, without attitude.

jr

RE: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier

2004-05-13 by Ann Weiser

I have a dealer, that came to my husband's office to make the deal. My
husband kept telling him he would buy the piano right then and there at a
certain price otherwise he would have to think about it. My husband didn't
budge an inch and after an hour and a half. I got my piano at my husband's
price. This dealer is a great find. If anyone wants his name and number. Let
me know!
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Hutton [mailto:e.hutton@...] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 8:22 PM
To: disklavier@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier



  I'm very impressed with the Disklavier systems from Yamaha (DC1 and 
DC2). Unfortunately one dealer has my state locked up for Yamaha.  
Since there is no competition in this state, I was more or less 
forced to give careful consideration to other brands.

  I've been looking at an Kawai RX-1 with PianoDics's PDS-128+. 
Tonight I did a pretty extensive test drive of the RX-1 complete with 
laptop and midi applications. I like the touch and sound of the 
piano. The PDS-128+ seems to work well and it certainly is a nice 
player piano. The midi functions worked but weren't intuitively easy 
like some of the newer digital pianos. Still all in all it seems 
quite workable.

  Anyone have experience with both systems who can offer a compelling 
reason why I should buy Yamaha? The Kawai dealer comes across much 
more straight forward. I've also received very positive testimonials 
from local musicians on the Kawai dealer. And so far he has tried no 
negative selling, no scare stories, just a very honest appraisal of 
the market and his wares.

  So while I very much like the Yamaha products. I don't like the 
state wide monopoly. The Kawai products with PDS seem similar and I 
can get multiple quotes in state with local service.

  Any truly compelling reason to go with Yamaha (which I think is a 
fine product)?



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@yahooGroups.com 

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 Sponsor	

ADVERTISEMENT
 
<http://rd.yahoo.com/SIG=129d7nhkc/M=273541.4247512.5496808.2248467/D=groups
/S=1705032012:HM/EXP=1084418524/A=2061551/R=0/SIG=11sr5b9n1/*http://launch.y
ahoo.com/artist/videos.asp?artistID=1001301>  	
 
<http://us.adserver.yahoo.com/l?M=273541.4247512.5496808.2248467/D=groups/S=
:HM/A=2061551/rand=282014403> 	


  _____  

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
<mailto:disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe> 
  

*	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .

RE: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier

2004-05-14 by Joe Raziano

Here is another method that I used with great success.
  
Call around to other states that are certified
yahamaha 
dealters.  Pick the disclavier that you like and call
around for the best price - remeber it doesn't cost
all
that much to ship the piano - they are all guarunteed
by Yamaha - not the local dealer - for a year.  It
will
save you thousands.  Or get the best price that you
can  by phone and bring it to your local dealer -
either he
give you a good deal or just give your money to
someone else.

go to the yamaha web site and look up the phone
numbers for the authorized dealers ALSO be sure to
look at the price database on this website.
good luck

--- Ann Weiser <ann@...> wrote:
> I have a dealer, that came to my husband's office to
> make the deal. My
> husband kept telling him he would buy the piano
> right then and there at a
> certain price otherwise he would have to think about
> it. My husband didn't
> budge an inch and after an hour and a half. I got my
> piano at my husband's
> price. This dealer is a great find. If anyone wants
> his name and number. Let
> me know!
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ed Hutton [mailto:e.hutton@...] 
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 8:22 PM
> To: disklavier@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [disklavier] PianoDisc versus Disklavier
> 
> 
> 
>   I'm very impressed with the Disklavier systems
> from Yamaha (DC1 and 
> DC2). Unfortunately one dealer has my state locked
> up for Yamaha.  
> Since there is no competition in this state, I was
> more or less 
> forced to give careful consideration to other
> brands.
> 
>   I've been looking at an Kawai RX-1 with
> PianoDics's PDS-128+. 
> Tonight I did a pretty extensive test drive of the
> RX-1 complete with 
> laptop and midi applications. I like the touch and
> sound of the 
> piano. The PDS-128+ seems to work well and it
> certainly is a nice 
> player piano. The midi functions worked but weren't
> intuitively easy 
> like some of the newer digital pianos. Still all in
> all it seems 
> quite workable.
> 
>   Anyone have experience with both systems who can
> offer a compelling 
> reason why I should buy Yamaha? The Kawai dealer
> comes across much 
> more straight forward. I've also received very
> positive testimonials 
> from local musicians on the Kawai dealer. And so far
> he has tried no 
> negative selling, no scare stories, just a very
> honest appraisal of 
> the market and his wares.
> 
>   So while I very much like the Yamaha products. I
> don't like the 
> state wide monopoly. The Kawai products with PDS
> seem similar and I 
> can get multiple quotes in state with local service.
> 
>   Any truly compelling reason to go with Yamaha
> (which I think is a 
> fine product)?
> 
> 
> 
> 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 Sponsor	
> 
> ADVERTISEMENT
>  
>
<http://rd.yahoo.com/SIG=129d7nhkc/M=273541.4247512.5496808.2248467/D=groups
>
/S=1705032012:HM/EXP=1084418524/A=2061551/R=0/SIG=11sr5b9n1/*http://launch.y
> ahoo.com/artist/videos.asp?artistID=1001301>  	
>  
>
<http://us.adserver.yahoo.com/l?M=273541.4247512.5496808.2248467/D=groups/S=
> :HM/A=2061551/rand=282014403> 	
> 
> 
>   _____  
> 
> 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
>
<mailto:disklavier-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> 
>   
> 
> *	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
> Terms of Service
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> . 
> 
> 
>

Move to quarantaine

This moves the raw source file on disk only. The archive index is not changed automatically, so you still need to run a manual refresh afterward.