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Disklavier vs. Yamaha MIDI Piano

Disklavier vs. Yamaha MIDI Piano

2004-08-03 by magicuniverse2003

Hello,

I am hoping to get some feedback on the Yamaha MIDI piano line.  I am
leaning towards purchasing a MIDI piano for several reasons:

1. It doesn't do playback (which I don't need, and I don't want to run
into maintenance nightmares with the solenoids going bad).

2. MIDI models are cheaper than the Disklavier models.

3. You can play/hear the acoustic piano at the same time as the MIDI
digital sound is pumping out of external speakers, something the
existing Disklaviers can't do (which is great for performances).

About the only downsides to the MIDI pianos that I can see are that
they are usually special order, and they only come in MPC3, MPC6, and
MPC7 models (no C5 model).

My question is, mainly, is the optical sensing technology on the MIDI
pianos as good as the sensing technology on the Disklaiver pianos
(including Disklaiver Pro models)?

Thank You,
Eric

P.S.  If anyone is selling a Yamaha Disklavier or MIDI piano please
let me know.

Re: [disklavier] Disklavier vs. Yamaha MIDI Piano

2004-08-04 by Robert LeBlanc

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you're saying in item #3. However, if I'm reading it correctly, I want to correct your assumption. The control unit that comes with modern Disklaviers allows the MIDI piano part to be:
1) played exclusively on the acoustic piano
2) played exclusively using any voice (instrument) available
from the Disklavier's tone generator connected to external speakers
3) played exclusively using any voice on an external tone generator
connected to external speakers
4) played both on the acoustic piano and on the tone generator connected
to external speakers
In fact, the Disklavier's control unit allows you to create a virtual 'spilt' on the keyboard, using each half of the keyboard to drive two different voices on the tone generator. Thus, an acoustic bass can be mapped to the left hand side, and an xylophone (or electric piano) to the right hand side, for example. (This is a common MIDI keyboard feature.) Additionally, if the Disklavier is a 'Silent System' model, you can also use the Disklavier's keyboard as a MIDI controller. That is, the Silent System allows you to deactivate the acoustic sound and play in digital piano mode.
Though I've used various Yamaha synthesizers, I've never used a Yamaha MIDI piano, per se. However, I will say that the Disklavier is a great instrument that provides excellent playback and recording capability. As a musician, it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. Also, don't underestimate the utility of having acoustic piano playback. This is a great feature for practicing and/or playing back your own performances (solo or ensemble) Additionally, there's a lot of great material available for playback on the Disklavier. Often, when I need a break from playing, I'll pop in a Disklavier disk and listen to someone else playing my piano. You certainly can't beat the fidelity.
Regards,
Robert
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Subject: [disklavier] Disklavier vs. Yamaha MIDI Piano

Hello,

I am hoping to get some feedback on the Yamaha MIDI piano line. I am
leaning towards purchasing a MIDI piano for several reasons:

1. It doesn't do playback (which I don't need, and I don't want to run
into maintenance nightmares with the solenoids going bad).

2. MIDI models are cheaper than the Disklavier models.

3. You can play/hear the acoustic piano at the same time as the MIDI
digital sound is pumping out of external speakers, something the
existing Disklaviers can't do (which is great for performances).

About the only downsides to the MIDI pianos that I can see are that
they are usually special order, and they only come in MPC3, MPC6, and
MPC7 models (no C5 model).

My question is, mainly, is the optical sensing technology on the MIDI
pianos as good as the sensing technology on the Disklaiver pianos
(including Disklaiver Pro models)?

Thank You,
Eric

P.S. ; If anyone is selling a Yamaha Disklavier or MIDI piano please
let me know.




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Re: [disklavier] Disklavier vs. Yamaha MIDI Piano

2004-08-04 by Robert Welcyng

I wasn't even aware of the MPC series until now.  I suppose an advantage 
that you did not list is an initially cheaper price without the 
playback.  While popular models of piano do hold their re-sale value 
longer than do new cars, I personally would not buy neither an Edsel nor 
an MPC. Although you may now feel certain that you will keep this piano 
and use it for the rest of your life, when reality dawns and you decide 
to sell or trade, I don't believe you will find much buyer interest in a 
used MPC.

Most DKV owners never have problems with solenoids; for most of the few 
who have, the corrective maintenance was covered by warranty.

One source of FSBO pianos is http://www.pianomart.com/

e-Bay is another source.  You can also advertise a "wanted to buy" in 
the RPT Journal http://www.ptg.org/index.html

-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska

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