Greetings Terry,
Here is another possibility, something I have wanted to do for a long
time but probably never will.
There has been some improvements in software synths and conversion
programs. With a conversion program (which is likely to produce better
results than a real-time software synth you would have to process all
of your files into audio and then play them through a stereo. With
thousands of files, this would be a big job. Also, the newer programs
that do a better of job of pedaling etc are probably expensive. I have
not been following these programs so I really have no idea what it
actually cost for a good one and how much work it it to convert to
audio. If there is a reasonably priced one that will batch process
files, this might work out well. The audio files will take a lot of
drive space but that is no big deal anymore.
I have a Roland 8820 sound module that was a little expensive a few
years ago but you might be able to find on now at a bargain price. It
will run right off your MIDI port and give a pretty respectable piano
sound. There are probably better ones today. Now for the unique idea.
To me, the problem with software synths or conversions is that there
are no strings, soundboard or damper pedal. So why not add them? Put
some good speakers in your piano (or maybe there are some transducers
that could be attached to the soundboard) and play the MIDI through a
synth (software or hardware). Add a pedal solenoid and operate that
from the MIDI file. Pianodisc makes some that can be added to any
piano using various levers and linkages. Even the PSD 32 solenoids are
pretty good and probably can be found as takeouts. This would require
a MIDI solenoid driver. John Wale makes one that is just 32 notes, I
believe, and is cheaper than buying an octet or one of my 128 note
controllers. You would have to add a power fet (or just an SSR which
would cost more but you only need one of them) to handle the current.
There are also plans in various magazines (including one written by
John for controlling Christmas lights with MIDI) that might also work.
I have not looked at these options in detail so I can not recommend
one. If I were to do it myself, I would use the controller I have
because I get them "wholesale."
Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 9:01:48 AM, you wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> May thanks for the Steinberg suggestions, appreciated. I did
> check out their site, but even looking at their video, still
> leaves somewhat puzzled. The video shows a keyboard, but the
> product appears to be boxed software. So, does this software
> require a nearby keyboard of some kind?
>
> I have a tough decision to make regarding replacement of my
> acoustic grand. It is a 5' 4" 1927 Fischer in a pretty
> Florentine art case with a matching duet bench. In addition
> to its aural attributes, it is also a stunning visual piece of
> furniture. See:
>
> http://www.mts.net/~smythe/pianocorder.htm
>
> Like all player pianos, its visual attributes are enhanced by
> keys actually in motion during "play" mode from a nearby laptop.
>
> If I replace this piano with a DGT2IIXG GranTouch, I end up with
> a visual downgrade as it is smaller and only available in white
> or ebony, although it does include moving keys. But in a home
> setting characterized by Victorian furniture, it would be
> visually quite inappropriate.
>
> Ideally, I would like to end up with the innards of a DGT2IIXG
> GranTouch inside my 1927 Fischer. Again, an inappropriate
> conversion, although not impossible.
>
> Thoughts of others?
>
> Regards,
>
> Terry
>
> Terry Smythe 204-832-3982 (land line)
> 55 Rowand Avenue 204-981-3229 (cell)
> Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3J 2N6 smythe@...
> Preserving a unique slice of our Musical Heritage
> http://members.shaw.ca/smythe/rebirth.htm
>
>
>
>
>
--
Best regards,
Spencer_Lists Chase mailto:lists@spencerserolls.com
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
http://www.spencerserolls.com
http://www.spencerserolls.com/MidiValve.htm
(707) 984-8356