When it comes to music education, the Yamaha Disklavier is a tough brand of pianos to beat. This type of piano is ideal for improving a music student’s performance, and for that reason is regularly used by universities, conservatories, and private studios. But what are the unique features of a Disklavier piano and what makes them so impressive?
In a two-part series of blogs we will look at Disklavier systems, first exploring how they work and some of the different models available before taking a look at the latest generation of Disklavier, the Enspire.
What is the Disklavier?
The Yamaha Disklavier is a range of acoustic reproductive piano that can natively record and play piano performances. The Disklavier does this by being equipped with electronic sensors, which allow it to record the movements of a piano’s keys, hammers and pedals during a performance. These are then saved in MIDI format. When played back, the solenoids move the keys and pedals, thereby reproducing the original performance.
As you can see, Disklavier pianos’ unique ability to play back performances without external support makes them excellent at allowing students to listen critically to their own piano playing, or providing piano accompaniments for singers and instrumentalists. Disklaviers are available in three different styles. Here’s some more information about each:
Upright pianos
Disklavier upright pianos come in several different models. The Yamaha MX100 Disklavier is a popular entry-level model of Disklavier as it offers all the basic controls of the Disklavier at very little extra cost over a standard Yamaha piano.
While earlier Disklavier systems are controlled using buttons on a control box mounted on the piano, later HQ Disklavier models offer both integrated and non-integrated control boxes, such as handheld controllers, so the control can be hidden from view if required.
For pianists concerned about unwanted noise, some HQ Disklavier models also have a silent system built in so no acoustic sound is produced and the pianist can hear themselves play by using headphones. While many Diskclavier systems are factory-fitted to Yamaha upright pianos, it is possible to add them to existing pianos.
Baby grand and grand pianos
Also available in baby grand form, Disklavier grand pianos are as diverse as their upright counterparts and can also be retrofitted to existing Yamaha grand pianos.
One popular entry-level model of Disklavier grand piano is the Yamaha G1 Disklavier. Like the MX100 Disklavier, this model offers pianists the basic functions of a Disklavier piano at a similar price to a standard piano.
Later Mark IV models of Disklavier, introduced exclusively for Yamaha grand pianos in 2004, offer both Internet connections as well as CD and USB storage. It is possible to upgrade older grand pianos to this model using the Yamaha DKC 850 Diskclavier control unit.
Contact us!
Here at Richard Lawson we have several Disklavier upright pianos for sale in addition to grand piano models. Why not contact us today to find out more about this excellent range? With our 40 years’ experience in the piano industry, we’ll no doubt be able to provide the ideal Diskclavier piano for you.
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