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How much does it cost to buy and retrofit a player system that can also record on a 7 foot grand? I saw the LX one is supposed to be the best but I don't know how much it costs to add. Or the Piano Disc one? Thanks

Last week I visited Steinway Hall at Fort Worth, TX, where they showed me this grand with a player system.

They mentioned it was worth $9,000.00 US Dlls. Installed. I don't really know how negotiable it is.

Worked great! They played Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Wwoowww, wonderful.

And you managed from an iPad.

Nice feature to have in your piano.

I noticed theres some fancy ones that have wifi and ipad control, which I guess are more expensive.

Does anyone know how much a base model is though, that can playback and record, without all the extra features?

Jeff

Jeff.... The differences between player systems does not rely on how it's driven (WI-FI, Ipad, CD, Iphone etc......) The differences between retrofit player mechanism should be measured by how it is designed. If the iPad was available back in the 1970's one could operate their PianoCorder. These new devices (iPad, Ipod, MP3 players) just make it more convenient on how we store and organize our music library to be played back. All modern piano player systems can be driven by these new devices even Yamaha's Disklaviers MarkIV, MarkIV/PRO & E3.

Good Luck,

Jeff Tasch
GPH

LX and Disklavier Mark IV pro (yamaha) are on the same level as far as dynamic levels for each note (i believe its 1020 for both). the pianodisc has roughly 10-30% of that dynamic level. not to sure what that means but i would look into it. ive heard the LX in person and although i didnt have a chance to compare it to a pianodisc in the same shop, it did sound nice. anyways, ive gotten quotes from 6500-7500 (parts and labor)here in Southern california. id research your area to see who installs it and ask for a price. theyll usually quote it over the phone.

All of the new Piano Disc systems have the SilentDrive HD that has 1,024 levels of expression for each note. Older SilentDrive based systems had the lower level count and can be upgraded. Piano Disc's website, unfortunately, doesn't specify the difference in the general information on their product page and should be updated. If you scroll down the product page and click on SilentDrive HD, the information is clearly stated.

Nancy,

When did PianoDisc introduce a record strip that can capture data with 1,024 levels of keynote expression?


Curious,

Jeff Tasch
GPH

Jeff - I was responding to Gatsbee's post re the levels of expression on playback, not recording in home. PianoDisc's record strip (since you're a dealer also, I'm sure you aware of this) allows the end user to record their own play at 127 levels of expression. Nothing shabby about that.

Both systems the OP mentioned are excellent choices. Each has its pluses and its minuses...hmmm, sounds like trying to make a in choice pianos, doesn't it?

Zooplibob - Three basic factors to consider when deciding which player system to choose: 1) Player system engineering design, quality and reliability; 2) Qualified Installer that actually performs a high quality installation; and 3) Last, but certainly not least, the condition of the piano the player system is being installed on. Let's face it, a player system can only perform as well as the piano. As with everything else piano, doing your homework, making sure you have facts, and consulting your budget will all determine which player system is right for your needs.

just spoke with my local installer. i would go with the LX system. it runs all the software from all players (pianodisc, disklavier,etc). although the pianodisc does have the silent HD, it barely has any software. In the case of a player system, you have to take into account the hardware and software.. just like a computer.

Not sure how you could possibly mean this as PianoDisc's library is HUGE and varies widely, and reason why the LX does not have to have its own.

isnt most of that pianodisc software for the other models. so it wouldnt playback at the high level the silent HD system was designed too

If I had it to do over again I would want to hear the same model of piano with both the Pianodisc and Disklavier demo'd side by side, if possible.

Sorry I'm late to the party, A few clarification; LX does not run or play PianoDisc software. The PianoDisc format is encrypted and patented. Additionally, PianoDisc uses a EULA, end-user license agreement or software license agreement/contract between the licensor and purchaser, establishing the purchaser's right to use the software. The license may define ways under which the copy can be used, or not used, which means it can only be used on PianoDisc player systems, unless of course the end user obtains the PianoDisc music unlawfully, which unfortunately happens. Nevertheless, it is punishable by law. And yes, we have won court battles with competitors over this. That being said, PianoDisc does play all of the music in the very small LX library. Also, PianoDisc has re-formated and edited its music library for more accurate playback with improvements to timing, resolution, faster repeats and trills as well as better low volume playback. Incidentally, LX does not have a record strip that can capture data with 1,024 levels of keynote expression. PianoDisc has trained over 1,000 RPT's in six day workshop seminars to install, service and upgrade PianoDisc systems according to specifications set by PianoDisc. This has been a great comfort to the customer. PianoDisc provides a PDTECH Website with information and also provides all technical documents in both printed and software format.
Please let me know if you have any additional question.
Tom

Great post, Tom.

Nice to see you posting!

Yes, thank you Tom.

I would like to add a few comments and clarifications of my own:

(1) The Live Performance Model LX plays more music, and more kinds of music, than any other player piano.

(2) The LX plays all of Pianodisc's non-Silentdrive-Plus music, and in doing this does not infringe any patents or run contrary to any laws.

(3) Pianodisc does not currently play any of Live Performance's music, but Live Performance has no objection to their doing so if they choose.

I hope this note is of use.

Wayne Stahnke

That's too bad...I have 1,025 levels.

Hi, everyone. I’m also interested in rule of thumb install costs. We have a ton of expertise on this site. Assuming a well-maintained piano, so no additional work is required, what’s the rule of thumb for installation costs of a Piano Disc Prodigy Pro Record system? I’ve heard $5k but I don’t know if that is accurate. Thanks,

Hi LvPno,

$5k is quite on the low side, but if all someone is going to do is quickly install a system, then I guess that price could do it. BUT.....

If I am going to let someone cut into the keybed of my piano, trim a small part of the keyframe off, possibly relocate trapwork and pedals, and put a foreign system into my piano, I think I would be foolish to not investigate what I am actually buying.

The final performance of a system like this depends entirely on the care of the installation and the accompanying preparation of the piano, all of which takes time and time costs money. So, properly regulating the action (which is expensive) is necessary to make the system perform the way it was meant to. Dropping this can save many hours.

Just curious - what kind of piano do you have?

I’m also curious. If I have a PianoDisc or LX system professionally installed on my piano, how much does it affect acoustic play when I’m not using the system? Also, will it require special handling on tuning, voicing, and regulation? Once the system is installed and functioning, does it require special handling? As a mediocre pianist on a consumer level piano, am I begging for trouble adding one of these systems aftermarket?