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Hi All,

I have a C7 Disklavier (circa 1997) with both a combination DKC100R and DSR1-XG control unit.

Does anyone have experience calibrating a Disklavier this old?

Mine has not been calibrated for quite a few years and I am starting to notice it when I play back certain midi files.
I have a service manual for it but it makes very little sense – lots of diagrams but not anything really helpful.

I have even had a technician look at it but he wasn’t able to quickly work it out. He said he will need to get further advice from Yamaha. I’m sure it isn’t rocket science so am happy to do it myself but would really appreciate some help getting started.

Cheers!

.
My advice is to upgrade the Disklavier unit to something more modern, and maybe have the C7 serviced as well. Give it some TLC and treat yourself to more up to date Yamaha sampling.

Updating a Disklavier

2020 update

Thanks Doug,

That's a good suggestion. However the only possible upgrade (DKC850) is no longer available.

From what I understood there is really no way forward.

It seems yamaha has pulled the plug on it.

The adjustment of disklavier2 is quite delicate.
Do the normal action regulation, keyboard and pedal regulation . Check the sensor test and error history in test mode. Adjust the pedal solenoid,do the measurement and redo the adjustment.
Do the keyboard measurement.
Align the touch by adjusting the trimmer.

Pedal adjustment is especially important.
If it deviates from the specified value, it may be damaged.

Even with dkc850, these are not resolved.

In particular, replace the LCD, power supply unit, and controller board capacitors as soon as possible. It will eventually become unrepairable.

Please contact a Yamaha disklavier engineer.

Thanks Pro-TAC,

Actually, I am starting to think along similar lines.

I want my Disklavier to last as long as possible.. (Its my dream piano!)
I am wondering if I am best to keep with the current set up ( DKC100R and DSR1-XG controllers) and start to worry about parts starting to malfunction.. OR upgrade to the DKC-850 while I still have a small window of opportunity.
I have managed to track down one of the last available...I think.


Do you think doing so might buy me more time and extend the life expectancy of my set up?

So you're saying that the YAMAHA DKC-900 update is not available?

Also... if I did get the DKC-850, would the calibration process be much more straight forward?

I have read : “ The DKC-850 upgrade does not change the characteristics of the built-in record and playback system. But it does give you modern features for interacting with your existing recording/playback system.”

Then it will not interfere with the recording/playback system calibration.

Quote from the Yamaha website. ."This(DKC-900) is an upgrade unit available for Disklavier E3 and Mark IV. "
Apparently not suitable for the Mark 2..

To be honest, I am perfectly happy with my current set up BUT......

I want to make sure I-

1) Have a controller that will last well into the future...and

2) Have a controller that I can easily calibrate.

At the moment I don't think I have either......

I would consider in your situation: fixing the current setup using the DKC-850 upgrade plus a full service, and then sell the piano. Used, I think Disklavier should hold their value a bit better than other digital products, especially if you already have the last functional upgrade.

Then, upgrade to the new Disklavier system, thus future proofing for another decade.

Otherwise, the unit may continue to slowly degrade, costing you more bills. Also, the used value will continue to drop as newer models arise.

Can this Disklavier be expected to work forever?

My piano is a "mere" twelve years old. It'll be retired next year.
My wife's car is sixteen years old. It'll be retired next year.

Your Disklavier is twenty-three years old. Shouldn't it be retired, too? It's time for a new one.

I've been working for 23 years too Mac, may I retire 😂?

I have been repaired disklavier for over 40 years since I was a Yis 5-inch disc.
There are almost no failures of moving parts. Misalignment of the pedal and improper capacitor of the electronic circuit are the causes of the failure.
Others include insufficient LED light intensity of the sensor and defective FDD. Now that you can operate it with Midi, I think you can extend your life even more.
However, the latest Disklavier Inspire is great, so please consider buying it.

Nope. Sorry. I've been working for forty years. Your twenty-three years don't qualify.

🤣
When you complete the 49 th year, will you become MacMacMacMac?

Nope. I've maxxed my Macs at three Macs.

Yeah, I get that...
I feel I'm 21 for the 21st time

The power brick and internal power supply board have a limited lifespan. I would buy a new power brick and as recommended above, have a tech inspect and renovate the internal power supply components. In particular, the caps have a limited lifespan but the tech may also identify upcoming issues before they cause bigger problems.

Also, I would run a decent power filter-protection at the mains & fully unplug during storms or on holiday.

This is more preventative maintenance for typical consumer electronics but makes sense for gear of this vintage that you treasure.