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I was toying with the idea of purchasing a new Disklavier (based on the C3 or C5) as a replacement for my aging grand (i've been searching for a new piano for several months). I do some composing as a hobby and was really impressed with the technology as well as all of the software available. However, for the cost, I can certainly get a better piano than the C3/C5. I'm also worried about purchasing a new piano with technology embedded that will likely be "old" within 5 years (i'm sure they will have something new). What are folks thoughts on Disklaviers? Thanks. SJ

I love Disklaviers, but they're expensive and come on Yamaha pianos. I'd like to have one as a second piano, though.

It has been my experience that the C5 and/or C6 are really awsome instruments. They are very consistant and very servicable. The DK systems that come installed on them are also very very dependable and easily serviced. Yes ,there are upgrades in software that happen every so often. It is imparitave that you get yourself a certified tech and keep him\her in your back pocket. You will not be disappointed. Remember one thing"" Yamaha really backs up their products( as long as they are not GRAY market)"" Also there are several Yamaha DisKlavier user groups that are constantly communicating with each other via the NET> (Look under YAHOO chat rooms) Good luck...... :p

It depends for what you want it for. If you were going to practice a lot everyday, in hopes of being a performer, then I would say to get a grand piano instead.

If you only want to compose and use it for that, or only play for fun, it could be a good idea, since the software and technology are fun to play with.

Here is a possible option. Yamahas seem to draw most complaints in the sound department. How about a Yamaha with a nicer set of hammers? This would make your instrument more to the American taste. If you purchase a used instrument and spend some money on it, you will not be so deeply into it that you couldn't change your mind later and get something else.

Tom Cobble knows lots about rehammering Asian instruments. Ask him.

PianoDisc and QRS both make retrofit kits that would enable you to expand you search to include other brands. While the Yamaha C3 and C5 are fine pianos there are many other fine pianos that would cost you about the same, including a player system.

I would search for the "right" piano for you, shop around. Play any piano in your market that fits into your budget. If you decide on the Yamaha after evaluating others, I'm am sure you will be happy with your choice.

The PianoDisc and QRS retrofit systems perform as well as the Disklavier system and offer a little more flexibility as to which features are installed (and paid for!).

Thanks for all of the information! I was curious about the differences between the Disklavier system and "the others". Larry Fine mentions that the Yamaha system is far superior, etc.

If you like the Yahmaha, fine, but I would focus on getting the piano you really want and then install the player system you like (or go with the Disklaiver if that is your favorite). I think they all work extremely well, though everyone may have their own preference (just like pianos). I personally did not prefer the sound of the Yahamas (but others might, and I did find the Yahamas to be very nice, well built pianos with an excellent service reputation) and I thought the Disklaivers were (relatively speaking) very expensive. I would suggest you listen to other pianos with player systems installed to see if the player system makesteh difference for you.

Buy the better piano now, and look at investing into a good digital piano for your composing. As good as a disklavier is for recording, I think you'll find that a Roland KR7 or a Yamaha CVP209 will be a lot more versatile for your needs for a lot less money.

You should be able to get an excellent deal on a CVP-209 as the model is being replaced with the CVP-210.