The Reproducing Piano of Unlimited Potential

The original Yamaha Disklavier®, which made its debut in 1986, introduced the world to the wonder of traditional pianos equipped with integrated digital features for recording, auto playback and more. Since then, these computer-age ‘player’ pianos have evolved into instruments with truly remarkable capabilities. The Yamaha Disklavier allows musicians to record and play back performances (right down to the moving keys and pedals), create complex multitrack arrangements and connect to the world of musical opportunities offered by MIDI devices, computers and the Internet. Not only can it reproduce an acoustic piano concert, but ensemble music as well. This unique combination of acoustic excellence and digital versatility makes Disklavier an increasingly popular choice of pianists, educators and music lovers worldwide.

Students, teachers and developing artists appreciate the advantages and versatility of Disklavier pianos. Most Disklavier models can record and play back performances, making it simple and easy to monitor student progress. Additionally, the ability to perform with interactive software accompaniment makes learning and composing easier, more effective and more fun.

Tempo and transposition controls, and the handy remote control, make the Disklavier an ideal accompanist for soloists, choral groups, dancers, skaters, drama groups, and other performers who needs musical backup. It can provide ‘live’ accompaniment at any time in any key or tempo and repeat specified sections at the touch of a button.

Yamaha has combined advanced fiber optics, high-speed solenoids and computer technology with its world-renowned acoustic pianos to create an incomparable instrument. And, with a simple cable connection, a Disklavier piano can be easily linked to a home computer, opening the door to an infinite range of creative entertainment possibilities.

No matter what the situation, the Disklavier piano can enhance the educational experience by providing creative tools never previously available on a standard acoustic piano.

Disklavier Product Information

Music classrooms around the world have discovered the many benefits of the Disklavier piano. Using software from MacMillan/McGraw Hill’s Share the Music, Silver Burdette Ginn’s MIDI Connection, or other classroom curricula, the teacher has new resources for enhancing a student’s musical understanding.

With the Disklavier piano, teachers and students can easily record their performances. Fiber optic sensors save every motion of the keys and pedals by converting them into digital data. This information is stored in the Disklavier’s memory or on floppy disk. With the push of a button, the piano replays the performance exactly.

Using the Disklavier’s functions for tempo control and transposition, a teacher can modify any recorded accompaniment to meet the needs of a soloist, dancer, or a classroom of youngsters. This makes it possible to customize recorded MIDI music for individual classroom needs.

The Disklavier’s playback features also relieve teachers from having to accompany classes from behind the piano or with their backs to the students. Using a remote control to manage the Disklavier playback, teachers can move freely around the room and interact directly with students.

For many years, electronic keyboards have been the primary input device for working with computer music software. Now, with Disklavier’s direct serial connection to a computer and its MIDI ports, students and teachers can use a real piano to interact with any MIDI software. For example, composition classes can use the Disklavier as both an excellent input device and playback instrument.

Band and orchestra directors have discovered the ultimate way to prepare for state festivals and competitions by recording accompaniments with which students can practice. Piano teachers can also use the instrument to analyze student performances during lessons. Jazz band directors have the ability to create disks of chord changes that can be used for the practice of improvisation. Musicologists can also use the Disklavier to bring exceptional and exciting performances into the classroom.

No other acoustic instrument offers so much in the way of mixing traditional musical instrument craftsmanship with new music technology. Used either as a stand-alone performance or rehearsal tool or as part of a MIDI system, the Yamaha Disklavier is the acoustic answer to needs of the modern classroom.

For additional information, or to get a free copy of the Yamaha Disklavier Piano informational CD-ROM, visit our website, www.yamaha.com, and click on “Acoustic/ Digital Acoustic Pianos.”

Disklavier Applications/Systems Designs

Yamaha Disklavier grands come with everything a pianist needs for practice and performance of traditional piano repertoire, plus recording examples and accompaniments. Yamaha Disklavier grand pianos have built-in speakers for the ultimate in convenience and performance flexibility. Uprights models are similarly equipped and only require external speakers to take advantage of the built-in tone generator.

The functionality of the Disklavier can also be extended by connecting it to any Macintosh® or Windows® computer via a serial cable or a pair of MIDI cables. When using MIDI cables, an appropriate MIDI interface needs to be provided for the computer, but a single serial cable can allow the user to take full advantage of the Disklavier’s built-in MIDI interface.

Once the Disklavier is connected to a computer, a musician can record, edit and notate scores with intelligent accompaniment software and interact with educational programs. With a properly configured computer, the Disklavier can also play MIDI files from the Internet directly from the web browser.

The Disklavier’s built-in 3.5” floppy drive accepts standard computer disks. The recordings are saved as Standard MIDI files, enabling teachers and students to move data easily between the Disklavier, a computer and other playback devices. These files can also be sent as email attachments to individuals or classrooms anywhere in the world. And since they can play on any computer, the receiving party doesn’t need a Disklavier to experience the performance.

On models featuring the Silent Mode, teachers and students can practice privately with headphones or amplify their performance by connecting to a PA system. The Disklavier’s audio output can also be connected directly to a mixer or audio recording device to create “Live in Concert” music CDs.

With all its music technology and acoustic instrument advantages, it’s no wonder the Disklavier is considered for almost every music classroom need.