The Fascinating Yamaha Disklavier Piano

In the 1970s, an innovative technology brought a fresh dimension to pianos: player systems powered by solenoids. Then, in 1987, Yamaha introduced the ground-breaking "Disklavier" replicating piano, taking this idea to a new level. Disklavier is a fusion of "disk," in Yamaha pianos, which pays homage to the early 3 ½ inch floppy disks used to store recordings, and "Klavier," the German word for keyboard.

At its core, the Disklavier remains a traditional acoustic grand piano. However, it boasts an embedded record-and-playback system that allows the piano to perform autonomously. This innovation extended the joy of owning and experiencing a piano to a broader audience. You no longer need to be a skilled pianist to possess and appreciate a piano. Now in its eighth generation, known as 'ENSPIRE,' the Disklavier's record-and-playback system and associated features have evolved significantly, while the foundational idea has remained constant.

So, How Does it Work?

The Disklavier system employs a network of electromechanical solenoids located at the rear of each key and within the pedal mechanism. These solenoids respond to electronic signals to 'play' the piano. Accompanying optical sensors, placed beneath the keys, on the hammers, and within the pedals, detect every movement, ensuring precise replication of each note. The Disklavier ENSPIRE stands out as the sole piano capable of capturing every subtle nuance of a piano performance, meticulously reproducing the intricate details that elude other player pianos.

For instance, the timing of a player's key release determines the exact moment when each damper descends onto the string, contributing to the overall musical expression intended by the pianist. In contrast, other player systems rely on preset programming for key release, resulting in uniform key release speed during playback. This programming alters half of the original performance, removing half of the human touch from the piano's rendition. On the other hand, the Disklavier excels by replicating all aspects of the performance, encompassing the velocity at which keys are released. This meticulous reproduction sets it apart even from high-end alternatives.

Pairing these unmatched replication capabilities with advanced AccuPlay DSP technology creates a piano that mirrors every subtlety of the original performance and is intelligent enough to self-adjust during playback, ensuring faithful performance reproduction.

But How Can You Control It?

Previous Disklavier generations featured a control unit positioned beneath the keyboard as the user interface. This enabled users to select desired songs for the piano to play or set the piano to record. Underneath the piano, speakers (exclusive to grand models) provided accompanying tracks, lending orchestral support to the piano's rendition and, in some later models, even vocals.

In contrast, the latest 'ENSPIRE' generation allows complete wireless control via iOS or Android devices. There's no visible control box on the piano; everything is discreetly tucked away. A wireless LAN dongle accompanies the piano, plugging it in to connect to your wireless network through WPS. Download the Disklavier ENSPIRE Controller app, pick your piano, and the app's intuitive menu empowers you to choose songs, initiate or halt playback, and manage both piano and backing track volumes.

What Tunes Can It Play?

The Disklavier has 600 built-in songs, ranging from solo piano pieces to those with MIDI or real audio accompaniments. Alternatively, the app's Music Shop feature offers access to a vast library of additional titles, from contemporary recording artists and jazz to classical masterpieces.

Select a playlist, and the piano keeps playing related tracks until you stop. Content is continuously updated, with the latest addition being Original Artist hits, allowing the piano to play harmoniously with the original artists' recordings, spanning from soundtrack albums to contemporary chart-toppers and jazz tracks.

But That's Not All!

The SH Silent system is built into the Disklavier ENSPIRE, which permits private playing through headphones. Alternatively, the built-in speakers beneath the grand piano offer the option of playing at a reduced volume, making it ideal for dinner parties or late-night sessions.

Connecting the Disklavier ENSPIRE to Yamaha's MusicCast system enables multi-room listening. While the piano resonates acoustically in your living room, the digital sound of the SH Silent system can be transmitted wirelessly via Wi-Fi to other rooms around the house.

What Models Are Available?

The Disklavier ENSPIRE is accessible across all models of grand pianos and select upright models. It comes in two variations: ST and PRO. The PRO system delivers even more precise playback than the ST system, making it perfect for stage and studio usage. The PRO version is available in CX series grand pianos from C3X and above, while the ST system is offered in everything up to C3X, including upright models.