I want to start playing (total beginner, played one year as a child) but we want a gorgeous instrument in case I don't love it and think the player addition would be fun for parties. We went to the local store and they are selling a Yamaha DGB1KE3 which is supposedly the entry level newest Disklavier system for $15. Do I even need a Disklavier system? I assume I want the feature to have accompaniment but if we have 5 CD's or songs of any kind to play at parties that would be great with the possibility to purchase more. We assume we don't need the latest technology but the store had a few used pianos of various brands and kept saying we would want to upgrade for $2K to the latest system even though they had older other player systems. This really confused us. I don't want an entry level piano in case I love playing but I don't want technology/equipment we would never even bother to learn to use. One used grand piano here is a Yamaha GP1 with a Pianodisc brand player and they want $9K for it. That seems expensive if I really have to upgrade $2K for the newest player. Please help!!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know nothing about Yamaha and have no idea about the various brands, there are too many.

Thank you so much for your help!

Jamie Webb

Sincerely,

Jamie W

I can say that you need to buy a yamaha grand which has the disklavier system installed on it. You at the very least the system which has the cd playing capabilities. The "upgrade" they speak about is probalby with the new module DKC850 which would then replace the disklavier module of the piano I sopke about earlier. This new upgrade brings I think one good improvement: the ability to connect to the internet and therefor use the "Radio" disklavier service from yamaha (its a monthly subscription but its worth it; 24/24hrs non stop streaming music which play your piano in a variety of style to choose from. You of cours can also get the separate cds to keep or plunge in tha vast amount of titles available free over the web. On the "piano" side I would say that Yamaha are very good instrument, with a tendency towards clarity (some people find they miss bass grandeur), but then it is a matter of taste. They have all a great mechanic. But as far as self playing system they are the best I think/
;-)

If you can afford it yes take the Yamaha DGB1KE3 it has all the newest features and a great resale value in case. Have it installed properly at home, tuned (internet connection, and a proper one to one "how to" tutorial with a competent person (you should film it with your smartphone so you can come back to it for reference). Then you can start right away enjoying the piano playing beautiful music...

...AND ask them (or around) for a good piano teacher who deals with adults beginners and if you can arrange and afford it get the courses at your home on your piano...! And keep up with the courses you will learn !