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Hi All,

If given a choice between 2 similar pianos at similar price, one has a PianoDisc player installed, and the other doesn't, which would you choose? The PianoDisc is not a modern system, it's about 20 years old (PianoDisc pds 128); however it still work just fine. I guess I'm worry about the player system altering the sound or touch of the piano or that it would cost more to maintain the piano with the player installed.

It would be nice to insert a disc and listen during a party since my repertoire is limited, but is it worth the extra trouble? Thanks.

Modern players do not make much difference to the sound or playability of a piano. The amount of extra work to service them as pianos is usually minimal. I do not know about the cost of maintaining the player mechanism.

That said, the biggest advantage to them might be if they can record. That can give you good feedback on your playing. If you just want it for parties, you might be better off hiring pianists when you need them.

I would not hesitate to go with the player. I have thousands of piano rolls on my laptop, and play them through my Clavinova.. I would enjoy a player acoustic grand, not so much to hear myself played back, but to play other pieces that I would like to learn, and be able to slow down the track to more carefully understand the technique.

Everything else equal, I would go for the piano without. I love electronics but not in a piano. It takes away part of the charm for me.

Your party guests will be far more pleased and impressed if you hire an actual pianist. So if that is all you want a player piano for, I would say, No. You might feel better, too, at the thought of doing your part to keep the industry alive.

As far as recording goes, if you have a recording AP, it could be nice. Then again, an actual digital recorder also does a good job, for a lot less money and trouble, and with more flexibility of use. And a decent stereo, with a good music collection will give you far more bang for the buck, for listening.

You didn't mention MIDI, so I won't either... nor, DAW software. It is a big subject, for another discussion.

If you use the player a lot to listen to your piano, it does increase the wear on the instrument, and that will require more maintenance. But, what's a piano for anyway. Maybe the vibrations from the player will knock some of the dust off the case. I see a lot of player pianos in stores (like departments stores, restaurants, etc) which are apparently dead, though they were once used. That tells a story, though I'm not sure what it is.

It's exciting to have this kind of choice in front of you, jennie. When you have these similar pianos inspected by a tech before you make an offer, you'll have more information with which to make a judgment.

If they are at a similar price is the non-player piano of higher quality (i.e., larger)? I'd choose the non-player piano in that case. The player system is interesting but not interesting enough for me... more like a liability.

They are both the same brand and model pianos. What sort of liability if they are similar in price? If the player system broke and I don't repair it, wouldn't the piano still play as if it was a non player piano?

PDS-128 is a rather old model of PianoDisc system, and due to a fire at PianoDisc's facility a few years ago, parts are scarce. If you call for support, PianoDisc will just recommend replacing it with their newer iQ system. You could always enjoy it while it lasts and then remove it or replace it with a newer system. Properly installed, it shouldn't affect the touch of the piano. But it's old enough that it's not worth paying much of a premium for. And if the piano with the player system was ever in a commercial setting (hotel lobby etc.) and allowed to play for hours on end, I would definitely steer clear of that one.

Your party guests will be far more pleased and impressed if you hire an actual pianist. So if that is all you want a player piano for, I would say, No. You might feel better, too, at the thought of doing your part to keep the industry alive.

+1

The decision should be guided by your usage of a piano. Do you want to listen and have an instrument play when having guests over or a piano for your playing enjoyment? To me the joy of a piano is learning to play it as this is a life long process and a hobby you can enjoy forever.

It would still play like a normal piano, but maybe harder to sell later as the technology gets older or broken.

I decided against getting the player piano for all the reasons mentioned in this thread. Thank you all for your opinions.