Jim Cook wrote:

JC>   Now my annoying question:  Terry Smythe tossed a couple of options toward¶
JC> me for replacing the player mechanism, and recommended Piano-Disc, which ¶
JC> I've¶
JC> never seen and know nothing about.  Does anyone have a lead on who provides¶
JC> this mechanism, what it costs, how difficult is it to install (can I do it¶
JC> myself in other words)?  Any help would be appreciated.¶
JC> Thanks and Regards to all,¶

Hi Jim (and others with similar interests).  I would have to agree with Terry 
about the PianoDisc.  Of the two systems currently being offered as retrofit 
kits, Pianomation and PianoDisc, PD seems (at least to me) to be the more 
capable, flexible, better designed system.  The Yamaha system (Disklavier) is 
not presently available as a R/F kit as far as I know.  They may be considering 
it, but I don't think it's happened yet.  Another plus for PianoDisc is that 
their system will accept and play the Pianomation and Disklavier software 
disks; the reverse is not true.  

Part of PianoDisc's success is the control thay maintain over their 
installations, servicing and maintenance.  The R/F kit IS NOT available to just 
any Handy Harry who wants to get one.  Generally, they are available only 
through piano dealers on their distributor list, and installations/servicing 
can only be done by those bona fide piano technicians (not necessarily RPT/PTG) 
who attend the 4-5 day installation school PianoDisc conducts at their 
Sacramento factory, usually one session a month.

Recommend you call PianoDisc at (916) 567-9999 and speak to Don Dusenbury or 
Mark Johnston about your options.  (Don has been an AMICA member for some time 
and has extensive background in pneumatic players.)  If you qualify for, and 
successfully complete the installation course, you would surely be able to 
install and maintain the system yourself.  Without that certification, however, 
all warranties would be void for any unit you managed to obtain yourself.  
There is no charge, per se, for the course. They provide lunches each day (and 
they feed you well!) but you must defray your own travel/motel/other meal 
expenses.

Hope this helps.  Please come back with other questions you (all) may have.  

	-John Grant