Yamaha's Most Affordable Performance Reproducing Grand Piano: The Disklavier DGB1KE3 Classic

ANAHEIM, Calif.—At Winter NAMM 2012, Yamaha introduces the most affordable addition to its popular line of Disklavier performance reproducing pianos, the DGB1KE3 Classic. Available exclusively in the North American market, the new model expands options for potential entry-level Disklavier owners.

Making this entry-level model even more affordable, the new model features an innovative "Damper Drive System" designed specifically for the instrument. This gives the DGB1KE3 Classic the ability to have the same range of damper effects as a standard Disklavier by detecting and recording its damper motion continuously and directly lifting the dampers. This enables playback of recorded performances that can include half-pedal effects without physically moving the pedals.

Like all Disklavier models, it features recording capability. Available in a high-gloss, polished ebony finish, the DGB1KE3 Classic also includes a 20-watt amplified speaker.

The original DGB1KE3 standard model offers an enhanced set of features, including two, 20-watt amplified speakers and a "50 Greats for the Piano" music book. Bundled with Zenph software (Internet MIDI, Home Concert Xtreme, Re-Perform), the DGB1KE3 standard is also available in three different finishes: polished ebony, polished mahogany and polished American walnut.

Equipped with 128MB of internal memory, all DGB1KE3 pianos (Classic and standard) feature a sleek control unit with an integrated digital tone generator that can recreate nearly 700 instrumental voices. PC, MIDI and AUX connections offer easy plug-and-play access to a world of external enhancements, from audio equipment and MIDI devices to personal computers and the Internet. The Internet Direct Connection (IDC) feature allows users to connect their Disklavier directly to the Internet, where they choose from more than 20 music channels on DisklavierRadio or even receive product updates.

"Yamaha continually evolves its products to keep pace with the market," says Jim Levesque, Disklavier Marketing Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. "This model retains most of the coveted features of the Disklavier that users seek. However, by foregoing the moving pedals in playback mode, we're able to offer this instrument at a much more comfortable price point for many potential customers."

The PianoSmart system intelligently synchronizes Disklavier recording and playback with the operation of the built-in CD player so users can record piano or electronic instrumental tracks while listening to their favorite CDs, and play them back in perfect combination with the original recordings. In essence, pianists can play right along with their favorite bands, symphonies and artists, then play back their recordings and listen to their 'live' performance with the pros.

All DGB1KE3 models also synchronize recording and playback with external devices such as multi-track recording equipment and video cameras. These features enable pianists, families and educators to create audio/visual records of any performance, complete with "live" Disklavier acoustic piano playback, audio instrumentals and vocals, and full-motion video – all as one integrated presentation. They also allow creative musicians to collaborate in ways previously unimaginable. The Series also features SmartKey, a technology that allows users to play the piano by guiding them through songs, note by note, while adding professional embellishment.

The DGB1KE3 Classic is slated to ship in Summer 2012.

For more information on Disklavier DGB1KE3 pianos, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2011 at the Anaheim Marriott Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Keyboard Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamaha.com/keyboards.