Pianodisc vs QRS pianomation

[Carol Beigel]

Thank you, Bob, for explaining the differences in terms a technician can 
understand.  I think it is marvelous that we have a choice between two 
wonderful American companies for these retrofits. You are absolutely correct 
about the quality of the installation determining the degree of customer 
satisfaction.

Most people who buy these systems simply want to hear their pianos playing.  
I don't think the off-the-shelf versus proprietary electronic parts really 
makes a difference to them.  If they really want the nuances of recording 
and fancy playback, they can buy a Disklavier!

However, it still remains a fact that only a PianoDisc dealer can supply 
parts.  You have to be a dealer to get the system in the first place. Now 
that independent technicians are out of this loop they will know longer have 
any interest in servicing a system they can't get parts for!  That means 
that by referring their customers to a PD system, they will also have to 
relinquish the servicing of the instrument.

I suppose that having to convert each and every MIDI file one downloads off 
the internet, or having to lift the action over the solenoids to get the 
action back into a piano doesn't bother some people, but it does bother me, 
the person who has to service that action, or the person who recommended it 
purchase.

Would you believe, that here in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, I don't 
know who to recommend to service a PD system.  All the techs who used to do 
installations have stopped and no longer service systems that move in from 
other parts of the country.  If anyone is lurking, please let me who to 
recommend to the MANY folks who need service on their PianoDisc systems.

Carol Beigel


>From: Robert Goodale <rrg@nevada.edu>
>Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
>To: pianotech@ptg.org
>Subject: Re: Pianodisc vs QRS pianomation
>Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2000 14:23:19 -0700
>
>Myself and Alan Meyer are both subcontractors for a major dealer and do a 
>LOT
>of installs, one a week typically.  I am familiar with both systems and I 
>can
>tell you that hands down the PianoDisc system is vastly superior to the QRS
>system.  You don't need to do much more then glance at the circuit boards 
>to
>see the difference.  PianoDisc has put an enormous amount of time and money 
>in
>research and development into their product and continues to develop is as 
>we
>speak.  The PDS uses many customized components designed specifically for 
>their
>system and the expression is far better.  The newer systems are VERY 
>reliable.
>Don't confuse the newer systems with the older ones, there have been 
>countless
>improvements over the years.  The QRS system has seen few improvements.  
>Every
>once in a while they introduce a new control box that adds a feature or two 
>and
>makes it look more fancy, but the actual guts of the system have seen 
>little
>change and are comparatively primitive.  The QRS circuit boards feature 
>less
>advanced over the counter chips, generic components, etc.  It works but the
>expression is substantially inferior.  The PDS system is a little more
>expensive but there is a valid reason for this.
>
>Someone mentioned that the solenoids on the QRS system are easier to 
>install.
>Yes and no.  The mounting concept is somewhat easier in terms of assembly 
>but
>there is limited flexibility in regulating lost motion between the solenoid
>tips and the bottom of the keys.  The PDS uses a very tiny light spring to
>automatically take care of this with no noticable touchweight variance and
>produces a lot less noise.  The actual time differences in installation is
>insignificant, particularly when factoring the end results.  PDS solenoids
>really are not that difficult to assemble and once they are done they are
>done.  The PDS is more software friendly and the sound cards for the 
>symphony
>sound better, (uses the Alesis engine).  PDS offers all of the same 
>features
>that QRS does including the CD ROM option, live CD accompaniment features,
>built in music library options, standard midi formats, etc.   Technical 
>support
>for PDS is fantastic if there are any problems.
>
>With ANY system the end results are entirely dependent on the quality of 
>the
>installation.  I have seen many installations that are absolutely horrible.
>Among these the installer cut the slot sloppy, didn't bother twisting and 
>tying
>up the wires neatly, didn't align the solenoids correctly with the keys, 
>didn't
>calibrate the system properly, didn't install the sustain lever properly, 
>and
>so on.  It is imperative that the installation be done neatly and properly 
>by
>an experienced and factory certified tech.  When it comes time to put the
>system in insist on this.  If you have an interest in becoming a certified 
>tech
>the week long training seminar is free. Call Nina at MSR and they can put 
>you
>on the list.
>
>I assure you that I speak from considerable experience and not personal 
>bias.
>I will not recommend the QRS system to my customers.  Also note that the
>Baldwin Pianomation kit is actually a QRS kit with a different looking 
>control
>box.  If you buy one of these you are basically getting the same system.  I
>should also mention that adjustments on the QRS system requires an 
>expensive
>external control box which the technician must purchase and carry around.  
>The
>PDS has its own built in comprehensive set up/adjustment mode similar to 
>the
>Yamaha Disklavier system which makes things a whole lot easier and 
>friendly.
>Ultimately the PDS is much more tech friendly once properly installed.
>
>
>Rob Goodale, RPT
>Las Vegas, NV
>

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