Disklavier

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A disklavier (pronounced as IPA: [ˈdɪskləˌvi:ə]) is the brand name for a group of piano-related products made by the Yamaha Corporation. It was introduced in the United States in 1987.

The Disklavier is essentially a player piano that uses electro-mechanical solenoids and optical sensors connected to LEDs that allow it to play notes and use the pedals independent of any human operator. It can store data, such as as a performance played on it by a human pianist, and replay it accurately. Disklaviers also have inputs for data from MIDI and from several storage devices including floppy disks, CD-ROM, serial cables, and USB.

Disklaviers come in upright, baby grand, and grand piano styles (including the nine-foot concert grand), along with a professional line of Disklaviers called the Disklavier Pro. Yamaha claims that the Disklavier Pro reproduces key and pedal strokes with greater precision than does the standard line of the instrument. It is the official instrument of the Minnesota International Piano-e-Competition.