If you own a Yamaha Disklavier Mark I, II, II XG, or Mark III, you’ve probably noticed that official upgrade paths are limited. The DKC-900 upgrade doesn’t support these models, and the DKC-850 — once a lifeline — has now been discontinued for years.
But now, PianoStream can offer your older Disklavier renewed life! PianoStream is an easy, affordable way to add lots of new features to your older Disklavier. It opens access to a huge library of high-quality piano performances—including piano-only and piano-with-vocals tracks—streamed directly to your instrument.
PianoStream allows you to stream a huge library of solo piano music and piano-with-vocals performances directly to your piano without relying on outdated CDs or floppy disks.
An additional feature which is, in my opinion, under-advertised, is that it allows you to play arbitrary MIDI files to your piano from your phone. Yes, this means you could even back up your Yamaha Disklavier floppy disks, and then play the files through PianoStream!
If you have a busted floppy disk drive, the PianoStream will return all playback functionality. However, if you’re looking to record, you’ll still need the Nalbantov or another replacement drive.
Because these operate through the MIDI ports, early Disklavier owners do not have to worry at all about ESEQ or file format compatibility. This is a huge relief to folk that have been worrying about ESEQ files, PIANODIR.FIL, and so forth.
Can I use PianoStream with my Disklavier?
Yes! All Disklaviers that I’m aware of can use PianoStream. Here’s a list of models, between their website and my personal experience, that are compatible with PianoStream:
- Wagon Grand (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- DKC100R (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- DKC50R (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- MX100II (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- MX80 (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- DKC5R (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- DKC500XG (Digital only, Analog not compatible)
- Mark III (DKC55RCD) (Digital + Analog)
- Mark IV (Digital + Analog)
- E3 (Digital + Analog)
- DKC850 (Digital + Analog)
- Upright Disklavier Enspire (Digital + Analog)
- Disklavier Enspire (Digital + Analog)
What do I need to connect PianoStream?
The PianoStream app connects to your Disklavier using a wireless Bluetooth MIDI receiver such as the Yamaha MD-BT01 or the WIDI Master, which simply plugs into the piano’s MIDI IN port. The developer of the PianoStream prefers the WIDI Master for easy connectivity.
You need to use an Apple product, such as an iPhone or iPad, to run the app.
To connect PianoStream Analog, you’ll also need to add a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi audio receiver.
Choose the KAIY Bluetooth receiver if you want a low-cost, easy-to-use option that connects automatically and works well for most home users. It’s perfect for quick setup but may play phone notifications through your piano speakers.
For better audio quality, stability, and control, go with the WiiM Wi-Fi receiver, which uses AirPlay, avoids unwanted sounds, and is ideal for larger spaces or serious playback.
Disklaviers Compatible with PianoStream Analog (Vocals & Audio)
For models that support it, you can also add a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi audio receiver like the KAIY C36 or WiiM to enable full playback of both piano and vocal tracks.
Disklaviers Compatible with PianoStream Analog
- Yamaha Disklavier DKC55RCD (Mark III)
- Yamaha Disklavier E3
- Yamaha DKC850
- Yamaha Upright Disklavier Enspire
- Yamaha Disklavier Enspire
- Yamaha Disklavier Mark IV (with KAIY or WiiM audio receiver for analog)
Disklaviers NOT Compatible with PianoStream Analog
- Yamaha Disklavier Wagon Grand
- Yamaha Disklavier DKC100R
- Yamaha Disklavier DKC50R
- Yamaha Disklavier DKC5R
- Yamaha Disklavier MX100II
- Yamaha Disklavier MX80
- Yamaha Disklavier DKC500XG
Learn More
To learn more about PianoStream, visit their website. Also, Join the community and ask questions in the PianoStream Facebook group. Richie has also created a video demonstrating the setup process.
Conclusions
For owners of older Disklaviers who don’t want to replace or abandon their beloved piano, PianoStream is the solution you’ve been waiting for. It’s the simplest way to modernize your system without relying on discontinued Yamaha hardware.