[ Terry Smythe wrote in 070311 MMDigest:

> ... a new solenoid player system called PianoForce
> ... Stahnke 'Concerto' -- the world's newest player piano system
> ... Has anybody had any experience with these two systems?

I am a certified PianoDisc technician and have tried to familiarize
myself with other brands but I have had no direct experience with
these two new systems.  These systems are brand new and thus far have
had very limited exposure.  I did give the system a quick once-over
at NAMM.

One major factor this and any other new player systems will have is
software.  In truth the most expensive part of building and selling
digital players is not the hardware, it's the music!  The majority
of the software demand for these systems are of popular genre and
traditional classics.  By and large all of this material is copyright
and must be licensed for use and distribution.  In many cases
agreements with the performer(s) are also required.  Consequently
player manufacturers are very protective of their software libraries.

Yamaha and PianoDisc have had an excellent relationship in terms of
allowing each other's software to be interchangeable, however there was
not so much enthusiasm when this "new kid in town" came along.  I think
any responsible business investor would agree that it is not fair that
a new company take advantage of another's efforts without paying their
own dues.  I spoke with a PianoDisc rep awhile back who acknowledged
their concern and they have since taken steps to alleviate the problem.

As of now PianoDisc software has new encoding that will prevent it from
being played on this new system.  PDS, however, will still play all
other's software.  I'm not certain what tactics QRS or Yamaha have
taken but I'm sure they are going along the same lines.  Million$ have
been invested in developing and licensing these music libraries and
they are not enthusiastic about being taken advantage of.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, Nevada