Tech: Digital Piano retrofit

Subject: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: Neighmond
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 11:26 PM

Sometime in the 40's my Grandma's cousin dismantled an old Chickering square piano that was in their house when they bought it. He took the action and metal plate out in many pieces, but I have some beautiful flat rosewood that was part of the case. I have the legs, and the frame for the pedals, as well as the fancy old fretworked music rack. They used it as a base for a ping-pong table untill the floods of '93, when his daughter took it to pieces and put it in the barn, where 25-30% of the wood was rendered useless by the elements. I went down last night and got all of the rest, and is so pretty it is a sin not to use it.

What I would like to do is find a digital piano keyboard that I can build a newer case around. I envision it looking a little like an old melodian or small square grand piano.

Here is where all of you experts come in:
Does anyone have any ideas for a decent digital keyboard only that I can build into this case? I would like to put the keyboard, circutry, switches, etc. in the case itself and use external speakers, so I hate to buy a complete digital piano, just to take it apart for the parts.

Anyone know any companies that'll sell me a digital piano without a case?

Chaz

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: Bernard
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 04:21 AM

Why not use a MIDI keyboard and have everything else external? I'm not sure where best to buy one, but it's the kind of thing Church Organ builders would use these days...

MIDI controllers are easily found - Roland do a good one, and so do Yamaha. All you then need is a combo amplifier suitable for keyboards.

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: Neighmond
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 12:07 PM

can I get one that has the same Piano-like touch as some of te digital pianos?

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: Bernard
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 07:21 PM

I'm sure that's possible - in fact, I think Cath Mundy (of Mundy-Turner) has exactly what you're looking for, even down to a suitable MIDI controller.

Maybe you should contact her (and tell her I sent you! Hairy Bernard from The Railway and Open Door folk clubs!)... email link. She'll be able to tell you where she got it (probably Australia!), and what make, model, etc.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 06:54 AM

The one that Cath Mundy uses is made by Doepfer and is from Germany. Its built into a flight case. Doepfer also make midi circuit boards and componants for exactly this kind of 'build your own' project. Their webpage is http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm

Interstingly, one of their biggest endorsers is now Kraftwerk...

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: Bernard
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 07:07 PM

Thanks, 'Guest' - had a feeling that was the direction to go in!!

Cath and Jay are due to start their 'Bonzer Aussie Christmas' tour in about three weeks - should be total mayhem!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Digital Piano retrofit
From: Neighmond
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 02:15 PM

Thanks!

I knew there would be some good advice here! Is there a way I can buy it that'll give the 'cat a cut?

Chaz