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Checks distance between strings and hammer face with mute engaged.
Explains methods for optimizing key sensor performance via measurement.
Outlines steps for Full Keyboard and Single Key sensor measurements.
Checks distance between strings and hammer face with mute engaged.
Explains methods for optimizing key sensor performance via measurement.
Outlines steps for Full Keyboard and Single Key sensor measurements.
This document serves as a maintenance handbook for the Yamaha Silent Piano Series, specifically covering the b1-Silent, b2-Silent, JU109-Silent, and JX113-Silent models developed in 2006. It outlines the design, operation, and maintenance procedures for these instruments, which integrate key and pedal sensor systems directly into the piano structure.
The Yamaha Silent Piano Series offers a unique playing experience by allowing the user to practice silently using headphones while still experiencing the tactile feel of an acoustic piano. When the mute is engaged, the key and pedal sensors detect the piano's performance data. This data is then relayed to a tone generator, which produces sound through headphones connected to the switch box unit. This compact design unifies the tone generator and input/output jacks within the switch box, streamlining the system. The mute mechanism itself is controlled by the center pedal, which operates a shank stopper via a three-wire system. This allows for seamless switching between acoustic and silent modes, providing flexibility for practice at any time without disturbing others. The integration of sensors and a tone generator within an acoustic piano chassis represents a significant advancement, offering the best of both worlds: the authentic touch of an acoustic instrument and the privacy of digital practice.
The Silent Piano Series is designed for intuitive use, with several features enhancing the user experience. The switch box, located conveniently, houses controls for power, reverb, and volume, along with headphone jacks. This centralized control panel allows for easy adjustment of sound parameters during silent play. The system includes a soft pedal sensor and a damper pedal sensor, which contribute to a realistic playing experience by accurately capturing pedal input. The center pedal, when pressed down and slid to the left, engages the mute, activating the silent mode. This mechanism ensures that the hammers touch the shank stopper, preventing them from striking the strings.
A key feature is the "Test Mode," a diagnostic program designed to verify the key and pedal sensor detection points. This mode is invaluable for troubleshooting issues such as uneven sound production, improper volume changes, or abnormal pedal effects. In Test Mode, users can depress white keys slowly to check buzzer sounds at specific key depths (K1, K2, K3, K4), indicating sensor activation points. For pedals, the Test Mode checks the damper pedal's response at various stages of depression (slightly depressed, half-way, further depressed) and the soft pedal's activation point. The system also includes an "SW Box Self-Test" which, when activated, performs a communication test between the SW Box and Sensor Unit, playing a C Major chord for success or a C minor chord for failure. During this test, the "Black Key" Etude plays continuously. An "AD Test" within the self-test detects reverb knob rotation and damper pedal depth, producing chromatic scales to confirm functionality. These diagnostic tools empower users and technicians to quickly identify and address performance issues, ensuring the piano operates as intended.
The maintenance handbook provides detailed instructions for ensuring the Silent Piano Series remains in optimal condition. A crucial aspect of maintenance involves the "Maintenance Mode" (Measurement Mode), a program used to optimize key and damper pedal sensor performance by precisely measuring their sensing positions. This mode is essential when the Test Mode reveals discrepancies in sensing positions, or when replacing key or damper pedal sensors. Measured values from the Maintenance Mode are saved in flash memory within the key sensors, ensuring persistent calibration.
Key sensor measurement can be performed in two ways: "Full Keyboard Measurement," which rewrites all key measurement values, and "Single Key Measurement," which recalibrates a specific key. The handbook provides step-by-step procedures for both, involving specific key combinations to enter the mode, pressing the damper pedal, playing keys, and pressing the soft pedal to complete the measurement and save settings. Similarly, damper pedal sensor measurement procedures are outlined, focusing on half-point position measurement, a departure from previous models that used VR adjustment. This involves specific key presses to enter the mode, slightly depressing the damper, pressing the highest black key (86A#), and pressing the highest pitch key (88C) to write the setting value.
Beyond sensor calibration, the manual covers mechanical adjustments. The "Shank Stop Maintenance/Adjustment Procedure" is critical for ensuring proper mute engagement. This involves checking the distance between strings and hammer faces in low, medium, and upper registers (5-7mm from strings). Adjustments can be made by manipulating the turnbuckle for overall position, adjusting cable outer case length for differences between low and high registers, or moving the shank stopper rail for differences between registers. "Checking Sound Production" ensures the shank stopper does not contact hammer shanks when the mute is disengaged. "Checking Let Off" verifies that the let off is properly adjusted before the shank contacts the stopper (shank stop position +1 to 2mm), with adjustments made via the regulating button. "Checking Pedal Stroke" ensures the mute pedal ON/OFF stroke is approximately 8mm, with adjustments made by attaching a slide skin to the bottom sill.
"Some Tips on Shank Stopper Unit Motion" addresses common mechanical issues, such as leaning stays on the shank stopper. Instructions are provided to loosen and retighten attachment screws to ensure stays are vertical, preventing uneven movement of the shank stopper. The manual also includes cautions for removing the lower front board, which requires disconnecting lines and loosening screws on the switch box first, and for tuning, recommending a special stick mute (TX600520 STICK MUTE UP PP) due to the shank stopper impeding wood mute use in the treble strings. These detailed maintenance guidelines and diagnostic tools ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the Yamaha Silent Piano Series.
General| Type | Upright Piano |
|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 88 |
| Finish | Polished Ebony |
| Silent System | Yes |
| Width | 149 cm |
| Pedals | 3 (Damper, Soft, Sostenuto) |
| Height | 109 cm (43") |
| Depth | 54 cm |
