An Edelweiss Piano is supplied as standard with our unique Self-Play system. Our pianos are designed to withstand both continual automated and performance with longevity and reliability.
The Virtuoso system itself can be fitted to any piano, regardless of make or model. What makes our Self-Play installation so unique is the ability to convert your piano into a concert ready instrument. Our retrofit service brings a superior musical experience to any piano design or make, regardless of age.
How do I know if my piano is suitable to retrofit Self-Play?
Subject to an assessment and appraisal to confirm, we can most certainly fit your piano with Self-Play.
We will initially request some photographs and piano details to allow our team to assess and provide a guide of costs with all the optional extras available to you.
What about if my piano is antique or not a known manufacturer?
Our team of experts are able to fit self-play to a majority of pianos. Not only that, but our fitting system includes any works to improve your piano tone and manual play.
The self-play will only replicate as well as the piano plays manually and therefore often we undertake some additional work on the piano to improve its performance capability.
This is normally just regulation and voicing and checking up of the structure and set up unless the piano is very tired when small works or sometimes rebuilding is required.
If I have Self-Play installed how easy is it for me to still play my piano?
Our Self-Play system makes no difference at all to the manual playability of your piano. The solenoids that operate the keys push the keys up from the back, and are just sitting waiting to work without interfering with the playing at all.
In fact, you can even play along with Self-Play at the same time! It’s a great tool for practising exam pieces, playing alongside the virtual pianist playing to improve and to perfect timing. Ask about our added extras such as Record and Playback.
Listen to Ross Norman, our Piano Consultant, show a TV crew how a Self-Play Piano works.
Will installing Self-Play harm my piano?
Not in the slightest. The only physical change to a grand is a small hidden slot for the solenoids and for an upright a similar adjustment. There is no harm or damage to the piano itself, just music and fun!
How does self-play work?
Every note has its own little solenoid which is placed at the very back of the key. Rather than the player pushing the key down at the front this pushes the key up at the back. The hardware and software hidden in the piano tells the solenoid how to perform and it will play music beautifully with control and expression. The system has over 1100 graduations of loud to soft and can be refined to a very high standard of performance.
Can I adjust the volume of my piano when on Self-Play?
Yes, this is one of the great features of our Self-Play system. There is a volume slide on the iPad for the individual song level and you can also set overall volume, and balance with the accompaniment with ease
How do I play music on my piano? Do I need a iPad or iPod? Or can I play from my phone?
We always supply a dedicated iPod or iPad for control and music storage or you can now use the MyEdelweiss App if you have an Apple device.
Is the Self-Play system noticeable? Will it ruin the look of my piano?
Our Self-Play fits seamlessly in with your piano. No boxes or cables, just one 13A power cable that can be hidden down the leg or lyre.
Listen as Mark Norman, our Creative Director, explains where the Self-Play system is fitted to a piano.
Do these systems affect the action, tone, integrity or value of the instrument itself?
No, the tone, action, integrity and value of the piano are only enhanced. It is good for a piano to be regularly played and with normal maintenance playing will keep it in better condition than if left dormant.
Integrity-wise, the true tonal characteristics, the individual touch and sound, what’s special and you love about the instrument will be preserved and enhanced by what we do.
Can you retrofit at home or does my piano need to come to your workshop?
To retrofit our Self-Play to the best standard it must come into our Cambridge workshop. It’s a big job, taking 2 to 4 weeks to complete. We organise collection and return and can even drop in a hire piano in the meantime.
Is the system easy to use and set up?
It is very simple, with clear instructions and a very sympathetic, understanding, friendly and dedicated help line if you have any questions.
What additional extras does your Self-Play system offer?
In addition to the standard system we can also offer a Record and Playback feature. This is particularly useful if you like to play and perform or are learning the piano. The feature allows you to play back performances or treasured memories.
Our SilentPlay feature can be fitted to virtually any piano too with very few exceptions. A mute rail switches off the acoustic piano and an optical midi rail hidden under the keys gives you a full electric piano experience.
