{"product_id":"ragland-diy-midi-acoustic-to-digital-piano-conversion-kit-ks-1b-strip","title":"Ragland DIY MIDI Acoustic to Digital Piano Conversion Kit KS-1B Strip","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eKS-1B MIDI Retrofit Kit\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Backbone of a Digicoustic™ Digital Piano\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConvert an acoustic piano into a digital instrument while preserving the authentic touch and feel of a real piano.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eNew Old Stock (NOS)\u003c\/strong\u003e Gulbransen \u003cstrong\u003eKS-1B\u003c\/strong\u003e MIDI retrofit system has \u003cstrong\u003enever been installed\u003c\/strong\u003e. Originally manufactured in the late 1990s, it remains one of the best values available for adding MIDI capability to an acoustic piano or building a dedicated digital piano from an otherwise unrepairable instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e a \"silent piano\" system that switches between acoustic and digital operation using a hammer-stop rail. It is intended for permanent MIDI installations or dedicated digital piano conversions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Choose the KS-1B?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand new, never installed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSame strip we use in our in-shop builds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBudget-friendly alternative to modern MIDI systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProven reliability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFar less susceptible to ambient light than many optical MIDI strips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with a wide variety of MIDI sound sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eNo Black Paint Required\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany new optical MIDI systems require painting the undersides of the piano keys black to prevent ambient light from causing false notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the advantages of the KS-1B design is that it is \u003cstrong\u003efar less susceptible to outside light\u003c\/strong\u003e, so painting the keys is normally unnecessary. This preserves the original appearance of the keyframe while simplifying installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKS-1 Control Unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSS88 Opto-Electronic Keyboard Sensor Strip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB MIDI Adapter Cable (5-pin DIN to USB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6-foot sensor cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6-inch sensor cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCable adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12VDC power supply\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSustain pedal sensor (leaf-switch style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting hardware kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrated installation instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat Else You'll Need\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe KS-1B produces \u003cstrong\u003eMIDI\u003c\/strong\u003e, not sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo hear the piano, simply connect the MIDI output to a compatible sound source such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiPad (10th generation or newer recommended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWindows computer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMac computer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardware MIDI sound module\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur recommended setup is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiPad (10th generation or newer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality USB-C charge\/data cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGarageBand (free)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePianoteq 8 (recommended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the lowest possible latency and best playing experience, we strongly recommend using \u003cstrong\u003ewired USB connections\u003c\/strong\u003e. Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth audio typically introduce enough delay to be noticeable while playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're unsure which equipment you'll need, just contact me. I'll be happy to recommend a system that fits your budget and goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eIdeal Applications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough originally designed to add MIDI capability to a functioning acoustic piano, I most often recommend the KS-1B for a different purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your piano has:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoose tuning pins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDead strings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCracked bridges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoundboard damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther major structural problems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e...repairing those issues is often far more expensive than the piano is worth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the \u003cstrong\u003eaction and keys are still in good condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, the KS-1B can transform that piano into a dedicated digital instrument while preserving the authentic touch of a real acoustic piano. \u003cstrong\u003eIf your action or keys also need replacement, consider one of our complete Digicoustic™ conversion kits, which include a new acoustic piano action and keyset.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany builders remove the strings and, in some cases, even the cast-iron plate to reduce weight. A properly positioned hammer stop rail replaces the strings, allowing the original action to operate naturally while the MIDI system drives modern piano software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a piano that never needs tuning, can be played with headphones, and still feels like a genuine acoustic instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalling the KS-1B requires moderate mechanical ability and a basic understanding of piano actions, but no specialized or expensive tools are normally required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complete installation video is provided on this page, along with additional videos covering the Digicoustic™ conversion process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery installation is different, so I strongly recommend watching the videos before beginning your project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLooking for a Complete Digicoustic™ Conversion Kit?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe KS-1B is the most economical way to begin building a Digicoustic™ digital piano.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you'd rather not source the remaining components individually—or if your action or keys also need replacement—we also offer complete \u003cstrong\u003eDigicoustic™ DIY Conversion Kits\u003c\/strong\u003e, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew acoustic piano action\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew keyset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMIDI system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmplifiers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker system (optional)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSustain pedal sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWiring harness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete installation support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese kits use the same conversion philosophy while eliminating the guesswork of selecting compatible components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTechnical Support Included\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm \u003cstrong\u003eHoward Gustafson\u003c\/strong\u003e, owner of Ragland Piano Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've been servicing pianos professionally since \u003cstrong\u003e1985\u003c\/strong\u003e and have specialized in digital piano conversions for much of that time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you purchase from Ragland Piano Company, you're getting more than just hardware. If you have questions before ordering, during installation, or after your project is complete, I'm happy to help. My goal is for every customer to end up with a digital piano they're proud to own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ragland Piano Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51421774676132,"sku":null,"price":799.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/7546\/1796\/files\/10_86d94ed9-7110-44f1-bd99-d61044fa2039.jpg?v=1785256055","url":"https:\/\/shop.raglandpiano.com\/products\/ragland-diy-midi-acoustic-to-digital-piano-conversion-kit-ks-1b-strip","provider":"Ragland Piano Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}