Digicoustic™ DIY Acoustic-to-Digital Conversion Kit

Complete Audio Package for Converting an Upright Piano into a Digital Instrument

Build a digital piano with the authentic touch of a real acoustic instrument—and the audio system to match.

This is the complete version of our Digicoustic™ conversion kit, including the same action, keyset, MIDI system, amplifiers, and speaker package used in our professionally built Digicoustic™ piano conversions.

Designed for piano technicians, builders, and experienced hobbyists, this kit allows you to convert an upright acoustic piano into a modern digital instrument while preserving the cabinet, appearance, and authentic playing feel of a genuine acoustic piano.

Unlike conventional digital pianos that rely on plastic keys and simulated actions, the Digicoustic system uses a full-size acoustic piano action and genuine piano keys, faithfully reproducing the touch, let-off, damper timing, and mechanical characteristics pianists expect.

Why Choose Digicoustic?

• Authentic acoustic piano touch and response
• Genuine 88-note acoustic piano action and keyset
• Complete amplifier and speaker package included
• Preserves the appearance and character of your existing piano
• Headphone capable
• Compatible with modern software instruments and MIDI sound modules
• The same system used in Ragland Piano Company's professionally built conversions

Complete Kit Includes

Acoustic Piano Components

• Genuine 88-note acoustic piano keyset
• Genuine full-size acoustic studio piano action with hammers pre-installed
• Digicoustic™ MIDI sensor system

Audio System

• Two mono amplifiers
• Two stereo amplifiers
• One 8" subwoofer
• Two 4" main speakers
• Two speaker bars
• One soundboard exciter

Installation Components

• Sustain pedal sensor with wiring
• USB MIDI adapter cable
• Surge protector
• Pre-wired amplifier power harness
• 24 feet of speaker wire
• Printed installation instructions
• Video installation support

The amplifier system is pre-wired before shipment. Installation simply involves mounting the components and connecting the speakers using the included speaker wire.

What You'll Need

This kit provides the complete piano action and audio system, but you'll still need a device to generate the piano sounds.

Our recommended setup is:

• iPad (10th generation or newer)
• High-quality USB-C charge/data cable
• Piano software such as:
  • GarageBand (included with iPad)
  • Pianoteq 8 (recommended)

A single USB-C cable carries:

• MIDI data
• Digital audio
• Charging power

No USB hubs, separate audio cables, or adapters are normally required.

The system is also compatible with Windows and Mac computers, as well as most USB MIDI-compatible sound modules.

iPad Compatibility

Designed specifically for USB-C iPads (10th generation and newer).

Tip: Some USB-C cables function correctly in only one orientation. If the iPad doesn't recognize the system, simply unplug the cable, rotate it 180 degrees, and reconnect.

Authentic Acoustic Piano Action

The included keyboard is a genuine full-size acoustic studio piano keyset paired with a matching full-size studio piano action—the same components used in the final U.S.-built Baldwin Hamilton studio pianos.

Because there are no strings, the felt hammers strike a specially designed stop rail rather than piano wire. The action retains the geometry and feel of a traditional piano while functioning as a highly responsive MIDI controller.

Touch weight is adjustable. By regulating damper lever timing, the action can be set for either a slightly lighter or heavier feel to suit your preference.

About the MIDI System

The included MIDI strip is an unused Baldwin factory system acquired when the Baldwin piano factory closed in 2018.

Although manufactured in the late 1990s, these systems were never installed in production pianos and remain exceptionally reliable. Having access to this factory inventory allows us to offer a genuine factory MIDI system at a price that would otherwise be impossible today.

Customers preferring a brand-new QRS MIDI strip may select that option as an upgrade.

Installation

A basic understanding of—or willingness to learn—acoustic piano action regulation is recommended.

Every action is pre-regulated on our workbench before shipment. We perform the initial regulation, including:

• Hammer blow
• Lost motion
• Key level
• Let-off
• Damper timing

If you carefully follow the installation videos and printed instructions, only minor final adjustments are normally required after installation.

Installation Videos

Step-by-step installation and demonstration videos are provided on this page.

We strongly recommend watching them before beginning your project. They walk through the conversion process, answer common questions, and provide a clear understanding of what is involved before you begin.

If you're unsure whether this kit is appropriate for your piano, please contact us before ordering. We'll be happy to discuss your project.

Used in Our Own Conversions

This is the exact action, keyset, MIDI system, amplifier package, and speaker system we install in our professionally built Digicoustic™ conversions.

We're not selling a collection of unrelated parts—we're supplying the same proven system we use every day in our own shop.

Built to Order

Each Digicoustic™ kit is assembled to order and typically ships within 15 business days.

Technical Support Included

I'm Howard Gustafson, owner of Ragland Piano Company.

I've been servicing pianos professionally since 1985 and have specialized in digital piano conversions for many years.

When you purchase a Digicoustic™ kit, you're not just buying parts—you're also gaining access to decades of practical experience. Whether you have questions before ordering, during installation, or after your project is complete, I'm here to help.

My goal is simple: I want every customer to end up with a digital piano they're proud to own.