Digicoustic™ DIY MIDI Vertical Piano Conversion Kit

Convert an Acoustic Piano into a Digital Instrument Without Sacrificing the Feel of a Real Piano

The Digicoustic™ DIY Conversion Kit allows you to build a digital piano with the authentic touch and mechanical feel of a real acoustic instrument.

This is the same action, keyset, and MIDI system used in our professionally built Digicoustic™ digital piano conversions. Designed for piano technicians, builders, and experienced hobbyists, this kit allows you to transform an upright acoustic piano into a high-quality digital instrument while preserving the cabinet, appearance, and playing experience of a genuine 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. The result is a playing experience that faithfully reproduces the characteristics pianists expect, including let-off, damper levers, key dip, and the natural mechanical feel of an acoustic piano.

Why Choose Digicoustic?

• Authentic acoustic piano touch and response
• Genuine 88-note acoustic piano action and keyset
• Preserves the appearance and character of your existing piano
• No tuning required
• Headphone capable
• Compatible with modern software instruments and MIDI sound modules
• The same system used in Ragland Piano Company's professionally built conversions

What's Included

• Genuine 88-note acoustic piano keyset
• Genuine full-size acoustic piano action with hammers pre-installed
• Digicoustic™ MIDI sensor system
• MIDI interface and wiring
• USB MIDI adapter cable
• Printed installation instructions
• Video installation support
• Technical support from Ragland Piano Company

Authentic Acoustic Piano Action

The included keyboard is a genuine full-size acoustic studio piano keyset paired with a full-size acoustic 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 instead of piano wire. The action retains the geometry, regulation, 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 personal preference.

Audio Equipment Not Included

This version of the Digicoustic™ kit does not include amplifiers, speakers, or a sound generator.

If you're looking for a complete, ready-to-install system, we also offer this same kit bundled with amplifiers and speakers.

Simply connect the MIDI output to virtually any compatible sound source, including:

• iPad (10th generation or newer recommended)
• Windows PC
• Mac
• Hardware MIDI sound module
• Professional virtual piano software

Both traditional 5-pin MIDI and USB MIDI are supported. A USB MIDI adapter cable is included.

For the lowest possible latency and best playing experience, we recommend using a wired connection. Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth audio may introduce noticeable delay between pressing a key and hearing the sound.

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

Detailed installation and demonstration videos are provided on this page.

We strongly recommend watching them before beginning your project. They answer many common questions and walk through the installation process step by step.

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

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.