In my Disklavier Upgrades guide article, I make reference several times to DKC-850 conversion cables. These are the cables you use to connect your older Yamaha Disklavier to a newer DKC-850 control unit (or a DKC‑800 converted to act like a DKC‑850).
The original conversion cables were provided by Yamaha as part of the DKC-850 upgrade package. If you have one, you can install the DKC-850 as a replacement control unit for a Mark III generation Disklavier. It’s not sufficient for installing the DKC-850 in place of earlier Mark II or Mark I systems—you’ll need one more adapter for that.
The original conversion cable supplied by Yamaha is now discontinued. Used cables are in high demand, and are difficult to find. However, Richie Hayes builds brand new conversion cables and adapters. In the video below, he demonstrates how a few purpose‑built adapters let you connect a DKC‑850 to different generations of Yamaha Disklavier wiring. Below is a quick guide to the three adapter types he shows and how to pick the right one for your piano.
The Three Adapter Types
DKC‑850 Conversion Cable (15‑pin “TO PIANO”)
This is most appropriate cable for the Mark III to DKC-850 conversion.
The standard harness that mates a DKC‑850 control unit to pianos with the 15‑pin control connector. This is the correct cable to use when your piano already has the 15‑pin harness (e.g., later Mark II XG / Mark III families) and you’re doing a straightforward DKC‑850 install or using a DKC‑800 converted to 850‑mode.
This is the cable included in the original DKC-850 upgrade kit. Although now discontinued by Yamaha, Richie can make a new duplicate cable.
9‑to‑15‑pin Adapter Board/Cable
This is most appropriate for replacing a Mark I or Mark II with a Mark III. It is also the most appropriate cable when you already have an original DKC-850 conversion cable, but are replacing a Mark I or Mark II with a DKC-850.
Bridges older 9‑pin pianos (e.g., Mark II with DKC‑100R) to a 15‑pin control unit.
Integrated “Combo” Harness
This is most appropriate for replacing a Mark I or Mark II with a DKC-850, and you do not currently have a conversion cable.
A single assembly that combines the DKC‑850 conversion cable with the 9‑to‑15 adapter.
How do I buy the cable?
Richie Hayes manufactures and sells these cables, and so you should contact him directly if you’d like one.
Richie Hayes
[email protected]
https://www.youtube.com/@hayesiq
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pianostream/
Credits & further reading
See Richie Hayes’ adapter demo (video above) and Yamaha’s connection documentation for pinout expectations. If you need custom cables or a 9‑to‑15 solution, Richie also shows dedicated adapter boards and integrated combo harnesses in his other clips.