THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN - Stacksjz783nn2040/16-09.pdfprepare your advertisement from your suggested...

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Transcript of THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN - Stacksjz783nn2040/16-09.pdfprepare your advertisement from your suggested...

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ADVERTISING

AMICA MEMBERSHIP RATES:

THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN

CHAPTER OFFICERS

NO. CALIFORNIAPres.: Phil McCoyVice Pres.: Isadora KoffSec.: David FrymanTreas.: Bob WilcoxReporter: Sharon Bartlett

SO. CALIFORNIAPres.: Francis CherneyVice Pres.: Mary LilienSec.: Greg BehnkeTreas.: Roy SheIsoReporter: Bill Toeppe

TEXASPres.: Carole BeckettVice Pres.: Sal MeleSec/Treas.: Doyle CasselReporter: Kay & Merrill Baltzley

MIDWESTPres.: Bennet LeedyVice Pres.: Jim PrendergastSec.: Jim WeisenborneTreas.: Alvin WulfekuhlReporter: Molly Yeckley

PHILADELPHIA AREAPres Mike NaddeoVice Pres.: John BerrySec. Dick PriceTreas.: Claire LambertReporter: Allen Ford

SOWNY (So. Ontario, West NY)Pres.: Jeff DeppVice Pres: Bruce BartholomewSec.: Mike WalterTreas.: Stella GilbertReporter: Jim Brewer

ROCKY MOUNTAINPres. Robert MooreSec.: Sharon PaetzoldTreas.: Carl PaetzoldReporter: Jere DeBacker

NEW JERSEYPres.: Dan SchacherVice Pres. Richard DearbornSec: Richard Groman IIITreas.: Willian DeanReporter:

IOWAPres.: Dale SnyderVice Pres.: Stan PetersSec/Treas.: Alvin JohnsonReporter: Richard Parker

BOSTON AREAPres.: Alan PierVice Pres.: William KoenigsbergSec.: AI GrecoTreas. Philip KonopReporter: Ray Magee

NORTHERN LIGHTSPres.: Ron OlsenVice Pres.: Gene SkardaSec.: Dorothy OldsTreas.: Trudy Maier

INTERNATlONALOFFICERS

PRESIDENTBob Rosencrans36 Hampden Rd.Upper Darby, PA 19082

VICE PRESIDENTBill Eicher465 Winding WayDayton, OH 45429

SECRETARYJim Weisenborne73 Nevada St.Rochester, MI 48063

PUBLISHERTom Beckett6817 CliffbrookDallas, TX 75240

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY(New memberships andmailing problems)Bobby Clark JrP. O. Box 172Columbia SC 29202

TREASURERJack & Mary Riffle5050 Eastside Calpella Rd.Ukiah, CA 95482

BOARD REPRESENTATIVESN. Cal. Howie KoffS. Cal.: Dick RiggTexas: Wade NewtonPhil.: Bob TaylorMidwest: Bill EicherSOWNY: Chuck HannenRky. Mt.: Dick KroeckelNew Jer.: Jeffrey MorganIowa: Alvin JohnsonBoston Area: Sanford LibmanNorthern Lights: Trudy Maier

COMMITTEESTechnical

Mel Luchetti3449 Mauricia Ave.Santa Clara, CA 95051

Honorary MembersAlf E. Werolin2230 Oakdale Rd.Hillsborough, CA 94010

ArchivesJim Weisenborne73 Nevada St.Rochester, MI 48063

AMICA GoalsRobert M. Taylor1326 Spruce St. #3004Philadelphia, PA 19107

AFFILIATED SOCIETIESThe Player Piano GroupThe North West Player Piano

Association.

$50.0025.00250012.50

7Y,' x 10"7Y2" x 4~%"

3%" x 10"3%" x 43,4"

Continuing Members: $15 DuesNew Members, add $5 processing fee

• All ads will appear on the last pages of the Bulletin at the discretion of thepublisher

Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA's endorsement ofany commercial operation. However, AMICA reserves the right to refuse any adthat is not in keeping with AMICA's general standards or if complaints arereceived indicating that said business does not serve the best interests of themembers of ANlICA according to its goals and bylaws.

• Classified: 10¢ per word, $1.50 minimum

• DIsplay advertisingFull pageOne-half page horizontalOne-half page verticalOne-fourth page vertical

• Each photograph or half-tone $5.00

• We recommend display advertisers supply camera-ready copy. Copy that isoversized or undersized will be changed to correct size at your cost. We canprepare your advertisement from your suggested layout at cost

• All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the preceeding month.

• Cash must accompany order. Typesetting, layout or size alteration chargeswill be billed separately. Make checks payable to: AMICAINTERNATIONAL.

Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association, a non­profit club devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musicalinstruments using perforated paper musIc rolls.

Contributions: All subjects of interest to readers of the Bulletin areencouraged and invited by the pUblisher All articles must be received by the10th of the preceeding month. Every attempt will be made to publish all artiClesof general interest to AMICA members at the earliest possible time..and at thediscretion of the publisher.

AMICA ITEMSFOR SALE

AMICA BULLETINS, BOUND ISSUES:1971,1972,1973 - bound sets at $15.00 eachset. 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 at $18.00each set. PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE ANDHANDLING. Spiral bound to lay flat. Sendorders to Mary Lilien, 4260 Olympiad Drive,Los Angeles, CA 90043.

ROLL LEADERS: DUO-ART, Authentic. Fororder sheet, see the April 1973 Bulletin. NickJarrett, 3622 21 st street, San Francisco, CA94114.

AMICA TECHNICALITIES BOOKS:Volume I (1969-1971), $5.50 postpaid;Volume II (1972-1974), $7.50 postpaid,Volume III (1975-1977), $8.50 postpaid.Reprints of interesting technical articleswhich have appeared in the AMICA Bulletin,arranged and indexed into appropriatecategories. Send orders to: Jim Weisenborne,73 Nevada Street, Rochester, MI 48063.

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PA YABLE TOAMICA INTERNA TIONAL

AMICA STATIONERY: $3.20 (letter size),$1.75 (note size), including mailing charges.Fine quality stationery with ornate AMICAborders. Each packet contains 25 letters andmatching envelopes. Send orders to: RobertLemon, 4560 Green Tree Drive, Sacramento,CA 94823.

"They All Laughed When I Sat Down AtThe Piano, But When IT Began To Play."This sound and color super-8 movie,produced by AMICA members, is availablefor loan to AMICA members and chapters.For more information write to Howard Koff,2141 Deodara Drive, Los Altos, CA 94022.

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Jnfernafiona( JlcJKJBJl

Cover: Cover design created from a Kranich &Bach advertising booklet. Contributed byMolly Yeckley and Sandy Libman

TWO nEW HOnORARY MEMBERSUlclor I. luCIt Edwin A. Unit

BY ALF E. WEROLIn

Mr. Link started working as a boy in an organ factorywhich later became the Link Piano & Organ Company.He has contributed also to the development of theWurlitzer and the Austin organ roll players.

More complete biographies of these two new honorarymembers will appear in subsequent issues of theBulletin. In the meantime we extend a hearty welcometo the Reverend Mr. Zuck and Mr. Link as they join ourgroup of distinguished honoraries.

AMICA's Board of Directors have approvedconferring honorary membership status to theReverend Victor I. Zuck of Pittsburg, Pennsylvaniaand Edwin A. Link of Binghamton, New York. Bothmen have contributed substantially through theirdevelopment work on organ players.

The Reverend Zuck developed the pipless electronicorgan sold under the Everett trade name and also theMoller player pipe organ. He is an ordained Episcopalminister.

REAR COUER ADUERTISlnGAnD nEW DISPLAY AD RATES

FOR 1980

Any AMICAn wishing to have exclusiverights to the advertising space on the rearcover of the Bulletin is advised this is awardedto the highest bidder for a one-year term.Starting in 1980 the Bulletin will be sent to allU.S. members 3rd class and will be enclosed ina disposable plain outer jacket used formailing purposes only. This will make theentire rear cover available for advertising.Bids will be accepted-based on one-half pageminimums of $300.00 each for either (1) twoadvertisers to reserve a half page each, or (2)one advertiser to reserve the entire page,depending on the largest return available toTHE AMICA as a result of the bidding. Thewinning bides) will reserve the space for theten (10) issues of the 1980 Bulletin. Ad copyshall be provided by the advertiser at his cost(see advertsiing requirements, front covermasthead). If copy is not received by Bulletindeadline, the copy received for the previousmonth's deadline will be rerun..

All bids must be received by (and will beopened for inspection on) December 10, 1979.Highest bidder will be notified and firstadvertising copy and payment for the totalamount of the bid will be required to be onhand for the Publisher's use by January 10,1980.

New display rates (1/4 page or larger) for 1980.After holding the price line for many years wemust finally succumb to inflation and raiseour rates for display advertising. Beginningwith the first issue of 1980, all displayadvertising space will be charged at the rate of$15.00 per quarter page with additionalcharges for typesetting, photos, etc. (as listedon the masthed) remaining as before.

189191

176177179179180184185186187187

INDEX

International AMICAPhiladelphia Open Houses

AMICA ForumRolls & MusicInstrumentsNorthern CaliforniaSouthern CaliforniaPhiladelphiaNew JerseyNorthern LightsBiographical Sketches

Walter GiesekingTechnicalities

Original Bulletin articles, o~ material forreprint that is of significant historical qualityand interest, are encouraged and will receivereimbursement in the form of AMICAmembership dues discounts. (Chapter reportsand Forum inquiries are excluded.)

TOM BECKETTPublisher, THE AMICA

6817 CliffbrookDallas, TX 75240

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REVISion TO DR. HICKMAn/STODDARDARTICLE PART I

Dr. Hickman writes that he would like to revise aportion of the text submitted to The AMICA in Part 1(see lower right hand corner of page 146 ­August/September issue) to read "On the other side ofthe pouch was a chamber that could be regulated toany desired pressure by having three holes that wereconnected to atmosphere and one connected to pumppressure constriction." The italics note the amendedportion of the sentence.

AMICA 1980 ANNUAL MEETING

Pasadena, CaliforniaWednesday 25 June 1980

through

Sunday 29 June 1980

One feature will be a tour of the

nETHERCUTT COLLECTIOn(SaD Sulmar)

OPEn HOUSES1979 PHILADELPHIA conVEnTion

BY TERRY smYTHE

It takes a very special kind of courage, spirit,tolerance, enthusiasm, and understanding to open upyour home to a large group of people. But AMICA is anorganization of very special people who are willingly,enthusiastically prepared to open up their homes(often on short notice to us travellers), share theircollections and experiences, and provide counsel,guidance, assistance, parts, rolls, etc.

This spirit of sharing was clearly evident inPhiladelphia when a number of AMICAns in the areaopened up their homes to those able to extend theirvisit by one more day. I consider it a very specialprivilege to have had the opportunity to visit and meetsome of them in their homes.

The residential area of old historic Philadelphia ischaracterized by very high ceilings, distinctiveplasterwork, and numerous warm, inviting fireplaces.It's here, only a few minutes walk from the BenFranklin, that Don Wood has his charminghome. "You'll have no trouble finding it. It's the onewith the tree growing out of the roof!"

Don Wood with his fine Steinway Duo-Art.

The "tree" turned out to be a humorous little saplinggrowing out of the rain trough! In impressive contrast,Don's big Steinway Duo-Art seemed to need the airyhigh-ceilinged atmosphere for its deep voice to ringout most effectively. A chance- remark about myinterest in researching period case instrumentsproduced a fine array of advertisements and photos ofsuch instruments, another of his interests. A truly finevisit.

Also within easy walking distance from the BenFranklin, Bob Taylor has made for himself a charminghome, noteworthy for its distinctive simplicity, fineart and antiques, a stunning view, and a pair offlawless Duo-Art reproducing i>ianos.

Bob Taylor with his unique collection of antique tinboxes.

\.......­By chance, I was fortunate to be present during theactual first-time delivery of his beautiful 1935 Weber

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"Louis XV" with Duo-Art in a drawer. Bob had verygraciously allowed this fine instrument to bedisplayed and used in the hospitality suite throughoutthe Convention. It has been superbly restored by JohnFarnsworth who completed and delivered it directly tothe Ben Franklin with only one day to spare!

Bob's other Duo-Art is a 1922 upright Steck. It too hashad a stunning restoration and plays with anunbelievable range of expression. Clearly, some veryspecial magic has been applied to this instrument byGeoff Kaiser who did the restoration.

Before leaving, one more panoramic view of historicPhiladelphia and the Delaware River is an absolutemust from Bob's 30th floor apartment. It truly ismagnificent.

Can you possibly imagine the impact of standingwithin a large pipe organ as it booms out the openingbars of the Toccata & Fugue in D Minor? Fantasticexperience! Where? In Jesse McCartney's home, that'swhere!

Jesse McCartney with his Aeolian Duo-Artreproducing organ roll player.

As an electronics engineer, there's no doubt that Jessehas the knowledge, perseverance and dedication to puttogether a fine instrument currently driven by anAeolian Duo-Art reproducing organ roll-playingmechanism. At 18 ranks, it. seems to consume hisbasement, yet he's planning to add another 17 ranks!This has to be the most creative installation I've everseen. On either side of the roll-playing console at thebottom of the basement stairs, the array of pipes andtheir mechanism are split into two groups. The 7'ceiling provided an opportunity (?) for installationgoing "down," rather than the traditional "up."

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Three foot deep hand dug-pits house the pipe chestsand scaffolding. One has a further 3' deep pit housingthe blower and related mechanism, and both haveadditional smaller pits housing sump pumps as asafety precaution to minimize flood risks.

While the organ is presently driven by the Duo-Artplayer, Jesse is planning to restore and merge into thesystem additional reproducing organ roll players forhis impressive collection of Estey, WeltePhilharmonic, Austin, and E.M. Skinner rolls, andultimately connect up a fine 3/35 Skinner console nowlocated in their living room.

A delightful, thoughtful gesture was a box at the doorof mi~cellaneous reproducing piano rolls with a signabove inviting "Take One!" A nice idea, very muchappreciated by all, and one more example of whatAMICA really means. To you and your family, Jesse, avery special thanks.

First impressions are often deceiving and such wasthe case as we pulled up in front of Jim Chadwick'smodern split level bungalow in Media, nearPhiladelphia. A transformation into turn-of-the­century elegance greets you upon entering his homeleaving behind modern American. Throughout hisspotless home, furnishings and decor accentuate oneanother in generating a delightful atmosphereconducive to re-entry into a truly golden age.

Jim Chadwick playing for us his Bacigalupo &Graffigna barrel organ.

Jim's beautifully restored Bacigalupo & Graffignabarrel organ is a remarkable treat to both eyes andears. Similarly, his Violano and 6'4" Knabe Ampicoare a joy to see and hear. And of course, his funmachine, like most reed organs, is his Wilcox & White

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Symphony player reed organ, a charming do-it­yourself pleasure generator. Jim's home andcollection are a marvellous "Time Machine" capableof captivating one's imagination of what it was reallylike back in the good old days.

What better way to wind up a hectic day than apeaceful visit to a historically significant home datingback to 1757, featuring a fine Steinway Duo-Art. ahandsome Knabe Ampico B, and a gorgeous tonedMason & Hamlin Ampico A. Such is the delightfulsetting for the home of Bob Rosencrans.

A quiet, sheltered patio, good weather, a glass of nicewine. pleasant fellowship with other AMICAns. andrelaxing piano music in the background, all combinedto generate a fine conclusion to a long-to-be­remembered convention.

Bob Rosencrans' Steinway Duo-Art playing undercandlelight from his antique shaded candleabra.

If I seem enthused a little about this Convention andthese open houses. well, I am! At the Convention,meetings, in their homes, over the phone, and in thepages of our exceptional Bulletin (many thanks,Tom!), members meet each other, exchange ideas, seekadvice, find instruments and parts, and, mostimportantly, share a significant slice of musicalhistory. Let there be no doubt, AMICA is a fineorganization, and I for one am very grateful to thosewho keep it alive and help it thrive.

was made and any history on this instrument. Ifanyone can shed some light on this melodeon. it will bevery much appreciated. Henry Michelfelder. 1925horeDrive, Chelsea, MI 48118.

JAMES P. JOHnSOnPIAno ROLL RESEARCH

I am researching the piano rolls of James P. Johnson,who recorded ragtime, jazz, blues and song rolls forthe Aeolian. Artempo. Standard and QRS companiesbetween 1917 and 1927. I would like to find out moreabout what kinds of editorial changes (besides thecorrecting of performance errors) might have beenmade by the roll companies on the rolls he made. Iwould appreciate hearing from anyone-piano rollartists, editors and researchers-who can give meinformation on how rolls were customarily edited bythe companies listed above during the period 1917­1930. Willa Rouder, 121 12th Street S.E., Apt. 106,Washington, D.C. 20003.

I am especially interested in changes like octavedoublings, adding of notes to fill out chords (or tochange chords), rhythmic adjustments, etc: also, was itthe artist or the editor who decided on the tempo anddynamics?

~ ....- .....

c1!olls and. cflrusic

PIAno ROLL REVIEWBY DAn TUTTLE

88-NOTE ROLLS

InFORMATIOn REQUESTI am restoring a Mason & Hamlin melodeon, made inBoston, model 1266. I would like to know the date it

~

Jlmica Jorum

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"Lucky In Love" - A foxtrot song from the picture"Good News" written by DeSylva, Brown, andHenderson and copyright by same. The roll isPianostyle #30436 word roll. The Pianostyle companyclaims on the box and roll label that the rolls are handplayed (and listening to them you can tell they are)however, they always. seemed to shy away fromputting the name of a recording artist on the label.This tune is very good and this writer would say theverse music is the best part of the song. Thisarrangement is only surpassed by a Capitol music 1'')11

arrangement. In other words, it's pretty good.

"The Best Things In Life Are Free" - How true, as the

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words of this song put it. A musical number also fromthe picture "Good News" that was written andcopyrighted by DeSylva, Brown and Henderson. Theroll is Imperial #06674. The Imperial Company seemedto be shyer than the Pianostyle Company for many oftheir rolls don't even say hand played, let alonemention who recorded them. Many of thearrangements are very close to the QRS productions.This song and arrangement is very good musicallyand the words are very positive as to say all one everneeds is within one's self.

"Canadian Capers" - A foxtrot song written byChandler, White and Cohen and copyrighted byRemick Music. The roll is QRS #1785 played by MaxKortlander. It is an excellent song and roll with Mr.Kortlander's playing at top quality. The arrangementstays interesting all the way through. The words arepeppy and amusing. This roll is still available thanksto the QRS reissuing production. It is worth the paper.

"MacArthur Park" - A modern pop standard thatnever grows old. Written by Jimmy Webb andcopyrighted by Canopy Music in 1968. Richard Harriswas the first to record this song on Disc Record and thesong found its popularity there. It wasn't until late1972 that QRS decided to add it to their catalog. Theroll is QRS #10-486 played by Mike Amorosi. Themusic roll tempo says 60. This writer believes itshould be 20. Mr. Amorosi did such a wonderful job onrecording "The Summer of '42" that it's hard to believehe had a hand in this production. The most unbearablething that happens in this piano roll recording is thesame thing that shows up in the "1812 Overture"recording- Rush ... Rush ... Rush. It makes one feellike the piano is going to throw the keyboard at themany given instant. The song needs feeling whenrecording it.

Jnsfrumenfs

THE AMPleo DEMOnSTRATIOn PIAnoBY ROBERT II. TAYLOR

In collecting reproducing pianos, we look for certaindistinctions in style, history, and size that make aninstrument unique. Seldom does one find a piano thatis so strongly unique as Ivan Shapiro's ChickeringAmpico - it's a full 9 foot concert grand piano!

This 1927 Chickering was built specifically to functionas an Ampico demonstration concert piano. Itspneumatic systems are a highly modified form of theordinary Ampico A mechanism. This is the onlyknown example of this type demonstration piano.

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To understand the pneumatic systems in this piano,we divide its differences into two categories. Thosecategories are "Operator Control" and "Performance."The "Operator Control" category has to do with theactual operation of this piano as a demonstrationdevice on stage and in concert. Apparently the factorythought it not desirable to have the "live" performingartist manipulate the Ampico controls. A remotecontrol system is installed. The remote operator canstop and start the note sheet drive air motor by meansof a pneumatically controlled shut-off valve. When theair motor is shut off, all other systems continue tofunction, only the note sheet is stopped. Two small5/32" control tubes are connected to a tap plate on thebass side of the piano.

Supposedly these would run off-stage to the remoteoperator's control panel. As the demonstration wouldtake place, the remote operator could stop and start themusic. There is indication that the remote controlcould do more than this. It appears that the remotesystem worked like a three-way light switch. That is,the note sheet could be stopped at the remote locationand then restarted at the piano and vice versa.

Category two of differences, "Performance," can bestbe summarized by saying the basic Ampico system ismodified to produce a more realistic "live"performance. To clarify this statement we mustunderstand that the normal home use Ampico "A"system cannot simulate full fortissimo concert hallvolume. The pump capacity is inadequate to maintainhigh stack pressure (over 30") while numerous notesare being played. (This can be observed on the test rollpump capacity test - true, the piano sounds loud, butas more notes are played, the maximum vacuumseldom is maintained over 20".) This deficiency isreadily discernible to the educated ear, particularly inthe concert hall setting. Thus evolves the reason forthe special high capacity pump installed in the 9 footChickering. Actually, the pump is a standard "A"pump that is turned constantly at a very high speed. Aspeed 80% faster than normal is achieved using largedrive pulleys. Two standard 1150 rpm motorssimultaneously drive the double pulleyed pump.Additionally, the pump is fitted with a special insidepneumatic which can completely close the spill valve.This results in very high vacuum pressures which canbe sustained through almost all musical passages.Control of the pump pressure is part of an interestinglogic system which senses maximum volume on thestep intensity scale (step 7) at either expressionregulator. Crescendos have no effect on this pumpdevice. When intensity 7 is set up on either expressionregulator, the logic system operates a valve whichcauses the pump to stop spilling its pressure. Areaction time of slightly more than one-half secondcharacterized the buildup of pressure to a full 65"!Actually there is a "limit" spill valve outside thepump that can be set. This limit device protects thepump from over strain failure.

Anyone who has studied the coding on Ampico A rollscertainly has noticed that the step 7 intensity is most

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frequently cancelled immediately after it is set up andused. Also, for more modest loud accents, the step 7intensity is set up just an instant before it is needed. Inthese situations the concert demonstration pianoreacts exactly as any ordinary Ampico. If the musiccalls for very loud playing, the maximum intensity(step 7) is set up well in advance (where possible) andis not cancelled until a decrease in volume is desired.From what we have already discussed, it can be seenthat original Ampico A rolls will, through a time delaycoding scheme. trigger the appropriate increase ofpump pressure in this 9 foot piano. Where normalAmpicos vary the pump pressure typically between20" and 30" based on normal amplifier operation, theChickering Concert Grand will vary between 20" and65" vacuum. It should be noted that the 65" is also thestack pressure since one or both regulators are atmaximum volume. The results are phenomenal. Nodecay in maximum playing volume is discernibleduring high demand situations. On some rolls thepump pressure is increased by the bass regulator eventhough no bass half of stack notes are being played. Inthis situation the maximum volume can be quicklytriggered in the treble, when needed, with almost nodelay. (Duo-Art buffs can identify with this.) Of course,it will work using the treble side to set up for loud bassplaying in the reverse situation.

An example of such coding is Roll #59943-H "Wotan'sFarewell," played by Dr. Cornelius Rybner. The verybeginning of this roll sets maximum intensity in thetreble before any notes are struck. The first chord isonly in the bass at intensity 5 followed by a secondchord in both bass and treble sections at intensity 7.The time between setting the maximum trebleintensity and its actual use is one second.

A more common roll, 57504-H ("A" coded)Rachmaninoff's "Prelude in C Sharp Minor,"repeatedly sets maximum intensity in the treblesection when no treble notes are being played ­presumably all for the purpose of driving the pump tomaximum output for instantaneous use in the basssection. Perhaps one of the strongest examples of timedelay is 51116-H, "Scherzo" played by Godowsky, Onthis roll intensity 7 is set in the treble some five inchesahead of its actual use,

"B" coded rolls do not follow the same time delayscheme and therefore do not always make this pianoperform at its best. Although it is not widelyrecognized, B coded rolls in general do not play wellon "A" pianos. Compromises in the time delay codingmethod are part of the reason. "B" rolls are bestplayed on "B" pianos. Obviously, the demonstrationpiano was intended to use "A" rolls.

The original drawer on this piano also is modified.Unfortunately, the function of some of the devices area mystery. The "Brilliant" position of the modifyswitch arms the special pump spill override system.In "Medium" only the normal "A" amplifier system ison. In "Subdue," both the amplifier and spill overridesystem are disabled. No other subduing is possiblesince no reregulators are on the expression deVices.

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The manual treble and bass buttons are dummies anddon't even move. The "Ampico" switch is notconnected. There is nothing to connect it to since noexpression cut-out is installed. The repeat switch is amystery. The word "Repeat" has been removed fromthe handle. The handle is blank. It rotates a pot metalswitch which is also capable of being positioned by asmall pneumatic. There is no repeat primary valve inthe drawer. We guess that the "Repeat" switch wasused to control the air motor shut off alreadydiscussed. The remote operator possibly could resetthe "Repeat" switch. This is in keeping with our three­way light theory already mentioned.

Since the pump is capable of changing pressure soradically, the factory put an additional regulator in thedrawer supply. This is merely a modified air motorgovernor which keeps a fairly constant pressure to alldrawer components.

.As was mentioned earlier, two motors simultaneouslydrive the pump. Of course, space limitations under a 9foot piano pose no problem. Accordingly, four pumpmotors are mounted in the piano. Two AC motors andtwo DC motors. The belts are of different lengthsbecause of the mounting positions. The DC motorsapparently have not been used and the original leatherbelts stored above the motors look like brand newleather belts!

The restoration of this instrument is now complete.Currently, the original drawer is in storage and a "B"drawer has been fitted to the piano. The air motor shutoff device has been adapted to shut off the various "B"drawer components normally shut off during therewind cycle. With minor tubing changes the entirepiano can be returned to the pure original condition aswe know it.

We feel that no other reproducing piano matches thespectacular performances rendered by this ins­trument. The piano itself is in perfect restoredcondition and has a magnificent rich tone with greatclarity. The owner best describes its superb quality insaying, "It's alive!"

We are overwhelmed after an evening of listening tothis unique instrument. Truly, it is an evening of"Reenacting the Artist" on the "IncomparableAmpico."

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August, 1927. Contributed by John Semmens.

IGNAZ 'FRIEDMAN

:/.-:.......~-.._. " .. _~-: :: . Grand and

--==~~. ~.~~: ..;::----. - .-....:.- Upright Models

Records his interpretations exclusively for the

~ ~ ill) (ill 0 0 JTI IR( uS) S)

Pianola PianoPartial List ofDUO-ART ROLLS

Played byIGNAZ FRIEDMAN

6666 La Campanella6410 Viennese Waltz6991 Romance6556 Ballade in F Miner

(Chopin)6523 Don Juan Fantasia6407 The Erl King6531 Magic Fire Scene6481 Impromptu in A

Flat (Chopin)6616-6 Tannhauser Over­

ture

It will be of considerable interest to many people to learnthat Ignaz Friedman entrusts the recording of his inter­pretations solely to the Duo-Art Pianola. Nor is he alone."for the foremost living pianists, including Paderewski,Bauer, Hoffmann, Backhaus, de Pachmann, and Grainger,now record exclusively for the Duo-Art Pianola. It isan impossibility to play these recordings on any otherthan a Duo-Art. Every class of music, from the highestclassic to the latest and most popular dance selections,played by the greatest artists of the age", are availablein the Duo-Art music library. The Duo-Art is availablein a wide range of prices. Your present piano will betaken in part exchange, and convenient terms of paymentmay be arranged.

Th~ Aeolian Company (Aust.) Ltd.123 S'VANSTON STREET (Opposite Town Hall)

Manufactur~rs of the Vocalion -- The Supreme PhonographALSO AT MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE; AND BRISBANE

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August, 1928. Contributed by John Semmens.

THE WONDERFUL

AMPICOWhat MOISEIWITSCH

Says-.. Not until I heard the Ampico

did I feel the inclination to make records.

After hearing the first record I made with

you, Ravel's 'Jeaux d'eau,' I was amazed

at the really wonderful results achieved

and I unhesitatingly say that the

finished record proves a triumph for the

Ampico. "

Pianists of World-wide Fame play with aneffortless charm, and faultless technique,never attained by even ordinary goodpianists, so THE AM PICa PLAYERPIANO, actually re-enacting the playing ofthe greatest living artists, likewise is differentto any ordinary player. Its weird interpre­tation is always a revelation to those whohear it.

Call to-morrow and hear it. You will atonce appreciate its irresistible charm andbeauty.

Catalogue Mailed on Request

CARNEGIE'Si06 ELIZABETH STREET

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PTY. LTD.MELBOURNE

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Jarod Clark at his Knabe.

L. to R: The Haworth's house guest, Bernice Carnes,Tom & Judy Haworth.

Mrs. Smith played some Bach, some Chopin, aBeethoven sonata, and three pieces by Cyril Scott.

After the concert, Alf Werolin, who had arranged tohave Mrs. Smith come to play for us, interviewed her.She told us that she had started singing in Columbus,Ohio, at age four, with her father playing the piano forher. She saw another little girl dancing and decidedshe would dance also - to the surprise and dismay ofher parents who didn't approve of dancing. She thenstudied piano seriously and made her debut at age ten.Mrs. Smith later attended the Yale Music School and inthe early 1920s she started making rolls for Welte­Mignon. She made fourteen rolls for them.

It came to light that Mrs. Smith also writes music. "Iperiodically break out and compose something," shesaid. A piece she did for cello and piano won an awardfrom the Texas Composer's League. Unfortunately,she has never recorded any of her own compositionsfor Welte.

After the concert and interview, food and champagnewere served. Jarod Clark then entertained us byplaying the Knabe himself and Dennis Minear finishedout the evening's entertainment by playing music fordancing and listening on the Allen organ.

Ever since the meeting at San Antonio, Howie Koffthinks he's a Texan - or as he refers to himself - "a

Alf Werolin and Ruth Smith let us in on a secret. Whilechatting, on their way in from the airport, theyaccidentally discovered that they worked togetherfifty years ago. Ruth Bingaman Smith was thenplaying the piano on the mezzanine of a theater whereAlf Werolin was the Assistant Manager.

In 1970, at the first San Francisco convention, RuthBingaman Smith was made the first honorary memberof AMICA. She told us, "AMICA has been aninspiration to me to keep my music up."

fBali[ornia

RUTH BinGAMAn SMITHIn SAn FRAnCISCO

BY SHAROn BARTLETT

The Northern California chapter was honored onSaturday evening, August 18th, with a special concertby Ruth Bingaman Smith. Jarod Clark verygraciously hosted the evening at his wonderful"Portcullis House" in San Francisco. This beautifullyconverted warehouse, complete with Knabe Ampicoand Allen organ on a mirrored proscenium, was theperfect setting for such an event.

Two "Texans" together - Ruth Bingaman Smith andHowie Koff.

/

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Chandelier from old Fox Theater "growing" out ofguest Frank Shapiro's head.

drugstore cowboy," He showed up at the meeting incowboy boots and a bright red shirt with black stringtie. Ruth Smith was charmed by this and asked if shecould have a picture of them (two "Texans") together.

Pat and Francis Cherny at their Knabe.

The Chernys' collection includes a prized Knabe LouisXV Ampico A. The piano has been beautifUllyrestored. In the restoration process, one of the few CC­5 tape units made was installed. The capability of thepiano to be played by rolls and by tape wasdemonstrated. We also were able to hear National andSeeburg coin pianos.

~.

The largest turnout in years!

The Arnica Southern California Chapter held itsregular meeting at the home of Chapter President,Francis and Pat Cherny, in Cypress, California on theafternoon of Sunday, 19 August 1979. There was a wellabove average turnout due, no doubt, to the specialpersonal telephonec invitations from Francis himself.There were a number of members that we hadn't seenin some time and a number of new faces. (Now ifFrancis had remembered to put out the chapter's guestbook, we would know who was there.)

The feature of this meeting was the annual President'sPicnic. The Chernys provided the main course whichconsisted of your choice of ham or chicken. Eachmember provided either a salad or a dessert. Therewas certainly plenty of good food.

Pat also gave the members and guests a tour of herextensive doll collection. Dorothy Bromage showedthe motion pictures she took of the McGroarty pianopresentation in June.

Our next meeting will be at Keith Reed's in LosAngeles on Saturday, 20 October 1979. Our finalmeeting of 1979 will be at Dick and Millie Riggs' in LaHabra on the evening of Saturday, 15 December 1979.

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<1RiladelpRia

The most recent Philadelphia Area chapter meetingwas held 23 September, 1979 at the beautiful, spacioushome of Betty and Rick Cooley in Hockessin,Delaware. It was a lovely, sunny Sunday and as wedrove around the gently rolling countryside I couldn'thelp thinking that it was the kind of day somethingvery special might happen.

Rick Cooley explains the 1880 Pasquale Barrel Pianoto Dick Price and Bob Taylor.

And so it did-we saw the Cooley's collection! A moreenthusiastic family I have rarely met. Betty does therefinishing and their seventeen-year-old son eventried his hand at rebuilding a pumper. To paraphrase a

Fay and Clark Cressman enjoy two of the Cooley'smusical boxes.

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saying - "The family that pins together winstogether" (eat you heart out. Madison Avenue).

The Cooleys have a large collection (I told you theywere enthusiastic): Franklin Ampico grand (1926);Weber Duo-Art grand (1921)-which used to belongto aDr. Thigpen who wrote The Three Faces of Eve;Marshall & Wendell Ampico upright (1925); PasqualeBarrel Piano (1880): Aeolian Style 1500 player organ;Leonard pumper rebuilt into a nickelodeon; FisherAmphion player (being rebuilt into accordion/pianowith pipes); several foot pump player pianos:miscellaneous disc and cylinder music boxes.

Betty Cooley, Dick Price and John Berry look at theCooley's 1926 Franklin Ampico.

Chapter president, Mike Naddeo, gives a well deservedhand to Betty and Rick Cooley while Len Wert andJohn Berry look on. Note the reconstituted Leonardbehind Mike!

Photos by Allen Ford.

That sounds like a full-time collection! But Betty hadtime to spread some lovely food for us-which wedutifully ate with great gustatory pleasure.

Because this was the first meeting of the season, wechose next year's officers (to take office at Christmas).

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President and vice-president: Len Wert and HarvardWood. Secretary and treasurer: Beverly Naddeo andDoris Berry. Photographer: John Prinscott andReporter: Dick Price. Chapter Representative: BobTaylor. We are looking forward to their happilyworking together.

Our next meeting will be a week-end affair (not toorisque, I hope) which is open to all members ofAMICA; that is why I mention it here. Anyone mayjoin us, including friends, older children, etc. We aregoing to Harvey and Marion Roehl's in Vestal NewYork. It is about a five hour bus trip from ProspectPark (South of Philadelphia) where we will leaveBeverly and Mike Naddeo's house at 8:30 a.m. sharp,Saturday, Noverber 17. All of you are welcome. Pleasephone chapter president Mike N addeo (215-534-5393)before Wednesday, November 14, if you wish to go.

nEW JERSEY CHAPTER SKETCHESBY R. F. GROM"n

September 23 not only marked the beginning of Fallbut also marked the resumption of the N. J. ChapterAMICA meetings. For our first meeting the memberswere invited to Lyndhurst, N. J. to Paul Manganaro'splayer "Rehabilitation Center." Upon entering Paul'sshop the first thing one noticed was the barn boardscovering the walls, painted a Moravian grey I mightadd, which added a very interesting backdrop for thevarious instruments Paul has on display.

The coin piano which was constructed from an 88­noter with additions of drums, cymbal, tambourine,etc., seemed to draw the most attention, although theDuo-Art grand and restored 88-note upright each hadtheir share of admirers. My personal favorite of theday had to be Mary Lowenjinski's Jewish Apple Cake(sorry Paul). Music might soothe the savage breast,but as the saying goes, the way to a man's heart ...

After all the ooh's and aah's there was a brief businessmeeting concerning a musical program that thechapter is getting together, scheduled tentatively forMay 3, 1980. This program is a tribute to New Jerseyborn and bred Ernest Schelling, a famed pianist androll recording artist.

Adam Lowenjinski also demonstrated a very cleverroll repair unit which he constructed. He alsoexplained (with the help of Carl Thompson) a rolldrive mechanism for the "ultimate" coin piano. Thatman is a fountain of ideas!

The New Jersey chapter would like to welcome somenew members to the club. Frank Thompson, an organexpert par excellence and Doris and Bill Pilkey. I'msorry I didn't get a chance to talk to the Pilkey's atlength to find out more about their major interests inthe automatic musical field. Next meeting I shan'tneglect my duties.

Our next meeting is scheduled for October 21st at theThornbee's. Hope to see everyone there.

nEWS FRom THEnORTHERn LIGHTS CHAPTER

BY DOROTHY OLDS

The Northern Lights were "all aglow" when our thirdofficial chapter meeting was called to order onSunday, August 26, 1979. And with good reason, too,since many of those attending this meeting wereamong the 13 who attended the PhiladelphiaConvention. Reminiscing came easily, after viewingthe assortment of snapshots which our host, Tom aIds, "­had displayed on one wall. The pictures covered the"Philadelphia Story" from the river cruise through thehouse tours.

The OIds.

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Among the guests attending were Susan and JackChappell from Keewatin, Ontario, who are nowmembers of our chapter. Terry Smythe of Winnipegtold us of programs in which he has used hisinstruments to entertain at various public gatherings

./ in that area. Terry was accompanied by friend, CarolScott, and new member Arthur Galwin, of Portage LaPrarie, Manitoba.

Our official charter plaque, which was presented toRon Olsen at the convention, was conspicuously ondisplay for everyone to admire.

Bob Rosencrans at the Haines.

Since AMICAns rank high in music appreciation,there was a generous amount of -music to beappreciated. First of all, everyone listened to the Olds'Haines 5'2" Grand Ampico play, as any great Ampicowould play, with those invisible guest artists. Sincethere are sometimes small "defects" in old playerswhich only piano technicians can detect and correct,Gene Skarka, our very adept technician corrected onein short order. He also gave an excellentdemonstration on roll repair..

And, as usually happens wherever there is a playergrand. one can observe two or three bodies on the floorpeering up into the workings of that piano (and no onetook a picture).

Don Bemis Jones was kept busy snapping pictures ofthe group, some of whom were busy pumping thehomestyle Kurtzman piano in the Olds' "bar-room"which is decorated with old beer signs, lamps andfurnished with "Ice Cream Chairs and Table."Members also added their autographs to the alreadyautograph-decorated refrigerator.

Music poured from the Cremona nickelodeon #2, whichalmost had some individuals dancing. Tom alsoplayed a tune on his Tanzbar player accordion, whichtakes a lot of "armstrong power."

- 188-

Gene Skarda - Roll Repair Symposium.

A horse racing machine, which operates much thesame as a player piano, was demonstrated by Tom, ashe put coins in the slots for each horse. It has aperforated roll and pneumatics which activate thehorses. Of course there's no music, unless the sound ofcoins falling into the so-called jackpot, is music to theear.

There was some buying/selling/swapping and Trudyand Bill Maier took home a roll which seemed totantalize Trudy while it played on the Ampico.

I have been saving the best for last - we had the joy ofhaving Bob Rosencrans in our midst. Since he wasplanning a trip to Milwaukee at this time, we changed

L. to R; Arthur Galwin, Terry Smythe, SusanChappell, Ron Olsen.

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His astounding mastery of pedal and half-pedal effectswere ideal for Debussy. Though the playing wasdelicate, it could be heard anywhere in the concert hall.He had an exceptional tone and a great ability as amusical colorist and an uIJ.usual degree of subtlenuance. He never attacked the keyboard, but drew tonefrom it. Though not considered a great pianistictechnician, he had good pianistic equipment, makinghim capable of performing difficult works in a largerepertory. His tempo was accurate, poetic, expressiveand sensitive. His large hands easily played twelfths.

Large in physical stature, six feet three inches tall, hewas an enthusiastic mountain climber, and he looked.more like a puglist than a musician. But his hands '-...-/could create a pianissimo that was ethereal, casting a

Walter Gieseking was born in Lyons, France,November 5, 1895. His father was an entomologist whoplayed the flute and piano and his mother was a Berlinresident. His early life was spent in France and Italy.At the age of four Walter showed musical abilities andhis father made him practice on the piano and violin.At the age of 16 he enrolled in the HanoverConservatoire to study with Karl Leimer. Long hoursof practice prepared him with a technical foundationso secure that in later life he did not need to continuepractice; his study was with the eye and the mind. Theexceptional ability to quickly memorize, often acompostion memorized overnight, was an assetduring his many long and numerous tours.

Mr. Gieseking made his debut in 1920 and later playedthe 32 Beethoven sonatas in six recitals. In 1916-1918he served in the German army as jazz pianist andtympanist in the battalion symphony orchestra. WorldWar I, from 1914 to 1918 left him penniless and he gavepiano lessons. After leaving the army he touredextensively in Germany, Switzerland and otherEuropean countries, presenting contemporary musicseldom heard in those countries. His appearance inFrance introduced the works of Ravel and Debussy,the interpretation of the latter in which he excelled.

His American debut was in 1926 and then he made atour of Japan, South America and Australia. Then hebecame professor of music at the State Conservatoryof Music in Sarbrucken, Germany. When touringAmerica he introduced, with the Chicago Symphony,Emerson Whitherne's "Poem" for piano and orchestra.

our meeting date to coincide with his proposed visit.We made preliminary arrangements, while visiting athis home, following the convention. He arrived atDuluth International Airport at 12:15 p.m. and was metby Skip and Roy Scarlett, who brought him to ourmeeting.

Everyone had a chance to visit with him. He addedmany points of information to our meeting. Notonly that, he also gave us a rendition on the babygrand. At least there was one among us who couldplay the piano with his fingers on the keys.

Carol Maier tried, in vain, to befriend Fluffy the Olds'cat, but everyone made friends with the miniaturepoodles, Coquette and "Punkin."

L. to R: Bill Maier, Gene Skarda, Trudy Maier.

With background music from Dorothy's recentlyacquired music box, a buffet dinner was served, whichwas enjoyed by everyone, but especially Gene Skardaand Ron Olsen who returned for seconds, maybethirds, of "Gumphe" (meatball & sauerkraut dish). AlJohnson returned for more chocolate peanut-buttercookies. Following that repast, everyone enjoyed morevisiting, piano playing and relaxing on the grounds ofthe aIds' home overlooking beautiful Lake Pokegomanear Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Terry Goepel and his group finally said farewell andwith a few quarts of gas added to their half full tankthey were off for Minneapolis and Iowa. Bob spent thenight at the aids'. Tom took him to Hibbing the nextmorning to catch his plane to Milwaukee for a visitwith Pam and Doug McGee.

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~-

JJiograpRical81lefcRes

WALTER GIESEHlnGBY EmmETT M. FORD

~.

'L

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spell over the listener. His good health and eventemper freed him from idiosyncrasies and he had fullconcentration at the keyboard.

Mr. Gieseking composed a sonata for flute and pianobased on a theme by Grieg; a Serenade for string

../ quartet; music for three violins arranged on avariation of themes of German composers; a quintetfor piano and wind instruments; and songs. Hearranged Strauss' "Standchen" which has been well­recorded in an early phonograph record by Novaes.

His Mozart playing was considered true, but laterconception of how to perform Mozart's works changedattitudes toward it. Prior to the Mozart bicentennial, herecorded the complete piano works of Mozart, butcritics of the recordings did not feel he was the properinterpreter of Mozart's works*, in fact, most claimedhe excelled in Debussy,** Ravel, Schumann,Beethoven, and Brahms.

Wilhelm Furtwaengler had also been forced towithdraw from his engagement as guest conductor ofthe Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

On December, 1955 near Stuttgart, Germany,Gieseking was involved in a bus accident which killedhis wife and he was seriously injured. He temporarilylost his memory and there was fear that his handsmight be permanently impaired. Fortunately hisrecovery was complete.

In 1955 he was allowed to return to the U.S. and he gavea concert program devoted to the compositions ofDebussy in Carnegie Hall. It was a great success andwas attended by a large audience. The music criticHarold Schoenberg reviewed the program in glowingterms. Gieseking's authority on the use of the pedalmade him a Debussy specialist. He never overloadedthe works with pedaling so prevalent in otherperformances.

;'

He became ill after arriving in London to make somerecordings and was taken to the hospital after onerecording session. He underwent emergency surgeryfor pancreatitis. His death, from heart failure, cameFriday, October 26, 1956, just a few days from his 61stbirthday.

*Concerto No. 23, A Major (K488) with PhilharmoniaOrchestra, Herbert von Karajan, conducting.Columbia LX8894/7 (one of Mozart's greatestconcertos; most difficult to play; superlativeperformance by Gieseking; Mozart's own cadenza isused in the first movement. Review July, 1942,Gramophone Shop Record Supplement.)

**Preludes Bk 1, CLP ML 4537; Book II, CLP ML 4538,Children's Corner Suite and Suite Bergamasque, CPLML 4539; Images CPL ML 2188; Ballade, C LB97;Nocturne CL B 105; Danse & La Plus que lente CLX1146(Columbia recordings; after WWII).

After World War II, Gieseking suffered from intenseanti-Nazi sentiment in the U.S. and other countries.From 1947 to 1948 strong pressure was againstFurtwangler, Gieseking, Karjan and other German­born musicians. Gieseking, like other Germancitizens, had joined the Nazi party as was necessary inorder to live and have a career in Germany. Althoughhe had been cleared in his hometown of Wiesbaden bythe local de-Nazification board to the effect that he hadnot associated with Nazis and had avoided allcontacts, and although he had been cleared by the U.S.Government to concertize, in January of 1949 he wasforced by the protests of anti-Nazi associations tocancel a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall andhis scheduled U.S. and Canadian tours. He was takeninto custody by the immigration authorities after warveterans picketed outside Carnegie Hall. Making onlythe comment that he had entertained more Alliedsoldiers than Germans, Gieseking voluntarily agreedto leave the U.S. He hardly had any other choice, as hehad been notified by the immigration authorities toleave or be interned at Ellis Island pending anexclusion hearing. He returned to Paris by plane. Dr.

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GIESEKlnG(Great Concert Artisl Series)

REVIEWED BY EMMETT m. FORD

This small 32-page book is well worth the $2.00 I paidin 1963, ordered directly from the Swiss publisher. Thenumerous black and white, full and half-page photosby Roger Hauert, using a Leica camera, are mostinteresting in that they capture the concentration forwhich Gieseking was famous. There are photographsof Mr. Gieseking in relaxed moments possibly whenwith friends or talking to the author and photographer.The photographs are worth more than the price of thebook and I doubt if many have ever been printed andseen in the U.S.

The nine photographs showing Gieseking at the pianoin different views in his home and on the concert stageare excellent. One makes you wonder what he wasplaying. His eyes are closed and what an unforgetable

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experience it would have been for any of us. Studyingthe photos you realize he was truly a large man, withhuge hands, so capable of getting the marvelous toneand color. Not to be neglected is the text by BernardGavoty in large, easily read print. At the back of thebook is a complete listing of Mr. Gieseking'srecordings, all on Columbia discs and listed only forthe reader's guidance. The recordings are on 78 rpm, 331/3 long play and two are on 45 rpm.

(Gieseking, portraits by Roger Hauert, text by BernardGavoty, published by Rene Kister, Geneva,Switzerland, 1955.)

crecRnicalifies

Albert H. Fox of Australia writes:

I am writing to say how much I enjoy reading theBulletins of A MICA International. They have been lentto me by my friend, Mr. Graham Code ofAberfeldy ViaWalhalla Victoria, Australia.

In return of this pleasure, which has beenconsiderable, I am enclosing a small article that maybe interesting material for the Bulletin.

Having been an apprentice under German tradesmenwho came from Hupfeld, Beckstein and other leadingfirms, it was a great thrill for me to discover DavidBowers "Encyclopedia of Mechanical MusicalInstruments" which cleared up in my mind many ofthe items only told me in earlier days.

THE IMPORTAnCE OFPIAno UALUE TESTInG BY

AMATEUR PLAYER PIAno EnTHUSIASTSBY ALBERT H. FOM

It is discouraging to many beginners to work for manymonths on a player action only to find that the valvesleak.

It is said that it is typical of man to leave the hardestjob 'til last, and in the player repair field this can bedisasterous. Before recovering the pneumatics,retubing the top action, or even' buying the playerpiano, the condition of the valves should be known.Many people finish up having to take the job to theprofessional repairer who will quite often say it is apoor type of action and will need very careful repairsand regulating which means a considerable cost to theowner.

Testing the bottom action and top action can be carriedout in the following way. First, in the case of a pedalplayer, the bottom bellows should be tried. This can bedone quickly by putting the mechanism in reverse andholding the roll chuck. If the bottom action tightens upwithin three strokes of one pedal, then the bottomaction and various other components such as themotor and the governor can be presumed to be in goodcondition. Both pedals should be tried in this way toavoid having one leaky pedal feeder. Caution shouldbe taken in holding the motor because if extremepedaling takes place, it could break a motor arm awayfrom its pneumatic. Should the test need a furtherexamination, remove the motor hose and block off theair with a suitable sized ball of plasticine-a veryuseful aid to the player technician. If necessary,remove all suction trunking from the bottom actionand cover each inlet with balls of plasticine, or in thecase of small control tubing, a knotted piece of tubing,and make the test again.

We find that due to the age of player pianos, we arenow recovering more and more bottom actionscompletely whereas this was not so ten or twentyyears ago. Secondly, the valves of the stack or upperaction require testing for air tightness. To do this, thebottom action must be in good condition. It is a goodpolicy to have a spare bottom action that you know isin perfect condition to test the top action should thebottom action prove faulty.

The buyer may need some practice to do this andtherefore should take another enthusiast with him orbetter still pay a professional to do the test for him.

The procedure should be as follows: Cover the trackerholes with the start of a player roll. If not available, orif there is another annoying fault like the motor keepsturning, take the motor suction tube off and cover itwith a ball of plasticine. Then put a strip of insulationtape over the tracker bar holes. After pedaling threetimes on the one feeder, the valves, if in perfectcondition, will pull in tight, this is, of course, if thebottom action is in perfect condition.

Some brands of player take two or three pedals withboth feet to pull the valves into place, but if excesspedaling is required, it can be thought that the valvesare leaking and the valve plates reqUire cleaning. Thiscan often be done quite well without the renewing ofthe valve seat leathers.

At this point it will become obvious if the trackertubing is broken because notes will play althoughthere are no tracker holes open. If this is so, then afurther test should be made after the spool deck hasbeen unscrewed, or in the case of the tracker tubingbeing connected straight to the valve, these can becarefully removed and the nipples blocked off withknotted pieces of tracker tubing. When possible, thesenipples can be loop-joined together by one small pieceof tracker tubing to each two nipples. Do not putplasticine on the small nipples-either the trackernipples or control nipples. Scrap pieces of tubing onlyshould be used. Repairers should keep some good

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portion of old tubing for this vital test.

. If the valves leak, advice should be sought fromprofessional repairers or club advisors as to thedifficulty of servicing that brand of valve. Be careful togive full particulars such as make of player piano,

j type of action, any number on the piano case or playeraction and a description of the player actionaccompanied by a photo or sketch of details foridentification, Valves can and should be testedwhenever possible without even the pneumaticsattached. To experiment, this can be done on a sparestandard pedal as a club night technicality. Whiledoing this experiment the pedal pneumatic can betested by placing a ball of plasticine over the holes onthe pneumatic and trying to open or close it.

We carry out tests on all pneumatics, whether large orsmall, before reassembling to be sure they areabsolutely air tight.

Getting back to the valves, a valuable tip we havefound is to spray metal valve stems with a CRCpreparation 226 which frees up the movement of thevalves on the stems and allows them to find their ownseat again.

ELECTRIC ROLL DRIVE mUSinGSBY JOHn KELLY

I feel there is something that has been overlooked byjust about all concerned when it comes to paper-roll­operated mechanical musical instruments. Maybe youcould call it moving paper a better way. I introduce thefollowing information in hopes some inventiveengineering minds might find a useful way to adaptsome of its advantages to our hobby.

There is a type of motor available which is small,powerful, extremely quiet, can go backwards andforwards instantaneously, and has infinite variablespeed. It can go at a given speed, increase or decreasefor any prescribed amount of revolutions, and returnto its former speed or a new one if desired.

It is called a STEPPER motor. This motor is a D.C.pulsed motor which has a high torque for its size. Itcan do part of a revolution and stop with rotor lockedas a brake. This motor is driven by an electroniccircuit which generally consists of four drivertransistors with diodes for back E.M.F, a logic circuitto drive them (I have been told that a new chip isavailable from Sygnetics that contains the completelogic for driving the transistors) an oscillator tosupply the pulses (also a chip) and a low voltage D.C.power supply for logic and motor. If a variableresistor is used in the oscillator circuit the motorspeed may be varied.

The design hinges on the selection of a stepper motor~ which will be small enough to fit in the Ampico drawer

and replace the existing air motor. The electronics and

power supply can be scattered about under the piano.

The problem is to have enough catalogs on the parts topick out stock items that are readily available and willbe a lasting design for some time. This is the forte of anindustrial designer or parts buyer who has all thecatalogs and prices. Oh yes, this motor is not cheap,but it has no brushes and has ball bearings and shouldlast forever-but the one selected should be as lowpriced as possible. The advantages of this are:

1. On pumpers - less effort required to pump. A rocksteady speed independent of the pedal pressure and noneed to maintain a minimum pressure to keep the rollrunning steady so pumping can be much moreexpressive. The roll cannot slow down because of highvacuum causing it to stick to the tracker bar. Thespeed can be precisely set by the speed control hookedup to a variable resistor, or a new slider typepotentiometer can be used in the spool box.

2. For the Apmico "A", all Duo-Arts and Weltereproducers - The above applies also, except for theease of pumping naturally, and an additional benefitcan be applied to all. The new dry waxed paperslippage problem can be cured by incorporating anadditional fixed resistor in the oscillator circuit whichwould increase the speed of the motor to tighten up theroll between quiet sections. Design of the controls forthis is thrown out for grabs to those who can come upwith the best solution.

Using this in an Ampico "A" would give it ope of the• advantages of the later "B." (For futher details on thissee page 60 of Reenacting the Artist by Larry Givens)Also space would be left over so that a modem dayelectronic "Ampichron" could be installed if desired.But that is another story I don't want to go into here.

Finally, for those who go in for the unique, exotic orbizarre, driving two identical reproducing systemswith two stepper motors from the same control logicand using identical rolls would allow for the first timeever the possibility of having true stereo reproducingpianos. Don't all rush out now and buy a secondreproducer yet. Design the drive - remember you sawit here first.

3. For all orchestrions, new home-built orchestrionsand band organs - the spool drive frame could be builtwith two motors directly coupled to the shafts,eliminating clutches, gears, chains and dangerous andclumsy power take offs. This is 1979 and there is nopoint in slavishly copying old mechanical ideas if newones will work better, besides the space saved can beused to add more instruments.

The rewind can use a synchronous gear motor such asshown in the W. W. Grainer Inc. catalog No. 349, page92. The 100 RPM one should do. It can act as a brakewhen the roll is being played to give tension over thetracker bar. The motor is reversible so it can be usedon all types of spool frames regardless of direction ofrewind. The idling stepping motor supplies enoughdrag to act as the rewind brake if the driver transistorsare disengaged through a relay (just remove the drive

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voltage).

This would make a compact and easily built spoolframe. A switch would control which motor wasoperated. A control could easily change the speed fromselection to selection if desired. This idea is alsothrown out for grabs.

I hope someone will find some useful material in thisarticle to put something into production in improvedpaper moving systems for our players.

THE TRIBUNE, Tuesday, April 10, 1979

Climbing child tipped piano off dolly:An upright piano which fell and killed a

Morris girl on Satm-day had been left sitting on adolly on the stage of the Morris Collegiate gym­nasium, a witness to the tragedy's aftermath saidMonday.

Kathy Matczuk, a Morris housewife, said six­year-old Letitia Eleanor Henderson-Fraser andher small brother were playing alone in the gym­nasium at the time of the mishap.

The children's mother was outside the gymna­sium with Mrs. Matczuk, conducting registra­tion for a series of gymnastics classes.

"We just heard a crash and when we went inthe piano was lyilg on top of her," Mrs. Matczuksaid.

Police said the girl had apparently beenclimbing up the back of the piano when ittipped.

Letitia was prounced d~ad on arrival at Victo­ria Hospital. Mrs. Matczuk said she had a frac­tured skull.

She said the adults had kept an eye on the twochildren most of the morning but the mishap oc­curred during a brief period when they were un­supervised.

The piano had been moved to the stage in pre­paration for a community concert in which thelittle girl was to have taken part.

Mrs. Matczuk said the act, in which her ownchildren were also to perform, was cancelled·

Contributed by Terry Smythe.

Terry reports that a similar incident once nearlyhappened to him and that this story should serve as awarning to all who move these heavy instruments.

- 193-

nEW MEMBERS

Adrien & Astrida Bezdechi: 4001 N. Interstate Ave.,Portland, OR 97227. Mills Violano; H. F. Miller Weltegrand; 1972 Duo Dextra; Reproduco Piano-organ;Peerless Coin op.

Carl & Beverly Badgett: 4664 150th Place S.E.,Bellevue, WA 98006. 1928 Mason & Hamlin AAAmpico; 1928 Knabe 8' 10" Ampico. Referred by FrankAdams.

Louis and Judy Gibson: 1691 Poole Drive, Jackson,MI 49202. 1927 F.S. Cable upr plyr; 1926 Grinnell uprplyr.

Hal Kemp: P.O. Box 128, Rochester, New York.

Dick & Dottie Lamm: 400 East 8th Ave., Denver, CO80204. Knabe Ampico grand. Referred by Bob Moore.

Paul Manganaro: 121 Valley Brook Avenue,Lyndhurst, NJ 07071. Full time rebuilder. Referred byDan Schacher.

Don & Ruby Reimann: 18901 South Lyons Road,Oregon City, OR 97045. 1979 Aeolian plyr.

David & Gayle Severence: 1224 Toby Court,Clarkston, WA 99403. 1903 Wilcox & White AngelusOrchestral push-up plyr.

Donald & Gretel Stubbs: 68 Woodland Ave., Summit,NJ 07901. 1923 Kranich & Bach 5'8" Queen Anne Welte(Licensee). Referred by Les Gould.

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CLASSIFIED

FOR SALE: Knabe Ampico (1930), William & Mary. "A" with "B"drawer. Mahogany. 5'3"-$4,500. Telephone (415) 332-2459.Sausalito, California

FOR SALE: Pump and expression devices from a Marshall &Wendell Marque Ampico upright. $200.00. David Severance, 1224Toby Court. Clarkston, WA 99403. (509) 758-3484.

FOR SALE: 1924 Weber Duo-Art upright, $2.600; 1919 ChickeringAmpico upright, $2.200; 1934 Fischer Ampico B grand, $5.200. Allrebuilt within 5 years. Paul Zahtilla. 2991-26th Ave .. SanFrancisco. CA 94132. Phone (415) 731-4732.

FOR SALE: 1914 Weber grand 6'2" with art style walnut case­missing Duo-Art mechanism & recently fitted with Pianocorder,$2,950. Chickering upright Ampico, good unrestored conditionwith bench. stylish mahogany case, $1,650. Fischer Ampicospinet, top loader in good unrestored condition with bench, walnutcase, $1,500. All three for $5.600. Contact: William H. Stubbe,33 Erland Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790. (516) 751-5074.

FOR SALE: Christmas list. 1040 Duo-Art selections on 260program rolls. under $10.00 each. Ampico list available. Sendstamp for list to: Siou's Music, P.O. Box 24783, Okland CA 94623.

FOR SALE: Kimball Crest 42" Mediterranean Pecan consolepiano with matching bench. with custom-installed PianocorderReproducing System with 50 pre-programmed cassettes $3,450 ortrade for unrestored/restored coin piano of similar value. ElectricOrchestras. Inc. 1271 North Terre Drive. Libertyville, IL 60048.(312) 367-7996.

FOR SALE: Welte Vorsetzer in unrestored condition. Must sell.asking $800. Joseph Dzeda. 11 Court Street, New Haven. CT06511.

FOR SALE: STEINWAY DUO-ART XR, 6'1". SN#206499.­Purchased in 1921 for one of America's great historic homes.Removed in 1979; this piano and action was just restored byMarion Frazer in N.Y.C. to mint original condition. Hand rubbednatural mahogany case, new pins. new strings, harp reguilded, newSteinway hammers, flawless original ivories, soundboard is perfect(no marks. splits. or repairs) excellent bearing - and the beautiful,full. rich resonant sound that only comes from this vintageSteinway. Included is the original 75 roll collection. the original1921 Duo-Art tester and the original roll cabinet. $16.000. LesterL Wolff, 326 West 80th Street, New York, NY 10024. (212) 799­2649.

FOR SALE: Piano rolls, 25 DUO-ART. 25 ART ECHO and someother expression rolls, popular and classics, all originals. to be soldindividually. This is not an auction. For list send $1.00 to DianaKelly. 337 Amsterdam Road, Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec,Canada H9G 1P3. (514) 626-9762.

FOR SALE: MASON & HAMLIN AMPICO, 1926. 5'8" walnutcase. Original unrestored condition with bench and rolls. $7.500.Jim Chadwick. (215) 565-7382.

FOR SALE: Player upright reproducing piano, 1926 Haines Bros.Marque Ampico. Also 1931 Marshall & Wendell Ampico "B" grand,4'8" art case. William & Mary style. Both good unrestoredcondition. Call or write for prices. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High PineCircle, Concord; MA 01742. (617) 369~523.

FREE LISTS: All types rolls. cylinder records and machines.Discs, cobs. sheet music. catalogs & literature. Mechanical musicand much more. Our 21 st year ... VI & S/'S ANTIQUES, 8970 MainSt., Clarence, NY 14031.

FOR SALE: World's largest stock of music boxes, nickelodeons,orchestrions. band organs. organettes. Also tremendous selectionof rolls and discs. Slot machines, arcade machines. old posters,cash registers. clocks. Large illustrated catalog $5 (subscription$15 for next 6 issues). Or. send for free brochure describing ourstock and services. Complete worldwide shipping facilities. Or.visit us. Just 15 minutes from Disneyland. American InternationalGalleries, 17792AB Fitch St., Irvine, Califomia 92714 (714) 754­1777.

FOR SALE: Player upright reproducing piano. 1926 Haines Bros.Marque Ampico, good unrestored condition, $2.500.00. Alsocomplete set of Ampico parts from 1923 Chickering grand,unrestored. $1,000.00. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle.Concord MA. 1- 617-369-8523.

SCOPITONE- 159-page manual filled with the history,schematics, film listings, and restoration hints for the French andAmerican Scopitones. Regularly $29.50. Current sales promotion$16.50. I also have American machines available for sale. GeroldKoehler, 1002 Forest, Joplin, MO 64801. (417) 781-2120.

MONTHLY ROLL AUCTIONS: Reproducing 88/65-note, plusmusical miscellany. Specify interests. Mike & Fred SchWimmer,241 Harbor, Glencoe IL 60022.

AUCTION: AMPICO, DUO-ART, WELTE & 88 NOTE ROLLS.SHEET MUSIC: 45 & 78 RPM RECORDS. WRITE FOR LIST. I. L.CORDELL, 2240 LORAIN ROAD, SAN MARINO, CA 91108.

TRADE: Miscellaneous Ampico A and B parts for"original copy of"Knabe - The Piano Beautiful." (See page 99 of Re-Enacting theArtist by Larry Givens). Dick Howe. 9318 Wickford, Houston, TX77024.

WANTED: Urgently want for immediate confidential cashindividual music boxes, nickelodeons, orchestrions, as well ascollections. Immediate decision. immediate payment. And. we takecare of shipping. Send a Polaroid snapshot and brief description ofwhat you have. Thinking of selling? Think of AlGI. AmericanInternational Galleries, 17792AB Fitch St., Irvine, California 92714(714) 754-1777.

BUYING: AMPICO. DUO-ART. WELTE & OTHER TYPE OFROLLS. DESCRIBE AND PRICE. ALTMAN 8970 Main Street,Clarence, NY 14031.

WANTED: Player piano. "fixer-upper." any repairable condition.Stanley. 8776 Elden St .. La Mesa. CA 92041.

WANTED: Collector pays realistic prices for: Grand/baby grandplayer pianos • nickelodeons • circus organs • large music boxes •etc. Any condition. Send want list. I can find you anything. PaulManganaro. 121 Valley Brook Ave .. Lyndhurst. NJ 07071. (201)438-0399.

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.. . Music 80xes

.. . Nickelodeons

~~~~~;::::~~;::?~j

~A nice reproducing piano is a wonderful item to own. There is $5,995. You had better telephone for this one! It is stock #7- ~no "selling" needed on this point to AMICA readers! The WEL-101. Then there is a beautiful upright Welte Mignonwriter of these paragraphs has in his home two reproducing reproducing piano, stock #7-WEL-8915 at $2,795. Then therepianos, a Duo-Art and an AMPICO. Scarcely a day goes by is a museum-quality Steinway Vertigrand, asimply marvelouswithout the playing of Gerschwin, Rachmaninoff, piano, stock #7-WEL-0962 at $5,995.

)( Paderewski, and other famous pianists filling the air. For an )(

)( evening with friends a nice long-playing "dinner music" roll, Shl·ppl·ng? lXwith the piano set on "repeat," fills the bill nicely. If we cannot ••• •get others. we would not sell our Duo-Art and AMPICO pianosfor three times the market price, or ten times, for that matter. Here at AIG we have a complete shipping and packing service

to deliver to you at low cost a reproducing piano or otherHere at American International Galleries we have a simply instrument to any location in the world.marvelous stock of reproducing pianos. The conditions rangefrom nice and restored to fully restored. Our new catalogue

~#13 describes many of these. Forexample, we have a beautifulFischer studio upright AMPICO. stock #7-AMP-1978, at

$3,495. As you may know the studio size is very rare. Then Drifting away from reproducing pianos, let's talk about musicthere is a Chickering model A AMPICO grand, stock #7-AMP- boxes for a moment ... Among all American-made music2001, at $4,200. Another Chickering, stock #7-AMP-2005, is a boxes the most famous is the tall and ornate Regina 27-inchrestored upright and is ready to place in your living room and automatic changer which stores 12 discs and plays them in )(

)( entertain you. The price? $4,995. sequence each time a nickel is dropped - or, if desired, any X)( particular tune can be selected at will. Marketed around the ~

turn of the 20th century, these were the first popular "juke· . . More Ampicos boxes." We have two nice specimens, stock #4-REG-68-6106at $11,995, and stock #4-REG-68-7801 at $12,995. Each

An Art-style Haines Model A AMPICO with some model B occupies a full-page photograph and description in our newmechanisms (completely original), stock #7-AMP-4006, is catalogue #13. Then there is a beautiful 27-inch upright, non-yours for $5,495. With it, as is the case with the other pianos changer, restored by Dwight Porter, stock #4-REG-68-8007 atmentioned here, comes a nice "library" of music rolls. A $9,995. Do you have a hallway that needs "something special"Knabe model B AMPICOgrand is yours for $9,995. If you can't in it? How about a Symphonion grandfather's clock completewait for your copy of the catalogue but want to telephone us with musical mechanism, and in a case with so many carvingsabout it, ask for stock #7-AMP-6130. The same goes for stock and ornate trimmings that you can't count them all! Standing#7-AMP-5670 at $11,995, a marvelous Chickering AMPICO 79 inches tall, this is just the thing for a beautiful home. Itmodel B grand. comes with a supply of discs and costs $7,995. Stock #4-SYM-

30-4183.

· . . and Duo-ArtsAmong Duo-Art reproducing pianos, we have a nice Stroudupright, stock #7-DUO-1977, for a super-bargain $1,495. This If nickelodeons and orchestrions are your cup of tea, howpiano was purchased by us in Maine and is offered FOB atthat about a snappy little Cremona A-roll piano, just ready to takelocation. A restored Stroud Duo-Art upright, stock #7-DUO- nickels once you restore it, stock #5-CRE-1560 at $33,995?2004 is offered at $4,995. A Weber Duo-Art grand, stock #7- Then there is an elaborate Hupfeld orchestrion with animatedDUO-2006 is yours for $4,995. Or, if you want a beautifully effects on on the front, stock #5-HUP-254, at $9,975. A bitrestored Weber Duo-Art reproducing grand, we suggest stock further up in the price scale is a superbly restored Hupfeld#7-DUO-3105 at just $9,975. Ready to set up in your living Synfonie Jazz orchestrion, model 19, one of just a few knownroom and enjoy is a splendid art-style weber Duo-Art to exist an instrument containing all sorts of jazz items -

~reproducing grand, stoc.k #7-DUO-4481, at $10,995. For the piano. ~andolin, saxophone, lotus flute, ,fox trOt bells. andAMICA member with some parts, we offer an upright Weber other things _ all ready to go! The price is just $49,750, andDuo-Art with the pump and expression mechanisms missing, the stock number is #5-HUP-9683. By the same maker,stock #7-DUO-311 at $995. Before we leave Duo-Art we Hupfeld. is a potentially magnificent Helios 111/42 orchestrionshould also mention stock #7-DUO-2005 at $6,995, a nifty needing complete restoration. Stock #5-HUP-8852. JustSteinway model XR grand. $29,995, a true bargain if we've ever seen )(

)( one. Restored, this instrument should X

~)( easily bring close to $200,000! Also by l· . . and Welte Hupfeld is a splendid, magnificent, and

thrilling Helios III in the incomparableWhat about Welte? Well, we have lots of Style JV oase, stock number #5-HUP-9998those too! How about a classic cabinet- at $125,000. The price is not one to bestyle keyboard less Welte, stock #7-WEL- sneezed at exactly, but on the other hand,4100, at $3,750? Or, a beautifully restored you'll have one of the world's greatest ~

~Welte Vorsetzer wh Ich has been modified orchestnons. And, compared to the pricesto have two tracker bars so that it uses many antique cars and other things haveonglnal "red" Welte rolls as well as Welte been bringing, it doesn't seem to be all(Lice,:!see) rolls. Ready to go, it IS just that costly.

)(~~)(X~~)(X~~)(X~~X

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·~X~;:"Od'O"W;::~~h~9"?J""t:X~==::::=::h:~'~~)(give an indication of how extensive our stock is, we mention we have never heard of another. It is an Aeolian Duo-Artthat we have two really nice condition National coin pianos, Orchestrelle - an Aeolian reed organ which takes the Duo-

-'~ stock #5-NAT-1110 at $7,950 nearly completely restored; Art organ rolls. It is in an ornate case as well and is stock #9- ~another, stock #5-NAT-1111 at $4,995, and what may be the AEO-110 at $12,950.bargain of the year, a real fixer-upper National, stock#5-NAT-1115 at just $2,495. Before we leave the subject of pianos let's ,mention one which is not automatic; a tall "giraffe" piano with ••• and more.the strings above the keyboard, with the top case ornately

w carved and looking like a harp, dating from the 19th century Do any of these instruments sound interesting or enticing? 'W

A and quite a bit like one we saw priced a few years ago at Well, we have just treated you to the tip of the iceberg. For ,....)( $12,000. AIG's price is just $2,995! everyone instrument mentioned we have a dozen or two )(

~dozen more "back home" in stock. Plus, we have a vast array ~

Come to think of it, although we mentioned a few large of slot machines, arcade machines, trade stimulators, cashHupfeld orchestrions, we didn't mention some smaller ones. registeril, clocks, and other mechanical gadgets, plus someWe have in stock, fully described in our new catalogue #13, a non-mechanical ones too, such as old-time movie postersandsuper Wurlitzer style BX with automatic roll changer, a vaudeville posters. While most AMICA members haverestored Seeburg style G with some of the most magnificent purchased from us by telephone or through the mail, we do

~art glass we have ever seen, a Link style C, and many others. invite you to visit us in person. We are located just 15 minutes ~

south of Disneyland by car and are open Tuesday throughSaturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You'll enjoy seeing our huge stock ofinstruments, browsing through and selecting from thousands

.. . Organs Galore! of rolls and music box discs, and hearing afreeconcerton theimmense (24 feet wide by 18feet high) "Taj Mahal" organ. One

~Are you a fan of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey? If so, word of warning: we encourage you to come early for you ~

how about checking over our selection of fairground organs simply can't cover everything in a short time!and calliopes? They certainly are a lot of fun!

Speaking of organs, if you like classic organ music and want ••• new cataloguean instrument which is one of the most spectacular we haveever seen (but is not a player) then here is an item whictiyou For the moment, unless you are planning to come to Southern

~should telephone us to reserve - not tomorrow but right this California on pleasure or business soon, the best way to get ~minute! Made shortly after the turn of the 20th century by acquainted is through our new catalogue #13. If you are onEstey, the instrument has a full pedal board, two keyboards, our mailing list, many if not most AMICA members are, you'lland is in one of the most "splendiferous" cabinets we have find your copy in your mail box sometime in November orever seen. The front is richly ornamented with golden rows of December. If you're not on the mailing list, here's what to do:display pipes. We image that an organ like this if built today send us $5 (which is half of the $10 cover price) and we'll send

~would cost the best part of $20,000, and even then you you a copy while supplies last. GUARANTEE: If you don't find ~probably would not be able to have it made as ornate. Another this to be the most interesting, most bargain-filled, mostnice feature is that it comes with a 110-volt blower so that no value-packed catalogue you've ever seen, just let us know andspecial electrical wiring is needed. Also. it is self-contained - we'll refund your money - and you can keep the catalogueyou don't have to put it in an organ chamber but can set it out free! So, you can't possibly think of a guarantee stronger thanin a room (although a rather large room is required!). Would this' You can't lose a thing, but you can gain quite a bit - by

)( you believe just $2,995? Stock #10-0RG-1853. This item is learning of all these wonderful instruments for sale. And, in )()( offered FOB New Hampshire, where we bought it. addition to the ones listed in the catalogue, others are )(

~constantly coming and going - our stock is always changing. ~

Do you have a large castle or palatial mansion? If so, we have Here is the best thing to do, even better than sending us $5 forthe Aeolian Orchestrell player reed organ to match! Actually, a copy: send us $15, and we'll send you our next six copieswe have two of them, both in French cases. These are of the (including issue #13) as they are published.very large Solo Orchestrelle format and take two types of rolls,the regular 58-note rolls as well as the Solo 116-note rolls. We For many years we have supplied beautiful instruments tocan't imagine that any fancier organ cases could exist. The AMICA members. We would like to become acquainted with

~first one, stock #9-AEO-510 is yours for $8,995, while the you. Bonnie Tekstra, Dick Rigg, Mary Chadwick, and Bob ~second, stock #9-AEO-625, is yours for $9,995. Also in stock Raggio look forward to your letter, telephone call, or visit.

A . 17792-AB Fitch)( mer1can Irvine, California 92714 )()( Tel (714) 754-1777 )(

~ International ~,~~~~1~::~" ~~ Galleries, Inc. gl'~~~d'~~:;;' ~)(~~)()(~ e1~)()(~~)()(~~)(

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."-../

Model 2610. Model 2611

As AN INTRODUCTORY OFFER TO TRY OUR NEW SPOOL FRAMESPLAYER PIANO CO. IS OFFERING THEM AT A SPECIAL LOWPRICE, BEGINNING oCT.15, 1979, AND ENDING FEB. 1979!

We think you'll appreciate the engineering that went into these frames.The easy adjustments, the smooth operation, troublefree tempo control,precision construction. It will not go into reroll when the trackerbaris uncovered, so you can change rolls even while it's running. And theyare not fooled by vacuum fluxuations or power failure because they usea foolproof mechanical latch, which can also be operated manually dur­ing testing. An idler tab is also provided- for those who have so manytimes wished they had one! And it rerolls in only 40 seconds!

AND NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME- TO MEET MANY REQUESTS FROMOUR CUSTOMERS- WE CAN OFFER A SPOOL FRAME DUPLEXING KITWITH THE PURCHASE OF TWO SPOOL FRAMES, FOR ONLY $38.50.THE PERFECT ANSWER TO DOUBLE EVERYONE'S LISTENING FUN!In the normal- sized piano, you can place two spool frames side byside and still have room for a suction box and a blower box~

Model 2610 Model 2611SPECIAL LOW PRICES------ $300.00 @ $315.00 @(we will soon be able to supply special spool frames to your order)

PLAYER PlAR8 C8. nm?04. East l)ouglas Wichita. Kansas., 67202

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t

I

RARE PARTS FOR SALE!

1) Stack for Steinway grand Duo-Art.

2) Stack for grand Duo-Art makeunknown- send division of stack.

3) Duo-Art spool box (g rand).

4) Duo-Art pump & electric motor.

5) Stack for Ampico upright(possibly Baldwin).

6) Complete player mechanism forSteinway upright.

WILL SHIP ANYWHERE

Call 518-966-4459

WANTED - AMPICO A GRANDWill trade for best AMPICO A GRANDoffered, a complete FILM COLLECTORS II

COLLECTION consisting of the following:

One lot, approx. 100,000 ft. 16mm soundfilm, color & B & W features and featurettes& collectibles from the 50's B & WTelevision. All film in cans. $3500 marketvalue.

One professional FILM CLEANING &LUBRICATING MACHINE with supplies,value $950.

One 16mm EDITOR, value $150.

One BOLEX 16mm SOUND PROJECTOR,optical & magnetic sound, replacement costover $3000.

One 16mm CINEMASCOPE LENS (for widescreen format) value $250.

ELLSWORTH O. JOHNSON364 Coeurdalene St., Spokane, WA 99204

Phone 509-624-7978.

CUSTOM MUSIC ROLLSANNOUNCES

A NEW ROLL COPYING SERVICE

Now you can order a recut of your favorite reproducing pianoroll. Our precision computer-controlled perforator will recutany standard nine-hole-per-inch piano roll. This includes 88­note rolls, AMPICO A, AMPICO B, and WELTE. All chainbridging is regenerated in the recut. Your copy will be cut on afine, dry-waxed paper, spooled with black spool ends andpackaged in a black Ampico style box. Most orders will beprocessed within one week.

Ordering Instructions:

1. If the roll needs repair, carefully patch it as needed.Uncorrected defects will be copied on the recut.

2. 'Send the roll insured special 4th class sound recordingrate. You must include your name, mailing address, andpayment in full calculated as follows:

Each title (up to 40') $20.00

Each additional foot over 40' 0.40

Postage and handling 3.00

(Extra copies $10.00 each + .20/ft. over 40' + $3.00 each handl ing)

3. Send to: CUSTOM MUSIC ROLLSP.O. Box 6247

Richardson, TX 75080

4. In the case of long rolls, be sure to include enoughpayment for the length of the roll. Any excess will berefunded with the copy. The length is measured from thefirst perforation to the end of the reroll hole.

Treat yourself to a great Christmas present andorder a copy of your favorite roll now!

Texi. residents add 5%. Itllte .llel tax.

- - - -

II Since moving to a smaller home, I mustsell ...

Ampico Reproducing Grand 5'6",looks and plays great, with about 80rolls.

Duo-Art Reproducing Grand 6',walnut with about 25 rolls. Needsrestoring.

Marshall & Wendell player piano,needs restoring.

Write or call evenings:

John P. Hall8531 E. 81st TerraceRaytown, MO 64138

1-816-353-3123

I

t

t

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:.

GAIL BURCHAM4150 MEADOW WOOD ROAD

CARSON CITY, NEVADA 89701

(702) 883-2865

We purchase and restore a few choice Reproducing Pianos eachyear, seeking to bring these few instruments up to the fineststandards of restoration, to be enjoyed by myself and by otherswho have come to appreciate them as the magnificentinstruments they are.

Each piano is completely disassembled, and the case ismagnificently restored, including the polishing of all the brass toits original beauty. A new pin plank is usually fitted, the plate isreguilded, and the piano is restrung, including the installation ofhand-cut dampers. The action is then restored and adjusted to topMechanical Performance. Finally, the Reproducing System ismeticulously restored using the highest quality of cloths andleathers. All pouches, valve facings, cloths and electrical wire arereplaced. All player action metal is polished and all player piecesare refinished. The player unit is then properly adjusted to thepiano action and adjusted to assure the full utilization of itssuperb capabilities.

Our Workmanship is unsurpassed, as this is not a "ProductionBusiness," nor will it ever become such, inasmuch as we restoreonly a few instruments each year. Our Restorations are Works ofArt to be appreciated by those with the most exacting standards.

$25,000 each.

If I may be of any service to you or to others you may know, pleasedo not hesitate to write or call.

MASON & HAMLIN AMPICO MODEL B(walnut, high gloss)

.:i=5 STEINWAY DUO-ART, ITALIAN XR~

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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!PLAYER PIANO OWNERS -

RE-CUT YOUR STANDARD POPULAR ROLLS

'2500 PER TITLEADDITIONAL COPIES '500 EACH

NO MINIMUM ORDER OR QUANTITYThat's right! Now you may order just one re-cut of

your favorite popular standard roll (20-30 feet). Don'tpay for unwanted copies. Frayed edges are no problemfor us. We use a full quality, lint free, 3 pt. dry waxedpaper for our re-cuts. All old rolls are returned alongwith your new re-cuts - packaged in new boxes foryour protection and storage. Be certain to include anyspecial instructions for multiple copies. Allow 6-8weeks for delivery. No reproducing rolls at this time,please.

MANY SATISFIED CUSTOMERS!!

Clip and return wirh order -

-

STEINWAY DUO-ARTStyle OR (6'5%") Mahogany

Case excellent, Board perfect,ivories in mint condition,hammers U:G. Duo-Art needsrestoration.

CRAIG'S PIANO SHOPPETOLEDO, OHIO 43613

Name _

Complete Add,,'"

Total # Roll, to be Re-Cut

Total Additional Copie,_

1753 BALKAN PLACE(419) 726-1154

Phone 1--1----

x $25.00=$ _

x $ 5.00=$

518-482-1496

$5,200

Mechanical

,,

)

Po,tage & Handlin~ $ _ l.OO_~__

TOTAL ICheck or Money Order MUSTaccompany your orden $ __~_

SEND YOUR ROLLS INSURED AND SPECIAL4th CLASS SOUND RECORDING RATE

LOted moving & storage inc....1.M5 CLEVELAND-COLUMBUS-DAYTONu 513/461-5044

WANTED TO BUY

* Unusual or fancy roll cabinets.

* Quality reproducing pianos.

(Please send pictures and prices)

* Also want classic Welte, Ampicoand Duo-Art rolls.

OUR VANS ARE IN ALL 48 STATES

Bill Eicherc/o United Moving & Storage, Inc.1728 Troy StreetDayton, OH 45404 AllasVan.......

II

- -

flor the ,," ..Tuned and untuned percussions

for use in all automatic instruments

Single and duplex spoolframes

for AIG,and 0 rolls and all

wurlitzer scales

Custom fabrication in wood and

metal of one or a thousand parts

Piano and orqan supplies and

hardware

box_1094- ------,

8.3 m lubbock" texas~~~~~~l--7940~

Systems, Inc.

Page 28: THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN - Stacksjz783nn2040/16-09.pdfprepare your advertisement from your suggested layout at cost • All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the preceeding

Ampico or Duo-Art original rolls, classicalor popular, boxed, good playingcondition, no title choices, $85.00 perdozen.

Any ,defective rolls will be replacedpromptly.

MechanicalMusic Center;Inc.25 Kings Highway North, Box 88, Darien, Connecticut 06820

. Telephone (203) 655-9510

AutOR1atic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association

PUBLISHER

Tom BeckettP.O. Box 401807Dallas, TX 75240 .

address correction requestedreturn postage guaranteed

Nonprofitu.s. POS: . GE

P 0

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