Disklavier

My contribution of roll scan midi files to this group is within 
an overall effort to preserve the content of turn-of-the-century 
piano rolls.     While player pianos cab be repeatedly restored 
into perpetuity, the paper rolls upon which they depend cannot.  
These rolls are now a century old, and many are self-
destructing.

The player piano industry basically came to a halt with the 1929 
collapse of the economy, colliding with relatively cheap 
phonographs.    Had the player piano industry survived, there is 
little doubt that it would have evolved into the electronic 
player piano world so enjoyed by so many at this time.    The 
players may have been different, but the result would be 
similar.   Simply a product of normal evolution.

I have been associated with pneumatically operated player pianos 
for some 40 years.    My interest was provoked by attendance at 
a party at a friend's home back in the mid 60's, where there was 
a working player piano.    I had so much fun that night that I 
resolved I would find a player piano for myself.    I did and 
the rest is history.  

I could not possibly have enjoyed player pianos if it were not 
for the Automatic Musical Instruments Collectors' Association 
(AMICA).     Like the participants within this discussion group, 
the members of AMICA freely share information and guidance, 
about restoration techniques, tools and materials, and very much 
about the history and technical development of the player piano. 
I have been an active member for 34 years.

Many members of AMICA own not only pneumatically operated 
reproducing pianos, but also conventional player pianos, 
nickelodeons, orchestrions, music boxes, circus band organs, 
etc., basically most any form of musical instrument that will 
play by itself.    While the focus for many years has been on 
pneumatic technology, many members have taken a positive 
interest in solenoid operated pianos such as the Disklavier, 
Pianodisc, Pianomation and the Pianocorder.   It is quite common 
to find members having both kinds of pianos in their home.

A new contributor to my periodic upload of midi files from piano 
rolls is somebody in the UK who has a pneumatic player piano and 
a Disklavier.    He has also built a homemade piano playing 
device (a vorsetzer) he fits to his Disklavier, mounts a piano 
roll in it, and "it" plays the Disklavier producing a perfectly 
delightful midi file, complete with a full range of dynamics.    
My next upload will include some of his contributions.  

The feedback I'm receiving from the community of owners of 
solenoid operated pianos is not only heartwarming, but also 
encouraging.   Clearly this community is now experiencing, and 
liking, a whole new library of old music never before made 
available for these pianos.    There is a clear bridging of 
contemporary solenoid player pianos and century old pneumatic 
player pianos.

AMICA does not have a fixation on century old pneumatic pianos.  
At every one of our annual conventions since 1987, which 
featured then the very first MX100 to arrive in North America, 
there have been displays and demonstrations of solenoid pianos.  
Following every one of these conventions, open houses reveal the 
presence of more solenoid pianos.    

For at the least the past 2 conventions, Spencer Chase has been 
conducting technical sessions on roll scanning and demonstrating 
the results of using midi files to operate pneumatic pianos 
equipped with e-valves. 

Contemporary solenoid player pianos are every bit as important 
as the century old pneumatic player pianos.   Owners of these 
delightful contemporary instruments are encouraged to consider 
linking up with AMICA and enjoy the same sharing of knowledge 
and guidance.    AMICA has a web site at:

http://www.amica.org

AMICA has an annual convention.   The next is 30 June 2005 to 3 
July 2005.  Plan to attend.   You will not regret it.  

Regards,

Terry Smythe
AMICA Member since 1971

 
Terry Smythe                           204-832-3982 (land line)
55 Rowand Avenue                   204-981-3229 (cell)
Winnipeg, MB, Canada   R3J 2N6           smythe@...
Preserving our Musical Heritage
http://members.shaw.ca/smythe/rebirth.htm