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The AMICA BULLETIN AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6 AMICA MINNEAPOLIS 2005 L June 29th - July 3rd (TENTATIVE SCHEDULE)

Wednesday, June 29th

.:. Registration .:. International Board Meeting .:. Optional half-day sightseeing tour .:. Hospitality Room open .:. Pumper practice

Thursday, June 30th

.:. Welcome breakfast with Foshay Tower video .:. Foshay Tower and Mill City Museum visit /vintage bus shuttle .:. Lunch on your own .:. Heights Theater: Organ concert, movie and Miss Jane's Parlor .:. Dinner on your own .:. Pumper Contest .:. Hospitality Room open

Friday, July 1st

.:. Breakfast and James J. Hill House video .:. Pavek Museum of Broadcasting, Chain of Lakes tour, Ron Olsen's Residence .:. Boxlunch at Como Park Pavilion .:. Carousel, Conservatory, Zoo and amusements at Como Park .:. Transportation Museum tour .:. Scandinavian Smorgasbord and tour of James J. Hill House .:. Nicholson House (next door) for dessert, organ concert and fireworks .:. Hospitality Room open

Saturday, July 2 nd

.:. Breakfast on your own .:. Workshops .:. Lunch on your own .:. Mart and free time .:. Banquet .:. Hospitality room open

Sunday, July3rd

.:. Farewell Breakfast and Business Meeting .:. Optional Home Tours ISSN #1533-9726 THE AMICA BULLETIN AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association, a non-profit, tax exempt group devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated paper music rolls and perforated music books. AMICA was founded in San Francisco, California in 1963. PROFESSOR MICHAEL A. KUKRAL, PUBLISHER, 216 MADISON BLVD., TERRE HAUTE, IN 47803-1912 -- Phone 812-238-9656, E-mail: [email protected] Visit the AMICA Web page at: http://www.amica.org Associate Editor: Mr. Larry Givens

VOLUME 41, Number 6 November/December 2004 AMICA BULLETIN

Display and Classified Ads FEATURES Articles for Publication Letters to the Publisher Seven Popular Reproducing Piano Myths Debunked — 325 Chapter News Test Roll Project — 326 UPCOMING PUBLICATION Music Quotes - From Igor Kipnis — 327 DEADLINES The ads and articles must be received Piano Roll Box Repair — 328 by the Publisher on the 1st of the Rebirth of the Player Piano — Odd number months: 330 January July Agenda 2004 AMICA Board Meeting — 337 March September May November Overview of “Music a Mile High” — 355 Bulletins will be mailed on the 1st week Denver Convention 2004 — 357 of the even months. Amazing Photoplayers — Dr. Michael A. Kukral, Publisher 364 216 Madison Blvd. Terre Haute, Indiana 47803-1912 Phone: 812-238-9656 e-mail: [email protected] DEPARTMENTS AMICA International — 322 President’s Message — 323 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Publisher’s Message — 323 New Memberships ...... $42.00 Letters —324 Renewals ...... $42.00 Additional $5.00 due if renewed From Your Membership Secretary — 329 past the Jan. 31 deadline They Shall Be Remembered — 366 Address changes and corrections New Piano Rolls & Recuts — 368 Directory information updates Additional copies of Chapter News — 373 Member Directory . . . . $25.00 Classified Ads — 380 Single copies of back issues ($10.00 per issue - based upon availability) Front Cover: AMPICO Piano Roll - The Story of Christmas William Chapman (Bill) 53685 Avenida Bermudas Inside Front: AMICA Minneapolis 2005 La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 Back Cover: Denver 2004 Sheriff Jere DeBacker, Don Johnson, Bob Andersen (760) 564-2951 e-mail: [email protected] Inside Back Cover: Cosmopolitan Magazine Ad Submitted by Robin Pratt. To ensure timely delivery of your BULLETIN, please allow 6-weeks advance notice of address changes.

AMICA Publications reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any and all submitted articles and advertising.

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS CHAPTER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Mike Walter BOSTON AREA NORTHERN LIGHTS 65 Running Brook Dr., Pres. Bill Koenigsburg -(978) 369-8523 Pres: Phil Baird Lancaster, NY 14086-3314 Vice Pres: Bob Tempest Vice Pres: 716-656-9583 Sec: Ginger Christiansen Sec: Jason E. Beyer - (507) 454-3124 e-mail: [email protected] Treas: Karl Ellison Treas: Howie O’Neill PAST PRESIDENT Dan C. Brown Reporter: Don Brown Reporter: Dorothy Olds N. 4828 Monroe Street Board Rep: Karl Ellison Board Rep: Dorothy Olds Spokane, WA 99205-5354 CHICAGO AREA PACIFIC CAN-AM 509-325-2626 Pres: Carl Kehret - (360) 892-3161 e-mail: [email protected] Pres: Curt Clifford - (630) 279-0872 Vice Pres: John Mueller Vice Pres: Peg Kehret VICE PRESIDENT John Motto-Ros Sec: Thad Kochanny Sec: Halie Dodrill P.O. Box 908 Treas: Bev Spore Treas: Joe Pekarek Sutter Creek, CA 95685-0908 Reporter: Mark Smithberg Reporter: Kathy Stone 209-267-9252 Board Rep: Carl Dodrill Board Rep: George Wilder SECRETARY Christy Counterman SIERRA NEVADA 544 Sunset View Drive, Akron, Ohio 44320 FOUNDING CHAPTER Pres: John Motto-Ros - (209) 267-9252 330-864-4864 Pres: Bing Gibbs - (408) 253-1866 Vice Pres: Sonja Lemon e-mail: [email protected] Vice Pres: Karen Ann Simons Sec/Treas: Doug & Vicki Mahr TREASURER Wesley Neff Sec: Lyle Merithew & Sandy Swirsky Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros 128 Church Hill Drive, Findlay, Ohio 45840 Treas: Richard Reutlinger Board Rep: John Motto-Ros Reporter: Tom McWay 419-423-4827 SOWNY (Southern Ontario, Board Rep: Richard Reutlinger e-mail: [email protected] Western New York) PUBLISHER Dr. Michael A. Kukral GATEWAY CHAPTER Pres: Mike Walter - (716) 656-9583 216 Madison Blvd., Terre Haute, IN 47803-1912 Pres: Tom Novak - Vice Pres: Stan Aldridge 812-238-9656 Vice Pres: Bob Crowley Sec/Mem. Sec: Gary & Anne Lemon e-mail: [email protected] Sec,/Treas: Jane Novak Treas: Holly Walter MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY William Chapman (Bill) Reporter: Mary Wilson Reporter: Frank Warbis 53685 Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 Board Rep: Gary Craig Board Rep: 760-564-2951 – Fax 775-923-7117 HEART OF AMERICA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA e-mail: [email protected] Pres: Tom McAuley Pres: Frank Nix - (818) 884-6849 — COMMITTEES — Vice Pres: Robbie Tubbs Vice Pres: Richard Ingram AMICA ARCHIVES Stuart Grigg Sec/Treas: Kay Bode Sec./Reporter. Shirley Nix 20982 Bridge St., Southfield, MI 48034 - Fax: (248) 356-5636 Board Rep: Ron Connor Treas: Ken Hodge Board Rep: Frank Nix AMICA MEMORIAL FUND John Motto-Ros LADY LIBERTY P.O. Box 908, Sutter Creek, CA 95685-0908 209-267-9252 Pres: Vincent Morgan (718) 479-2562 TEXAS Vice Pres: Keith Bigger Pres: Jerry Bacon - (214) 328-9369 AUDIO-VISUAL & TECHNICAL Harold Malakinian Reporting Sec: Maureen Saboda Vice Pres: Bill Boruff 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI 48098 Corresponding Sec: Richard Karlsson Treas: Vicki Brady CONVENTION COORDINATOR Frank Nix Treas: Ira Malek Sec: Janet Tonnesen 6030 Oakdale Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818-884-6849 Reporter:Marty Rosa Board Rep: Dick Merchant HONORARY MEMBERS Jay Albert Board Reps: Marvin & Dianne Polan Bulletin Reporter: Haden Vandiver 904-A West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-4745 Newsletter Editor: Bill Maguire (805) 966-9602 - e-mail: [email protected] MIDWEST (OH, MI, IN, KY) WEB MASTER Karl B. Ellison Pres: Stuart Grigg - (248) 356-5005 6 Lions Lane, Salem, MA 01970-1784 Vice Pres: Liz Barnhart [email protected] Sec: Sharon Neff Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl Reporter: Christy Counterman Board Rep: Liz Barnhart AFFILIATED SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS ATOS website: http//stlouis.missouri.org/fsjoplin MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY 43 Great Percy St., London WC1X 9RA President - Fr. Gus Franklin [email protected] INTERNATIONAL England 6508 Willow Springs Road INTERNATIONAL PIANO Rosanna Harris, Editor PLAYER PIANO GROUP Springfield, IL 62707-9500 ARCHIVES AT MARYLAND 5815 West 52nd Avenue Julian Dyer, Bulletin Editor Phone: (217) 585-1770 Fax: (217) 585-0835 Performing Arts Library,University of Maryland Denver, CO 80212 5 Richmond Rise, Workingham, E-Mail: [email protected] 2511 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Phone: (303) 431-9033 Fax: (303) 431-6978 Berkshire RG41 3XH, United Kingdom Editor - Dale Baker E-Mail: [email protected] P. O. Box 51450 College Park, MD 20742 Phone: 0118 977 1057 Indianapolis, IN 46251-0450 Phone: (301) 405-9224 NETHERLANDS MECHANICAL Email: [email protected] Phone: (317) 838-9345 Fax: (301) 314-7170 ORGAN SOCIETY - KDV E-Mail: [email protected] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION E-Mail: [email protected] A. T. Meijer Division of Musical History AUSTRALIAN COLLECTORS OF INT. VINTAGE PHONO & MECH. Wilgenstraat 24 Washington, D.C. 20560 MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MUSIC SOCIETY NL-4462 VS Goes, Netherlands SOCIETY FOR SELF-PLAYING 19 Waipori Street C.G. Nijsen, Secretaire General NORTHWEST PLAYER PIANO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS St. Ives NSW 2075, Australia 19 Mackaylaan ASSOCIATION Gesellschaft für Selbstspielende 5631 NM Eindhoven, Netherlands DUTCH PIANOLA ASSOC. Everson Whittle, Secretary Musikinstrumente (GSM) E.V. Nederlandse Pianola Vereniging MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY OF GREAT 11 Smiths Road, Darcy Lever, Ralf Smolne Eikendreef 24 BRITAIN Bolton BL3 2PP, Gt. Manchester, England Emmastr. 56 5342 HR Oss, Netherlands Alan Pratt, Editor Home Phone: 01204 529939 D-45130 Essen, Germany FRIENDS OF SCOTT JOPLIN P. O. Box 299 Business Phone: 01772 208003 Phone:**49-201-784927 1217 St. Croix Ct. Waterbeach, Cambridge CB4 4PJ Fax:**49-201-7266240 PIANOLA INSTITUTE Email: [email protected] Kirkwood, MO 63122-2326 England Clair Cavanagh, Secretary 322 President’s Message The Holiday Season is upon us once more. Everyone is busy bustling around making last minute arrangements. The Christmas goose is nearly in the oven and the Hanukah candles are being readied. It is a time of good cheer, sharing gifts with one another, and for remembering the best parts of this past year. One of the most memorable moments of this year for us was going to the Denver convention in August. The weather was great, the scenery was fantastic, the musical instruments and workshops were “the best” and also unique, but most importantly, we had the opportunity to visit with fellow AMICAns who had also come to Denver for the very same reasons. In a way, the AMICA convention each year is very much like a holiday gathering. We get together once a year to renew old acquaintances, eat fantastic meals, share unusual sights with each other and pass on wonderful stories and information about a shared interest, the player piano. And just like December’s gatherings, when we arrive back at our homes after our convention, we are renewed, inspired and energized to do a bit more with our hobby, and for some, our passion. For those who have never had the time or opportunity to attend a convention, I urge you to take the plunge and sign up for one! You will never regret it. There are three marvelous opportunities for you on the near horizon: Minneapolis in 2005, Chicago in 2006 and Germany/Holland in 2007. Each convention will be entirely different from the previous one. Each location will offer a distinct flavor and will have many unique attractions such as the Mall of America, the SanFilippo collection, and all of Europe. How much more variety do you need? I am looking forward to seeing you at each one!

Best wishes for the holiday season! Mike Walter

P.S. - Please check the bulletin for a couple of new and exciting projects that are “in the works”!

From the Publisher’s Desk MerMerrryy ChrChrisistmastmas andand HappHappyy HolidaHolidayyss ttoo All!All!

The holiday season is here and I hope that the spirit finds you, one and all, in good cheer and in good health. The leaves have fallen and the snow is piling up as fast as Christmas rolls on the top of my player piano. Last month I hosted a group of continuing education senior citizens at my home for a program on the player piano and other instruments. It was a wonderful experience for all of us and I promised another session soon. Wine was served and the afternoon was a great start to the holidays for me. Common questions that were asked: “Where do you obtain rolls,” and, “Are piano rolls still manufactured?” I was delighted to tell my curious guests that piano rolls are still being cut for both 88-note players and for the big three reproducing pianos. How long will these rolls continue to be issued and reissued? The answer to that depends on YOU! As long as collectors support recutters and producers of music rolls, I imagine and hope that piano rolls will be available. Therefore, I suggest that you treat yourself and your friends to a holiday gift and buy some new tunes for that wonderful classic piano or other automatic instrument of yours!

Happy New Year to All! Mike Kukral, P.S. Does anyone have an entire roll of “Good King Wenceslas?” Publisher I have been looking for this roll for years and can only find this Christmas song included very briefly in medleys.

323 ETTERS

AMICA ANNUAL Dear fellow Amicans, Over the past few years my wife and I AWARDS NOMINATIONS have entertained many people from around the world with our Knabe It is time to submit nominations for the AMICA Annual Awards. If Ampico piano. But today was the most you know of a deserving individual, please make a nomination (include a interesting experience that we have ever had. We had three deaf people here, one brief summary supporting the nomination). Recipients must be AMICA American and two from Uzbekistan. members. The two awards are: They all wanted to know what those Leo Ornstein Award: Contribute some way in a literary effort to further things were in the long boxes in our roll cabinet. I pointed to the piano and they and promote the goals of AMICA, either by contributions to the all wanted to “hear” a roll. They were AMICA Bulletin or by independent books, articles, etc. Contribution able to “hear” the music by placing their must have been made during the past two years. hands on the sides of the piano as it played. They were all amazed and duly AMICA International Award: Contribute substantially to the promotion impressed that such a thing could exist. of automatic music and AMICA as viewed technically, musically, We who are hearing seldom thank archivally or from the perspective of the general public. God for the great gift of being able to hear. We hear music, cringe at loud noises, are lulled to sleep by soft Request that nominations be submitted to me as chairman of the melodies and sometimes wish we awards committee no later than December 31, 2004. Please contact me couldn’t hear when someone yells at us. if you have any questions. But don’t forget that there are many people who, for one reason or another, John Mottoros don’t have this ability. The next time AMICA Awards Committee Chairman you listen to your mechanical musical instruments, or even when someone yells P.O. Box 908 at you, thank god that He has given you Sutter Creek, CA 95685-0908 the gift of hearing. E-mail:[email protected] Vincent Morgan Electronic form of the “AMICA Technicalities”

The AMICA Technicalities - Our annually bound publication this publication to be made available in an electronic format. of the prior years' technical articles compiled from the Bulletin Sales of the printed Technicalities have been poor, so would since the early 1970's - are currently available for sale in paper these documents going back to the early 1970's be of interest if form. on a CD and searchable in a quality scanned form? The user An ad-hoc group is forming to consider the possibility and would use the CD to search an index of keywords on their feasibility of electronically scanning the existing Technicalities computer and be directed to the article of interest - and could for the purpose of: print out the article on their own printer if they wish. 1. Preserving them in a digital format If you feel you would be interested in purchasing the Technicalities in this form in the future - or have any 2. Indexing them so they're electronically searchable comments regarding to - or offers of help in this effort, 3. To provide them to members on a CD (or any future media) please email your thoughts to: at a reasonable cost - to be determined. [email protected] 4. To eliminate AMICA's cost of maintaining cases of paper that must be stored, periodically shipped to new ‘care-takers’ or post a letter to: every few years, and re-printed from time-to-time at Karl Ellison moderate expense. AMICA Scanning Project The AMICA Board is interested in a scanning/preservation 6 Lions Lane proposal, but would also like to know if there's a demand for Salem, MA 01970 324 By Jeffrey Morgan EVEN POPULAR REPRODUCING PIANO MYTHS DEBUNKED

1. The Ampico Model B was developed (and lower-salaried) editors like 5. The early metric T-100 Welte-Mignon as an improvement over the Model A; Valerio. While the new methods recording process had electrical/ and, there are no compatibility may have been more scientific and magnetic instant-replay capability problems with earlier rolls. accurate, a strong case can be made with expression. that artistry suffered at Ampico as a The Reality: The Ampico Model B The Reality: The inspiration for this result of the absence of Fairchild’s was frantically developed to myth was the mid-1950s development certifiably prodigious musical talents circumvent an infringement threat of magnetic bank-check-reading in the editing department. Where is from a phony patent (filed in Edwin capability culminating in the 1956 Valerio’s post-Ampico musical career? Welte’s name) concocted in the introduction of Rand model E-13-B early ‘teens by Tolbert F. Cheek for MICR ( Magnetic Ink Character 3. Tolbert F. Cheek was an ethical and George Gittens and, later, assigned to Recognizer). The E-13-B represented honest person; he was not in any way Gittens’ Welte-Mignon Corporation of some of the very first equipment an opportunist. He also was a genius Bronx, New York. Additionally, the commercially available to read bank in pneumatic technology. Model B was developed at the cost checks magnetically; it revolutionized of making obsolete Ampico’s The Reality: It seems Tolbert Cheek the banking industry and that was entire library of recordings due was a very ambitious man! His big news! to incompatibility between earlier employment and patent histories put The E-13-B was manufactured software (rolls) and the new hardware. him repeatedly at the epicenter of by the Rand Corporation of Santa much industrial espionage and patent Monica, California. Just up the road in 2. Ampico editor Angelico Valerio was exploitation. His pneumatic designs Hollywood (at 6906 Santa Monica a talented musician. indicate a very poor grasp of fluid Boulevard) was the headquarters of mechanics. While innately clever, his The Pacific Network Inc., which was The Reality: Actually, he wasn’t. persistent preference for non-linear the regional licensee of Muzak. He was trained by Clarence N. and inconsistent leaf springs indicates Muzak was also an innovator in Hickman to edit by rote. After large gaps in his command of magnetic technology. It pioneered the Hickman’s spark-chronograph was mechanics and physics. By doggedly production and distribution of musical incorporated into the Ampico adhering to inferior leaf springs, recordings in magnetic-tape format. recording process, the task of editing his patents reveal more focus on Muzak’s recordings were custom was formulized by Hickman circumvention than creativity. Most of tailored to manipulate large segments and entailed transferring spark- his patents are fully anticipated by of the population subliminally, e.g., chronograph readings to note designs patented previously by other retail shoppers, factory workers, office recordings. Such readings were individuals. employees, etc. The late Richard first converted by Hickman-derived C. Simonton was president of The protocols to Ampico dynamic 4. Charles Fuller Stoddard was a ruthless Pacific Network Inc. intensity values for each note. The thief of other peoples’ ideas. intensity values were then translated 6. The late Richard C. Simonton was a by Hickman-derived intensity scales The Reality: Quite the opposite! selfless champion of the Welte-Mignon. into (at first, 1926-7) Model A, and Stoddard was the victim of Tolbert from November 1927 onward, Model Cheek’s thievery connected with The Reality: It seems Simonton’s B Ampico expression coding industrial espionage, which occurred motives were not entirely altruistic. language, which was subsequently at the Auto Pneumatic Action Recent research and surviving written hand-perforated onto a trial roll. Company during the early ‘teens. evidence both indicate that Simonton Such new editing methods yielded Individuals who actually worked with exploited the Welte-Mignon by significant cost savings in Ampico’s Stoddard (Adam Carroll, Lewis producing and shamelessly promoting editing department as they were Doman, Clarence Hickman, & Carl (see myth number 5) phonograph much more efficient than earlier Schneider) all regarded him highly in records of the Welte-Mignon methodology employed by Edgar their later lives. Research suggests performing its recordings (rolls) Fairchild (Milton Suskind). Hickman’s that this myth stems from a deep- to audiophiles of the 1950s and ‘60s. new methods allowed Ampico to seated grudge held by Cheek (and Most latter-day scholars of the replace such highly skilled and passed on to his protégés) against reproducing piano agree that many of musically talented (read expensive) Stoddard for the tone of his testimony these Simonton-produced phonograph editors as Fairchild with less skilled in Interference #40,391. continue. . . 325 continued. . .

transcriptions of the Welte-Mignon are in the ostensibly altruistic guise of spring from an October 7, 1913, of highly questionable accuracy and, “archivists.” patent issued to Doman, which therefore, of little historic merit. The depicts a similar but cruder spring. late Harold C. Schonberg (long-time 7. Lewis B. Doman was the victim of Doman’s rudimentary application chief music critic for the New York Charles Stoddard; Doman was the real of this device does not anticipate Times) once remarked to this author inventor of the Ampico. Stoddard’s sophisticated, highly that such recordings set the cause of advanced and fully developed form. The Reality: Wrong! If not for the romantic-era piano music back some Even so, Doman’s patent is dutifully capital generated by George Foster’s 35 years! acknowledged as prior art in successful efforts (assisted by Additionally, what better way Stoddard’s patent application for Stoddard and Hickman) to sell the to feed Muzak’s voracious appetite the Ampico’s pneumatic spring. It American Piano Company (APC) to for new recordings than to acquire should also be noted that Hickman Bankers Trust in the spring of 1927, access to a sizeable mechanical-music appropriated more of Doman’s ideas Doman would never have been able to library of uncopyrighted performances? for the Ampico Model B expression retire and pursue his other interests Today’s parallel would be the system than Stoddard ever did for (pipe organ perforators and players). relentless mining (scanning) of earlier Ampico models. By the time of Moreover, Doman and Stoddard unprotected mechanical-music Model B development, Doman’s continued to exchange cordial libraries by Midi-obsessed techno- Amphion patent portfolio had long correspondence well after Doman’s opportunists whose pedestrian musical been the property of APC. In fact, retirement. tastes ill equip them to discern the Doman’s 1923 patent for the ArtEcho It is possible that Stoddard got damage they are doing to the borrows heavily from earlier Stoddard the idea for the Ampico’s pneumatic music they usurp…all while cloaked designs. TEST ROLLProject For many members of AMICA the bi-monthly bulletin and its great AMPICO What is needed: brochures are the only tangible souvenirs 61391 Model A Test Roll A variety of original test rolls of their annual dues. I would like to add 70403 Model B Test Roll for various instruments such as value to all of your membership dollars 70601 Model B Note Compensation Roll nickelodeons, violanos, pipe organs, etc, and also add to the enjoyment of your 55743 Installation Test Roll that may be borrowed for a short treasured musical instruments at the same 58434 Special Amphion Tester period of time. AMICA will try to time! “How can this be done” you may (uses part of roll # 50977) have a small supply of these rolls in ask? This can be done by offering to 50203 Ampico Tester stock at all times, so that if you find an AMICA members only, test rolls not “Special Staccato Tester” Apollo or an Orchestrelle in your town, available to anyone else. (uses part of roll # 201893) you can be fairly certain that we will While at the Denver convention, I was have a test roll for it. WELTE (LICENSEE) speaking with a couple other AMICAns Also, since we will be trying to make Bob Taylor's newly edited special test and they were bemoaning the fact that the rolls as close to original as possible, roll (that eliminates, I believe, the two there were no test rolls available for the original printing will be on the roll, persons in attendance problem) many automatic musical instruments. instead of on a sheet that can be lost. This I thought that our organization could RECORDO will necessitate doing a bit of printing possibly be a supplier of these rolls Test roll(s) from Bob Billings with a wide carriage printer. If anyone to many members who want their wishes to assist in the printing part of the instruments in tip-top shape but have no At the present time there are no project, please contact me. Your help will means of testing them. Since that time Duo-Art perforators in operation of be greatly appreciated! I have spoken to five people who have which I am aware. Hopefully by next If you have any comments, questions perforators and they all were enthusiastic year that will change. or rolls to offer, please contact me. about the project and agreed to help. The plan is to gather together about Remember that the success of the Step two is to borrow a supply of twenty-five different rolls for different project depends on you! This is your original test rolls in (hopefully) good instruments, have the rolls scanned, organization. Let's make it the best condition so that they may be able to perforated, printed and then offered to organization that it can be! be duplicated. So far I have lined up the members at cost. They will be available following rolls: only to current members of AMICA. AMICAbly yours, Mike Walter [email protected] • 716-656-9583

326 Submitted by Robert Ridgeway USIC QUOTES FROM IGOR KIPNIS

“My sole inspiration is a telephone call “Critics can’t even make music by “Never look at the trombones, it only from a producer.” rubbing their back legs together.” encourages them.” - Cole Porter - Richard Strauss - Mel Brooks “I write [music] as a sow piddles.” “In opera, there is always too much “Life can’t be all bad when for ten dol- - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart singing.” lars you can buy all the Beethoven - Claude Debussy “Don't bother to look, I’ve composed all sonatas and listen to them for ten years.” this already.” - William F. Buckley, Jr. “An exotic and irrational entertainment.” - Gustav Mahler - Samuel Johnson’s (to Bruno Walter who had stopped to admire “You can’t possibly hear the last definition of opera mountain scenery in rural Austria) movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow.” “If a thing isn’t worth saying, you “I would rather play Chiquita Banana and - Oscar Levant, sing it.” have my swimming pool than play Bach explaining his way out of a speeding ticket. - Pierre Beaumarchais, and starve.” The Barber of Seville - Xavier Cugat “Wagner’s music is better than it sounds.” “Opera is where a guy gets stabbed in the “[Musicians] talk of nothing but money - Mark Twain back, and instead of dying, he sings.” and jobs. Give me businessmen every - Robert Benchley “I love Beethoven, especially the time. They really are interested in music poems.” and art.” - Ringo Starr “I’d hate this to get out, but I really like - Jean Sibelius, opera.” - Ford Frick explaining why he rarely invited “If a young man at the age of twenty- musicians to his home. (Commissioner of Baseball) three can write a symphony like that, in “The amount of money one needs is five years he will be ready to commit “Oh how wonderful, really wonderful terrifying...” murder.” opera would be if there were no singers!” - Ludwig van Beethoven - Walter Damrosch on Aaron Copland - Gioacchino Rossini “Only become a musician if there is “There are still so many beautiful things “Movie music is noise. It’s even more absolutely no other way you can make a painful than my sciatica.” living.” to be said in C major.” - Kirke Mecham, -Sergei Prokofiev - Sir Thomas Beecham on his life as a composer “I never use a score when conducting my “I think popular music in this country is “There is nothing more difficult than orchestra... Does a lion tamer enter a one of the few things in the twentieth talking about music.” cage with a book on how to tame a lion?” century that have made giant strides in - Camille Saint-Saens - Dimitri Mitropolous reverse.” - Bing Crosby “I am not handsome, but when women “God tells me how the music should hear me play, they come crawling to my sound, but you stand in the way.” “Theirs [the Beatles] is a happy, feet.” cocky, belligerently resourceless brand - Niccolo Paganini -Arturo Toscanini, to a trumpet player of harmonic primitivism...In the “Of course I’m ambitious. What’s wrong Liverpudlian repertoire, the indulgent “Already too loud!” amateurishness of the musical material, with that? Otherwise you sleep all day.” - Bruno Walter though closely rivaled by the indifference - Ringo Starr at his first rehearsal with an American orchestra, on seeing the players reaching of the performing style, is actually “What is the voice of song, when the for their instruments. surpassed only by the ineptitude of the world lacks the ear of taste?” studio production method. (Strawberry -Nathaniel Hawthorne “I really don’t know whether any place Fields suggests a chance encounter at a contains more pianists than Paris, or mountain wedding between Claudio “Flint must be an extremely wealthy whether you can find more asses and Monteverdi and a jug band.)” town: I see that each of you bought two virtuosos anywhere.” - Glenn Gould - Frederic Chopin or three seats.” - Victor Borge, “ponderous orchestral absurdity.” playing to a half-filled house in “When she started to play, Steinway - Frank Zappa Flint, Michigan. himself came down personally and on his rock symphony debuted by the Los rubbed his name off the piano.” Angeles Philharmonic “If one hears bad music it is one’s duty to - Bob Hope, drown it by one’s conversation.” on comedienne Phyllis Diller - Oscar Wilde

327 By Tom Hutchinson IANO ROLL BOX REPAIR

There are several valid reasons for is missing I use black spray paint. ( black while you are repairing the out side. If repairing roll boxes. First, new ones boxes only of course) you would like an archival grade material are not readily available and are not On rare occasions you will find a box and something stronger to do the above inexpensive. High quality replacement that is severely warped, probably by procedure I would suggest you try boxes can be quite expensive and can having been stored damp and distorted by Filmoplast by Neschen. I like this exceed the average price of used rolls. the weight of other boxes. This condition material but it is not inexpensive. It Secondly in my opinion if at all possible can be corrected by misting the box with does make a very professional looking a roll should be kept in its original water i.e. making it damp and with a hot repair job. Another white tape that box. Lastly there is a great sense of iron pressing it back into shape. I have appears to offer a lot of possibilities is satisfaction in preserving for future made a couple blocks of wood that referred to in the medical field as paper generations an item that may already be fit inside the boxes so that there is tape, is fairly thin, quite strong and is 80 to 100 years old. something to iron against. used to affix dressings. I only have a one Roll box repair can be divided into inch wide roll which is quite acceptable two stages, cosmetic and structural. I STRUCTURAL REPAIR: for inside box repair. It is a 3M product that they refer to as Micropore. regard cosmetic as not involving the I regard structural repairs as those addition of any materials other than where materials are applied to improve For out side box repair I believe it colorings and paint. the structural integrity of the box For the would be hard to beat a tape sold by the sake of convenience I also include label Archival Company. They simply refer to COSMETIC REPAIR: replacement in this category. It is the last this product as Black Cloth Tape, 2”x 30 It is amazing how much the thing I do to a box and because of the yards. When ordering ask for 550-3000 appearance of a roll box can be improved manner in which I do it, it does lend Bk. It comes in several different colors with the use of a felt tipped marker. I use strength to the box. but I have only used the black. This tape is designed to repair book spines. The the common brand Marks A Lot. I have My aim in structural repair is to make price is $18.70 per roll but one roll will had the recent pleasure of repairing the box look as original as possible and repair hundreds of boxes. This tape is a several hundred Ampico roll boxes which also structurally sound. I do not consider little heavy which makes it more than are fortunately almost all black. In most cellophane tape in whatever form to be adequate for the job. The way I use it is instances even when a label is intact it an acceptable repair material especially tear off a piece the length of the piano has become scuffed and abraded around where it will be seen on the out side of roll box. I then tear this piece lengthwise the edges. The appearance of these labels the box. can be improved by simply coloring over into thirds. These resulting pieces are just Some restorers insist that one should the scuffed area with the appropriate the right width to repair the complete only use archival grade repair materials. color felt tipped marker. On edges and outside length of a roll box if necessary. I won’t argue with that but these corners where there is no structural You may tear off pieces of the required materials are often hard to find and are damage abraded areas may be made to length for end repairs. The adhesive on usually quite expensive. Frankly most off almost visually disappear with the use of this tape is very sticky so make sure you the shelf materials will out last the box a felt tipped marker. I keep a selection of have it positioned correctly. If you try to being repaired and the person doing the more than a dozen different colors to move this tape it will rip off the paper repairs. match different box hues. A hint: always covering of the box. To repair that long replace the lid of the marker even if you To repair the inside of the lid or run where you placed that tape on the are only going to pause for a couple bottom of a roll box I believe Scotch inside, place the box on the edge of a seconds, the solvents for the dyes are Magic Tape is acceptable. It does the table so that the top and side of the box highly volatile and this practice will job, will hold up for years, will not be are at right angles to each other. Lay enable your markers to last longer. If noticed on the inside and is inexpensive. down one of those long strips of your possible store your markers top down so However do not use cheap cellophane black cloth tape the complete length of that the wick is always full tape as it will disintegrate in a few years. the box. The same board that I use for ironing out the boxes can now be used Before using the marking pen on the Given a worse case where the box has for support for the remainder of the box rub the area briskly with your hand been separated into its individual panels, repair with the tape. When you are so as to remove the lose particles. On lay the panels out on a table, out side finished the box is probably stronger than severely abraded corners I use a daubing down. Approximate the edges and lay when it was new. Another nice thing technique so as to avoid further damage. down on the seam a long strip of ≤” wide about this tape is that it has a textured On large areas where the paper covering Scotch Mending tape. This tape will act as a hinge to keep the panels in position continue. . . 328 continued. . . finish similar to a black Ampico box. A It also has a special section called the sizes and made templates for all of them. very simple technique in case you are Ampico wizard, which is quite helpful in I keep these originals and when I need completely missing an end panel is to cut producing an exact duplicate of the one I simply trace it out on card stock, one of the appropriate size from poster Ampico label for your box. Every label I cut it out and its ready to use. For the board and tape it in place. When you print I make three copies, one for each repair of the box bottom you want make make your new label and glue it on the end of the box and one for the leader if it fit the inside so that it does not inter- repair will be completely covered. When needed. If one is not needed for the fere when putting on the lid. you are repairing a torn or loose box lid leader, as it won’t be for Ampico rolls, end panel do the sides of the end first. I simply place it loose in the box for SUMMARY: Make the last piece of tape you apply lay posterity. I take great care to print labels This article is not intended to be the on top of the side pieces, it looks neater. as accurately and completely as possible. final word on roll box repair. It is hoped Now for the finishing touch take a felt However on occasion even on Ampico that these ideas, for which I will take all tipped marker and run along all the edges rolls there is little to go on if both box the blame, will encourage others to try to of the repair tape to cover the torn edges. labels are missing and the leader has salvage some of the boxes in various Your repair will virtually disappear. been torn off. Ampico however in their states of disrepair that they have on their So far I have only discussed repair of infinite wisdom punched in the catalog shelves. I would also hope that this will the box lid but basically the same roll# at the end of each roll. You can go encourage others to contribute any ideas techniques apply to the box bottom. to the “The Complete Catalog of Ampico that they might have in addition to what I However make sure you don’t get too Reproducing Piano Rolls” by Elaine have presented. much tape thickness on the out side or Obenchain, look up that number and it the lid won’t go on. will tell you the title, composer, and who SUPPLIERS MENTIONED: played that roll. It will not tell what style One of the most important steps that The following two carry a wide variety of label to select but there are generic can be taken to improve the appearance of archival products. labels for virtually all brands of rolls. of a roll box is the creation of a new label. The process of label making has The label making program suggests University Products been greatly simplified by the soft ware that you use Avery labels. I prefer heavier The Archival Company 1-800-442-7576 program, “Piano Roll Box Label Maker” stock so print mine on card stock and cut by John Miller. I don’t have enough them out with a paper cutter. I affix them Neschen USA, LLC adjectives to describe how good I feel to the box with 3M Spray Mount Artists 9800 West York this program is. The program is fairly Adhesive. I spray both the end of the box Wichita, KS 67215 easy to use even for an older compute and the label and let the glue dry for a 316-522-9438 challenged individual like me. The few seconds before pressing the label email: [email protected] program has several thousand labels onto the box. styles. Find the style you desire, type in The label maker program has a nice Piano Roll Label Maker title, composer, artist, click on print and extra, the box end reinforcement option. By John W. Miller you have a nice brand new label. The It takes a little extra time but undoubted- www.pianorollstuff.com program is extremely versatile allowing ly gives the cleanest repair of a box end. the operator a wide range of choices such Simply put in the height and width of the email: info@ pianorollstuff.com as back ground color, type style and size box end and print this out on card stock. and a list of special characters. I created a table of several different box

From your MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY This year, like every year, it is important to send in Thank you to the many loyal members supporting your dues before the deadline of February 28. This AMICA’s purpose – the promotion and preservation deadline was created to save us the expense of of the legacy of a bygone era and the enjoyment of printing too many Bulletins for the number of automatic musical instruments and their music. renewed memberships for the coming year. A short survey is included with your renewal letter. The layout of the new renewal form allows you to Your anonymous answers can help guide our direction update your address, phone, email, and gives you as we move into the new millennium. an opportunity to update your instrument collection Bill Chapman listing. [email protected] 760-564-2951 (fax and phone)

329 By Terry Smythe EBIRTH OF THE PLAYER PIANO administration and management, I was INTRODUCTION A PLAYER PIANO REBIRTH not at all prepared to undertake this Whether a vorsetzer, upright pumper, In recent years, we are beginning to endeavour. I could not have done or a reproducing piano, all are dependent see an evolutionary development of it without the help (in random order) upon rolls of paper punched with holes contemporary electronic devices to make of Richard Stibbons, Jim Cullen, to provide the basic variable - music. it possible to preserve the content of Bob Pinsker, Albert deBoer, Warren The paper music rolls make it possible paper music rolls in electronic form. Trachtman, Gene Gerety, Spencer Chase, today to hear a real piano played by the The preservation of the content of Kevin Keymer, Jack Breen, Ross legendary masters. music rolls is now becoming a reality by Chapman, Bill Earnest, Peter Phillips, While the piano itself can be means of lo-cost scanners that can be Wes Melander, Milton Schenk, James repeatedly restored into perpetuity, the built by most any technically competent Stoyka, John Klassen, Henry Bohncke, original rolls cannot be restored. Time person, and migrated around the world to Bill Flynt, to name but a few. My is their fatal enemy. All of the original various people owning large collections apologies to those I may have paper music rolls will eventually become of original rolls. The objective being to overlooked. The essential issue is that unusable as they deteriorate over time. convert the content of these rolls into if I can successfully build and use a Back in September 1988, I wrote an midi format. Over time, a huge library of music roll scanner, then most anybody article for the AMICA Bulletin, “Future these conversions can be made freely can. of Paper Rolls”, in which I stated: available to anybody inclined to have Basically, my scanner started out them. in life as a rusty old AutoTypist roll “...we are totally failing to focus While player pianos have been frame, an early automatic typewriter attention on the very heart of what threatened by the predictable demise of built around pneumatic player piano we purport to support. We seem to original paper music rolls, these new technology. After cleaning it up, painting, have become woefully complacent developments marrying leading edge and substituting some conventional about doing something about technology with turn-of-the-century player piano spool box parts, I was preserving our recorded music for technology are having the effect of ready to go, or so I thought. It has all time. Paper music rolls are provoking a rebirth of interest in, been an interesting adventure. Caution..... absolutely guaranteed to one day enjoyment of player pianos, and perhaps My scanner, while adequate from my self-destruct and die. Yet so many most important - preservation for all viewpoint, is modest compared to what of us, myself included, tend to time of the performances by legendary others have achieved. That does not make treat them as if they were an masters of the piano as they personally it “poor”. Just simple and easy to build inexhaustible, self renewable recorded their artistry on paper rolls. using common lumber and conventional resource. ...one of the goals for this player piano spool box parts. endeavour is the development of MY ROLL SCANNER continue. . . a process to “read” rolls into With a background in government some kind of portable reader on the owner’s premises.”

Some 14 years later, the eventual death of original paper music rolls is coming into ever sharper focus. The self-destruction process is now visibly underway. A number of technically competent people, seeing this inevitability, have designed and constructed fine quality perforating machinery to make new recuts of the old rolls available. This is admirable, commendable, is widely supported and making a huge contribution towards keeping player pianos alive and performing well.

330 continued. . .

THE MK3 SYSTEM the paper laying flat as it passes Richard Stibbons in the UK is the beneath the CIS sensor. developer of this MK3 system for scan- • With the scanner frame leaning back, ning music rolls. After successfully scan- the CIS sensor lens are protected from ning several thousand rolls, Richard per- falling paper fluff. ceived it would be possible to accelerate the process dramatically and developed a • The 2 side panels, after being concept for doing so. Kevin Keymer in generally cut to size, must be clamped the USA converted the concept into a tightly together for slim pilot holes for working circuit. Richard in turn then later enlargement for the 4 corners of came up with a final circuit board design the roll transport. I use a 3/32” drill incorporating the speed-up circuit, and for these pilot holes. It is absolutely named it the MK3a system. imperative that the roll ends up tracking perfectly. These pilot holes make it all possible. • At same time, while clamped together, cut the notches to hold the CIS, Source roll absolutely at right angles to the brake set paper path. very light • Note that the unit is not vertical. It is important for it to lean back to make possible the use of gravity and friction to hold a loosely held encoder accurately in place during a scan. • The two side panels are separated by ROLL SCANNER CONSTRUCTION three 1/2” hardwood dowels 13 3/8” The construction of a roll transport for long, the same width as a typical the scanner can be elegant and costly, or player piano spool box. Useful to it can be modest, often benefiting from a use oak or birch carefully selected healthy dose of resourcefulness. Most of for straightness. Cut all 3 at same the scanners in use today are modest, time to ensure all are exactly same built with a mix of conventional player length. piano spool box parts and ordinary hardware store products. Two years ago, I built my first roll Manual scanner based on an AutoTypist roll Rewind frame. At the time, I did not realize that this configuration offers some interesting positive features not readily apparent. This is the second scanner I’ve built, this one also based on an AutoTypist Single roll frame configuration, but using Bracket Anchor conventional player piano spool box parts/transmission. Wood construction was good enough for original player piano spool boxes, so I chose to continue with wood construction for this scanner, largely because of ease, working with limited tools. I do not have a machine shop, nor access to one for hobby purposes. These are the parts from a typical paper speed, things happen very quickly, The 2 side panels are 3/4” clear player piano spool box. Note that I have and very easy to tear a roll off its core. pine approximately 16” x 5 1/2”. Several cut the frame in approximately 1/3 and Note that the take-up spool rewind brake critical ingredients: 2/3, by best guess. The objective is to has been removed. The source roll brake • Paper path must be sufficiently lengthen out the paper path between the is required, but set to provide a very light angular as to enhance probability of CIS and the source roll. At 8’/minute continue. . . 331 continued. . . braking action, just enough to keep the a strip of common right angle outside paper flat under the CIS. Automatic wood moulding, commonly used to blend powered rewind following a scan is 2 drywall surfaces on an outside corner. hazardous, so a manual rewind is I slightly plane one corner to facilitate provided for. Keep it simple. In this mounting it an angle. Let gravity hold it scanner, the upper portion needed a 1/2” in place while changing a roll. hole to accommodate its bearing shaft. Elsewhere is a pic of the reverse side of this showing a 9/16” hole drilled The 1/8” pilot hole for the upper half-way through. Note that the assembly left chuck can now be enlarged to is anchored to the floor with only a pair accommodate this spring loaded idler of tiny angle brackets, nothing more than chuck. When searching for player piano that needed as gravity does the rest to spool box parts, try to find an idler hold it in place. And finally, the original chuck that has a dimpled face. These control arm, now too short, had to be ordinarily appeared in transitional player replaced with common 3/16” brass rod. pianos in approximately 1912-1913 to accommodate both 88n and 65n rolls. Note that this idler chuck has a Hard to find, but very desireable if there dimpled face, far more desireable is a likelyhood of scanning 65n and/or for pin-end 65 and 58n rolls. 58n rolls. The lower left is simply an adjustable bearing screw, helps in centering the take-up spool. The 1/8” pilot hole here may not have to be enlarged to accommodate this friction fit screw. Try it before enlarging it! Once enlarged, it cannot be shrunk if screw is too loose, then an aggravating repair job is needed.

It is important that the CIS be mounted as centered as possible, each and ever time it is inserted to scan a roll. A simple method of doing so is to insert a common headless finishing nail in a desired stop point. Every time the CIS is installed, it will always be correctly To change a roll, it will be necessary positioned against the stop pin. to temporarily remove the CIS and park it. A convenient method is attachment of continue. . . 332 continued. . .

routinely available from suppliers that cater to the theatrical industry. Note these (A) ccfl little brackets I made to carry the ccfl Mounting lamp. Makes it very easy to replace a Bracket bulb. Bulb location is somewhat trial and error to find the best spot. The lamp must be parallel to the CIS, both vertically and horizontally. In use, avoid placing the scanner assembly with an outside window in the background, as the CIS is sensitive to light sources other than just the ccfl lamp.

I have positioned the ccfl lamp into a pair of little brackets to facilitate easy replacement. In photo (A) on the right is a fundamental error. At the time I did not know that the lamp and its companion inverter should be placed as close together as possible. Because of the high frequency and low current involved, the wires should be kept as short and far away from each other as practical. Since then, I have cut the length of that wire to an absolute minimum. Both the ccfl lamp and its companion inverter come from All Electronics. They are recommended for one another, but the ccfl lamp connector does not fit the inverter. I cut off the connector and substituted a connector I salvaged from an old motherboard.

These two 1/4” brass rods, commonly (photos on next page) The ccfl light source is a bit too strong available from Home Depot, make it The backboard of this scanner for the CIS/Bit Twiddling capability, so possible for the paper roll to pass past provides a convenient place to mount the some neutral density filter is needed. In the CIS as flat as possible. It is MK3a board, preferably on stand-offs. this case, I added 3 layers to achieve a understood that the focal length of It is equally convenient for mounting light source that made it possible to 2.5mm is recommended. In this scanner, a power bar, the type that is designed acquire a good image with the BT pot I ended up with a space of about 1mm for 3 power supplies and 4 power roughly midway in its 10-turn travel. between the moving paper and the face cords. Everything, including a dedicated Desireable to have this filter as close as of the CIS. In this scanner, a very good scanner computer can be run off this possible to the CIS. I find this stuff tricky image emerged at this setting. power bar. In this case, I chose to use to handle, and a little difficult to get it 3 power supplies, rather than a tight and flat. This neutral density filter is single multiple output power supply.

333 continued. . .

The stepper motor requires a The short vertical front panel provides 12vdc/800mamp, the ccfl lamp/inverter a convenient location for the Bit require a 12vdc/400mamp, and the Twiddling 10-turn potentiometer. This MK3a board, with its own voltage pot adjusts the quality of the image. If regulator, can accept a power supply of the scanner was a camera, this fuction anywhere from 6vdc to 15vdc of about would be called “adjusting the aperature 400mamp. In the photo below (A2) I’ve for best exposure”. It is attached to the installed the stepper motor and its MK3a board. The toggle switch is spliced controller, and an idler salvaged from into the 12vdc line to the stepper motor a player piano spool box. The idler is controller. As a roll scan is completed, it needed to maintain a little tension on is critical that the scan software the ladder chain. (CIS.EXE) be stopped before the motor is stopped, or at the same precise moment. If the motor is stopped prior to the software, the encoder is still reporting paper movement, but with the paper at a dead stop, final midi playback will suffer from a severe tempo problem. The MK3a system does provide for splicing the stepper controller into the Mk3a board, a modification I will incorporate at some the roll’s diameter. So the relationship other time in the future. For now, this between the top spreader bar and the approach works well. (B) source roll position is important. As the roll diameter shrinks during a scan, the encoder rides in an arc progressively closer to the core. This positioning of the spreader bar and the source roll make for a very good installation. Its attachment does not need to be precise because when in place for a scan, the forces of gravity and friction keep it riding accurately (A2) on the roll. Works like a champ! At scan-end, I simply roll the encoder backwards and let it hang in behind while (C) I change the roll. I attached the encoder to the spreader bar using a short length of common plumbing strapping.

It is possible, using conventional 88n spool box parts, to provide for scanning not only 88n rolls, but also 65n and 58n rolls. All that is required is a set of driver This is a curiously interesting chucks for the right side of the source installation of a high-end optical roll. In the above photo (B) is the line-up encoder. It is curious because its of 88n, 58n and 65n chucks. Photo (C) attached in a very sloppy manner. Its shows the same line-up, with an empty companion pick-off wheel must ride drive shaft. In the pics following, it can on the center of the roll regardless of continue. . . 334 continued. . . be seen that the spring loaded left idler locked. Photo (J) shows how the left chuck compensates for overall roll width. idler chuck compensates under spring The original drive shaft was 3/16”. A pressure. Photo (K) shows the roll convenient substitution is 3/16” brass centered. rod. The overriding objective here is to Here is the completed scanner in have a set of chucks that ensure the roll is operation (Photo shown on next page). centered under the CIS. Not particularly elegant or pretty or portable, but quite effective in (H) - 65n Roll operation. Perhaps of some importance to some folks, it is inexpensive. The components shown here are the same components illustrated elsewhere on

THE ROLL SCANNING PROCESS With the scanning software (CIS.EXE) running and a roll in motion, (I) - 65n Roll an approximate image of the roll’s (D) - 88n Roll Here a 65n roll is mounted. Photo (I) hole pattern will be displayed on the shows the 65n chuck installed and computer screen. At 8’/minute, a locked. Photo (G) shows how the left typical 88n roll will be scanned in about idler chuck compensates under spring 2 minutes. Here are a couple of images of pressure. Photo (H) shows the roll what I see on screen. centered.

(E) - 88n Roll

(J) - 58n Roll

(F) - 88n Roll Here a conventional 88n roll is mounted. The above photo (F) shows the 88n chuck installed and locked. Photo (D) shows how the left idler chuck compensates under spring pressure. Photo (E) shows the roll centered. (K) - 58n Roll

SOME OBSERVATIONS Some of my most delightful, entertaining scans have emerged from rolls absolutely unplayable because of their physical condition. In their early life, they were simply played to death. Richard’s MK3 software does not look for paper edge, so torn or worn roll edges (L) - 58n Roll do not cause a problem. Missing leaders do not cause a problem because I simply (G) - 65n Roll Here a 58n roll is mounted. Photo (L) tape the leading edge of the paper to the shows the 58n chuck installed and continue. . . 335 continued. . . take-up spool. produce credible performances By chance a group of on their instruments. severely fire damaged rolls Through the magic of the came my way, ragged and internet, it has been possible charred edges, spool ends melt- for me to successfully ed, et al…. Yet Richard’s Mk3 construct a roll scanner, system came through with fly- something for which I am ing colours. All were scanable, quite unsuited. I could not producing decent quality have done it without the help music. of many people, all through At 8'/minute, my typical internet exchange of ideas and scan is about 2 minutes, but information. If I can do it, after watching carefully anybody can do it. through about a dozen scans, I A word of caution….. suddenly noticed that during Perseverance is critical. Very one of them, the roll slipped to easy to become discouraged. the left slightly, then ran for a what we do have proven is the ability of There were heart-stopping few feet like that, then slipped back to clever people to find ways over time of moments during my early efforts. the right. That roll was a badly damaged converting data from one digital However, with the enduring help of very roll. form into another, thus ensuring their clever people within the rollscanning My brake on the source side was set a preservation for all time. Of that, I am community, I was eventually successful. little too tight. Because badly damaged confident. To see additional information about rolls typically had been played to death Julian Dyer has recently proven that roll scanning and what other people are in their day, the drive slot in the right scans from the MK3a system can doing, and what are scanning systems are spool end was badly worn, allowing the produce exact copies, punch-for-punch in place, have a look at the following roll to slip out of lock, then slip back into the same as the originals, faithfully web sites: lock a couple of turns later. capturing the original roll content. I found a couple of other rolls in So faithful that it is now possible to My own home page showing what others similar physical condition, and noticed a accurately recreate a new recut of an old are doing, and my downloadable midi few of them behaved similarly. I've just roll that is a precise copy of the original. files to date (~2,000 midi files to date): relaxed the brake on the right side and http://members.shaw.ca/smythe/rebirth.htm It may look visually different, but a increased the spring tension on the left player piano will not be able to tell the side, and rescanned them successfully. Peter Phillips’ difference. This is a huge breakthrough Some old rolls are severely damaged (a pioneer in roll scanning) home page: for those wanting to obtain high quality through strings of perforations, again http://members.optushome.com.au/eleced/ recuts of old production rolls. making them totally unplayable on The MK3a system is proving itself to a player piano. However, on the MK3a Spencer Chase’s E-Rolls be remarkable robust and tolerant. In just system, I’ve found I can crudely repair and Midi Valve system a few short months, I have successfully the rolls with crystal clear mending http://www.spencerserolls.com/ scanned over 2,000 rolls. Many of these tape right over the perforations. This rolls are virtually unplayable, but their desperate measure does work quite The International Association of content has been captured and preserved, successfully to salvage the content of a Mechanical Music Preservationists hopefully for all time. roll that would otherwise end up in the http://www.iammp.org/ No doubt there are many collectors fireplace. Light, not air, must pass like me with original rolls in tatters, but through the emergency tape repair. Discussion Group for Roll Scanning reluctant to destroy them. There is hope! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rollscanners/ They have a fighting chance of being CONCLUSIONS scanable to capture their content. Do not 14 years ago, I wished for a method of Stay Tuned…… destroy them! Those having such rolls in capturing the content of music rolls their collection should consider donating in some computerized form with the Terry Smythe them to any one of the group of people objective in mind of preserving their 55 Rowand Avenue worldwide now owning homemade content for all time, no differently than Winnipeg, MB scanners. repeatedly restoring a player piano into Canada R3J 2N6 Several people within the Rollscanner perpetuity. It has come to pass. A dream (204) 832-3982 discussion group also own Disklavier, has been fulfilled. [email protected] PianoDisc, Pianomation and Pianocorder True, methods of storing data in http://www.mts.net/~smythe pianos. All have found that the midi digital form has no proven perpetual files emerging from roll scanning will life expectancy equal to that of paper. But 336 GENDA - 2004 AMICA BOARD MEETING 1. Roll Call and Introductions periodic communication during the request that she be replaced in this The meeting was called to order on year (myself, John Motto-Ros, Bill position. At this time, I have not Wednesday morning, August 4, 2004 Chapman, and Bing Gibbs) and will received any inquiries from members by President Dan Brown. Board consider the ideas which have been with the skill and time to take on the members who were present include: received. Membership and revenue job. I recommend that discussion of Dan Brown declines continue and consideration the contents and management of the Linda Bird must be given this year to a dues website continue at the Board meeting Mike Walter increase. this year. The proposal to create an Christy Counterman Overwhelmingly positive reviews AMICA-sponsored e-group has been Wes Neff have been received to the content presented at two previous Board Bill Chapman and appearance of The Bulletin since meetings and continues to surface John Motto-Ros publishing duties were assumed regularly. Clearly, further discussion Frank Nix by Mike Kukral. Robin Pratt has of the topic is warranted. Karl Ellison via telephone continued to oversee the publication I have enjoyed my years as Richard Reutlinger of reprints for inclusion in The AMICA President and look forward Gary Craig Bulletin and these also continue to be to many more years of active Ron Connor well received. involvement in the organization. Dianne Polan The need to reconsider the By- Many issues and topics persist, Marvin Polan Laws definition of the purpose of primarily centered around declining Liz Barnhart AMICA was initiated at the Board membership. From all the Dorothy Olds meeting last year and a committee communications I have had and Carl Dodrill was created to gather input on the observation I have done as President, Holly Walter topic during the year. This committee I firmly believe that the strength Dick Merchant consisted of myself, Gary Craig, John (and sometimes the weakness if Guests were also in attendance. Motto-Ros, and Dick Merchant. This Chapters don’t work hard to be will be included in the 2004 meeting inclusive of varied interests) of 2. Approval of minutes of the 2003 agenda. AMICA lies in its chapters and that Board Meeting as published in the All Board members are online, so growth and maintenance of the November/December 2003 AMICA communication is quick and at no organization will depend on the Bulletin. cost. I have incurred essentially no vitality of these chapters. The next item on the agenda was expenses during the past year. There Respectfully submitted, to approve the 2003 minutes as was no need to convene the Executive Dan Brown published in the November/December Committee for action. AMICA International President 2003 AMICA Bulletin. Dorothy Olds The Adopt-A-Piano project B. Past President’s Report – moved to approve the minutes as facilitated by Richard Reutlinger Linda Bird published, Liz Barnhart seconded the continues to move forward. Chapters The past year has been busy motion, which was passed. and individuals continue to work since according to the By-Laws, hard to increase AMICA’s presence the Immediate Past President is 3. Officer Reports in the public, including public the chairman of the Nominating A. President’s Report – Dan Brown demonstrations and concerts, Committee. Otherwise there has been Chapters have been reliable in television appearances, newspaper quite a bit of e-mail among members communicating their activities and and magazine articles, and brochure of the Executive Committee on schedules this year. I have regularly distribution. As had been suggested at various issues and proposals for heard from all but the Gateway, the Board meeting last year, the the upcoming Board meeting. Dan Sierra-Nevada, and Texas chapters. brochure was modified to increase the again has done a good job of keeping The funds from the former Southern emphasis on foot-pump player pianos things moving along and has needed Skies Chapter have been surrendered and a copy of the new brochure was very little advice. to AMICA International. Members sent to each member in a Bulletin. As Chairman of the Nominating and chapters have responded to The AMICA website is the topic of Committee it was my responsibility to my requests for membership-building frequent comments. Due to increasing make sure we have a slate of officers suggestions. The committee created demands for her time, webmaster to be voted on at the general meeting at last year’s meeting has been in Meta Brown has found the need to continue. . . 337 continued. . .

and that report is enclosed. It was nice dent is that the number of medallions overweight luggage. I used my own to be able to find capable people very used on the award plaques is running work copier to avoid copying charges. willing to serve the organization. low and will have to be reordered. The majority of correspondence was My expenses again were minimal Respectfully submitted, by e-mail, saving some long distance due to the Internet. The Nominating Mike Walter fees. Committee met mostly by e-mail so I appreciated my opportunity to D. Secretary’s Report – I am not asking AMICA for any work with the Board for the past 3 1/2 Christy Counterman reimbursement of expenses. years and to learn more about what My main duties as Secretary are Respectfully submitted, goes on behind the scenes to make to record the minutes of the Board Linda Bird AMICA a successful organization. meeting and to prepare the reports and AMICA Immediate Past President I wish the incoming Board well. agenda for the meeting. After Respectfully submitted, C. Vice-President’s Report – the Board meeting in Portland, I Christy Counterman Mike Walter transcribed the tapes, adding the notes AMICA Secretary Good Morning. taken during the meeting to compile Reports Web site: This past year has been an the report submitted for publication http://home.earthlink.net/~stumpfad/reports/index.htm interesting one to the eye of the Vice in the Bulletin. It is an abbreviated E. Treasurer’s Report – Wes Neff President. Although the organization version of the actual minutes. Several has not experienced any drastic times during the past year, members 2004 AMICA INTERNATIONAL changes, there seems to be a growing have requested clarification on items TREASURER’S REPORT concern at the chapter level about discussed and voted upon in last January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003 And Fiscal Year 2004 Projection the loss of membership in the year’s meeting, and I sent the Prepared by Wesley Neff • May 31, 2004 organization. Some individuals are appropriate information to them via commenting about the diminishing e-mail. In June, I sent out notices to INTRODUCTION numbers at the chapter level. those Board Members listed in the AMICA National had income Hopefully this concern will be Bulletin as Officers, Committee in fiscal year 2003 of $59,269.92. converted into positive actions. Chairs and Board Reps with a This was 16% less than the On another note, there have been deadline for submission of reports. average for the prior 4 years with the six chapters that have consistently sent As I received the reports via 2001 Australian gross convention out notices of their meetings to me. I e-mail, fax and regular mail, I asked receipts excluded. The expenses greatly appreciate this information. each Board member for additional of $86,141.29 were up 25% from Other chapters have been a bit lax in information, if required, then the prior 4 - year average, excluding this area. I have urged chapters to visit proofread, formatted and copied the the Australian gross convention the AMICA website and see how their reports for compilation. I really expenses in 2001. Expenses exceeded chapter looks to the visiting net surfer. appreciated the e-mail versions as income in 2003 by $26,871.37. The The Vice President also is the chair they saved me a lot of work, avoiding variance is caused to a large part by of the AMICA Awards Committee. re-typing. I also created pdf files from the timing of membership dues This year the committee included Mel the e-mailed reports for posting on receipts. Septon and Larry Norman, both of a Web page accessible by Board AMICA International income whom are long-standing, knowledge- Members prior to the Convention. (National and Chapters) in 2003 able members. There was one nomi- Those who did not submit reports was $121,201.81. Total AMICA nee for the Leo Ornstein Award. There before the deadline were contacted International expenses (National and were three nominees for the AMICA until everyone either sent a report or Chapters) in 2003 were $148,774.41. International Award. responded that they would not be Total AMICA expenses exceeded sending one. I also asked for changes The winners in all categories are: income by $27,572.60 in fiscal year in Officers, and tried to get an idea of Leo Ornstein Award – 2003. who would be attending the Board Mike Barnhart meeting. Several Board members INCOME (National Only) AMICA International Award – requested hard copies of the compiled Income from bulletin advertising Galen & Linda Bird reports be mailed to them for review in 2003 was off 38% from 2002 before the meeting. President’s Award – levels. The projection for 2004 shows My expenses as of this writing are Keith Bigger a further decrease based on receipts minimal, and include postage for The cost of the plaques for these to date in 2004. mailing the reports as well as costs for awards is not available at the present Income from advertising in the paper and cassette tapes. I also time, but will be available by the 2003 Directory was 1,755.00. There shipped the reports to Portland last Board Meeting. will not be any Directory advertising year via UPS since they weighed 19 One thing that will have to be income in 2004. pounds and the airlines frown on addressed by the incoming Vice Presi- continue. . . 338 continued. . .

Portland Convention income was $7,600.00 per issue spent in 2002. printing mentioned above was paid $5,101.05. The projection for the 2004 Projecting year to date expenses for from the Memorial Fund. Convention in Denver, Colorado is 2004, the “Bulletin” is expected to $2,000.00. cost about $55,000.00 this year, which CHAPTERS Interest received in 2003 was off includes $8,400.00 for reprints. At the end of 2003 AMICA had 14% compared to 2002 due to Publishing of the “Bulletin” and thirteen chapters. The Southern Skies depressed interest rates. At the end reprints are an essential part of Chapter dissolved at the end of the of 2000, there was $30,593.18 in a maintaining AMICA’s tax exempt year, and their fund balance was money market fund earning 5.79%. status. forwarded to AMICA International in During 2001 and 2002, there was The second largest expense in 2003 January, 2004. The Northern Lights $25,000 in a certificate of deposit was publishing and distribution of Chapter did not submit a financial earning 4.75%. Currently there is the “Directory”. Total cost for the report for 2003, and submitted a late $25,000 in a one - year certificate of “Directory” was $10,761.53. This report in 2002. The Texas Chapter deposit earning 1.92%. This CD does not include the countless submitted a late financial report for matures in July, 2004, and will volunteer hours that were dedicated to 2003, and their information is likely be replaced with a CD earning collecting, checking and assembling not included in the Chapter Account about the same amount of interest. the data included in the “Directory”. Summary. Additional monies as available The next group of expenses include Chapter income is mostly from are shifted into and out of a passbook postage, copies and miscellaneous dues and interest. The Pacific Can-Am savings account, currently earning office supplies used by the officers; Chapter hosted a convention in 0.28%. and, mostly associated with Portland, Oregon with a net profit of Total National dues collected in membership renewals. Telephone $3,731.58. AMICA International 2003 were $47,831.61, off $41,868.29 costs are negligible due to E-mail received 35% of the convention from 2002. Most of this decrease and reduced long distance rates proceeds, or $1306.05. Expenses for is due to the early start of the used to conduct AMICA business. the chapters are mostly related to membership drive in 2002 as The total of these categories in printing, postage and expenses for compared with 2003. The projection 2003 was $3,339.31, and is projected chapter meetings. Other expenses of for 2004 shows dues of $54,000.00, to be $3,727.00 in 2004. No officer note include: The Sierra Nevada which is near prior year levels other than the Publisher and Chapter hosted a Ragtime Concert; when compared on a “June to June” Membership Secretary receives any The Chicago Chapter hosted a basis. The last increase in AMICA fee for his or her time. Christmas Gathering at Sanfilippo’s; membership dues was $5.00 per and the SOWNY Chapter hosted an year to $42.00 in 2002. Other Expense Notes: event at the Bevgwardt’s Bicycle Memorial Fund donations in 2003 • The premium for liability insurance Museum. The end of year 2003 were $1,040.00. The projection for the coverage increased at an annual balance for the chapters of $55,626.20 Memorial Fund in 2004 is $955.00. rate of 8%. is down about 1% from the beginning There were no books or AV sales in • Nearly all of the bank charges in of year balance. 2003, and none are expected in 2004. 2003 are for credit card payment Bound bulletin sales in 2003 were handling, amounting to $665.18. SUMMARY $15.00. No sales are expected in 2004. Fees average about 3% of the AMICA International continues to Sales of technicalities and leaders payments made by credit card, and be financially sound due to a steady were $115.00 in 2003, and are are expected to be about $632.00 in income from membership dues, projected at $355.00 in 2004. 2004. AMICA’s bank, Fifth Third Memorial Fund contributions, Total income for 2004 is projected Bank of Northwestern Ohio, does convention profits and to a lessening at $59,068.60, about equal with 2003. not charge banking fees to extent – advertising and interest. For non-profit organizations. the period 1999 through the projection EXPENSES (National Only) • Award expenses in 2003 were for 2004, expenses exceed income by $86,141.29 of expenses was $116.61, and are expected to be $18,629.20. A membership dues incurred in 2003. around $450.00 in 2004. increase is needed to provide the same The largest single item was the cost • AMICA Brochures were printed in level of member services with a of the “Bulletin” and associated 2003 at a cost of $1,418.82. declining membership. reprints. Counting the costs of the All required informational forms Publisher, printing, handling, postage, MEMORIAL FUND for 2003 were filed in a timely reprints and inserts, the “Bulletin” The Memorial Fund account stood fashion with the IRS, the California costs in 2003 were $60,197.84 (about at $7,930.33 at the end of 2003. Franchise Tax Board and the 70% of the total expenses). This During the year AMICA received California Registry of Charitable equates to slightly more than $1,040.00 in donations and added Trusts. Since the gross receipts for $10,000.00 per issue and compares to $376.21 in interest. The Brochure continue. . . 339 continued. . .

2003 exceeded $100,000.00, filing of Respectfully submitted, come from the costs of the Bulletin Federal Information Form 990 was Wesley Neff and reprints. These costs are rising required. As in the past, the Chapter AMICA Treasurer each year. Since this report was Treasurers have been very helpful in written, the mentioned CD matured providing the necessary Chapter infor- and was replaced by a smaller $20,000 mation. Thanks to all of the Chapter Wes pointed out that there is an CD earning 3.15% interest. He Treasurers for their support. anticipated $7000 budget shortfall in reported that the individual Chapter 2004, and that 70% of our expenses treasuries have healthy balances.

AMICA National 1999 thru 2003 Actuals and 2004 Budget INCOME

Category 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 (plan) advertising (bulletin) 3,968.80 3,150.80 2,173.10 3,172.10 1,969.80 1,320.00 advertising (directory) 2,830.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,755.00 0.00 convention fund 1,053.81 0.00 167,654.31 2,246.33 5,101.05 2,000.00 interest received 1,263.31 2,480.73 1,932.64 1,664.13 1,432.46 438.60 membership dues 60,304.20 59,738.79 40,147.89 89,699.90 47,831.61 54,000.00 memorial fund donations 322.00 329.00 322.00 1,329.00 1,040.00 955.00 sales (books $ AV) 75.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 sales (bound bulletins) 6.00 252.00 764.00 744.00 15.00 0.00 sales (tech and leaders) 313.75 413.50 239.50 265.00 115.00 355.00 miscellaneous 290.00 45.00 745.70 0.00 10.00 0.00

TOTAL INCOME 70,426.87 66,409.82 213,979.14 99,120.46 59,269.92 59,068.60

EXPENSES

Category 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 (plan) AV 155.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 awards 613.86 774.56 44.75 653.30 116.61 450.00 bank charges 254.91 429.13 653.81 643.16 665.18 632.00 convention 296.12 3,116.37 158,632.80 1,082.25 4,745.00 1,000.00 handling: bulletin 2,133.00 2,640.00 3,048.00 3,193.00 3,937.25 3,200.00 handling: directory 448.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 497.00 0.00 insurance 1,730.00 1,909.00 2,093.00 2,457.00 2,648.00 2,850.00 internet 394.14 460.55 0.00 289.00 165.00 200.00 legal & professional fees 20.00 20.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 85.00 membership sect. stipend 2,465.00 2,283.00 2,219.94 2,174.83 2,049.00 2,000.00 misc: copies 452.41 227.70 299.03 326.00 0.00 150.00 misc: office equipment 250.00 1,099.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 misc: office supplies 366.50 678.93 298.75 482.10 754.24 965.00 miscellaneous 730.50 1,919.00 -0.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 postage: bulletin 7,922.61 8,354.90 8,533.43 7,378.63 8,722.03 8,342.00 postage: directory 1,482.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,664.53 0.00 postage: officers & misc 3,433.00 1,375.41 2,352.05 2,287.73 2,518.28 2,685.00 printing: bulletin 26,889.00 25,238.00 24,076.00 21,086.00 29,819.00 25,000.00 printing: directory 10,905.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 8,600.00 0.00 printing: inserts 9,087.72 3,370.49 537.00 2,098.23 1,083.56 780.00 printing: reprints 3,979.00 3,502.00 11,697.00 2,683.00 7,636.00 8,400.00 printing: stationery 1,124.15 73.00 80.50 0.00 0.00 100.00 printing: AMICA brochures 0.00 0.00 1,624.47 49.25 1,418.82 0.00 printing: leaders 0.00 0.00 0.00 624.95 0.00 0.00 publisher fees 9,000.00 10,500.00 7,500.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 refunds 64.00 37.00 84.00 0.00 42.00 52.00 telephone 1,652.57 581.27 33.14 2.55 24.79 25.00

TOTAL EXPENSES 85,849.26 68,609.31 223,842.17 56,545.98 86,141.29 65,916.00

NET GAIN (income - expense) -15,422.39 -2,199.49 -9,863.03 42,574.48 -26,871.37 -6,847.40 -18,629.20 continue. . . 340 continued. . .

AMICA International 2003 Income and Expense Summary

National Memorial Chapters Total Income Fund advertising convention income convention seed return events (chapters) interest received membership dues memorial fund sales: bulletins sales: tech and leaders miscellaneous Total

Expenses awards bank charges convention expenses dues paid dues refund events (chapters) 2 handling bulletin handling directory handling dues notices insurance internet legal & prof. fees membership sect. memorial fund miscellaneous misc: copies misc:office supplies postage printing: bulletin printing: brochures printing: reprints printing: directory printing: misc. publisher fees supplies (chapters) tele'phone Total

Account Balances 1-Jan-04 1-Jan-03

continue. . . 34 1 xY//

AMICA 2003 Chapter Accounts

Chapter Starting 2003 Balance Income (111103) Name Cash Savings Total Dues Interest Conv. Events Miscellaneous Total Income Income (chapter) (national)

Boston Area 760.56 0.00 760.56 368.00 19.16 242.00 629.16 Chicago Area 644.66 5344.22 5988.88 500.00 23.29 5760.00 6283.29

Northern Lights Chapter activity shown is fmrn 2002 which was reported late, no 2003 activity reported "Texas Chapter reported 2003 activity late. 2003 activity is not included in the totals. *"' Southern Skies Chapter dissolved - Balance of $260.37 forwarded to Internationalin January, 2004 continued. ..

3. Other Reports A. Publisher's Report - Mike Kukral Publisher's Report For The Year 2003

Bulletins, Volume 40, No. 1-6 Printing ...... $25,455.00 Envelopes ...... 8 17.00 Postage ...... 6,948.03 Labeling ...... 1,872.00

New Members Applications Printed 3,025 ...... $214.00

2003 Directory Quantity 1,900 Printing ...... $8600.00 Postage ...... I66400 Envelopes ...... 169.00 Labels ...... 328.00

All Reprints 2003 ...... $4886.00

Inserts ...... $3 10.00

Convention Inserts ...... $340.00

Miscellaneous Binding, etc...... $342.00

Submitted by: Mike Kukral, Publisher July 2004 B. Membership Secretary's Report Bill Chapman Report Period: June 2,2003 to June 1,2004

Membership July 31, 1999 - 1551 members June 1,2000 - 1494 members June 1,2001 - 1459 members June 1,2002 - 1375 members July 15,2003 - 1354 members - includes 75 others* June 1,2004 - 1341 members - includes 73 others** *Non paying members-AfJiliates15, Founding Members 6, Honorary 5, Utility 2 and "dual households" 47 ** Nonpaying members-Afiliates 16, Founding Members 5, Honorary 4, Utility 2, and "dual households" 47. Dual households were not identi$ed separately in the past. The net loss of members was 13.

continue. .. 343 continued. . .

Rate of Applications: 1999 to 1976. Twenty two (22) were Marvin Polan. John Motto-Ros For planning purposes, the dropout very early members who joined before acknowledged that we have an rates are as indicated. 1975. So it can be seen that age is expensive hobby, but also stressed No Longer definitely a factor for membership that we get the word out to potential Applications Members as of 2003 loss. new members and pass out Bulletins and membership applications at 1994 118 76 64% Discussion: There will always be appropriate venues. Perhaps a trial 1995 133 92 69% people who want to take a look membership at a lower rate, much like 1996 126 77 61% at AMICA and find that the year’s the Boston Chapter offers, could be 1997 151 100 66% trial did not meet their needs. Loss of given to people joining for the 1998 144 92 63% long-term members due to age or first year. Bill Chapman drafted a 1999 137 86 62% death will always occur. Those people questionnaire to send to members who 2000 123 64 52% who are in the middle, i.e. maintained drop out to see if we can address 2001 102 48 47% membership for 5 to 10 years are of their concerns. 2002 92 33 35% concern and may warrant some In maintaining the Membership 2003 49 20 40% inquiry as to how the organization did Directory and instrument listings, About 40% of new applicants not meet their needs. Karl Ellison and his friends put drop out after one year. together a format that will make it Conclusion: There are a significant easier to update information on the Note that applications peaked during number of people who dropped out list each year when renewals come in. 1997, yet at that time the Membership of AMICA after several years and The list is always available to Secretary indicated that despite a this group warrants a follow-up to members in digital format for a small robust economy, membership was determine what they would like fee via disc or e-mail. Karl said that declining. to experience in order to remain it will be easier to maintain each members. The same might be said of year because it will continually Membership Breakdown by Mail members who dropped out after only be based on a more accurate list. Category: one or two years. AMICA is also Bill said that in the future, it will cost 2002 2003 2004 experiencing a natural decline less to publish the Directory and Bulk reflective of an aging population. instrument listing because the printer Mail: $42 1249 1167 1100 MEMBERS (USA ONLY) can use this updatable database. Submitted by: Air C. Nominating Committee Report – Mail: $63 50 39 35 Bill Chapman Linda Bird (OVERSEAS) Membership Secretary First In accordance with the AMICA Class: $52 130 82 81 By-Laws, a nominating committee of (USA ONLY) Bill sent out packets of letters to all seven members was elected at the Surface of the Board members prior to the Board meeting in 2003. The following Mail: $43 31 31 30 convention from people who were not (OVERSEAS, people served on that committee: CHEAPER RATE) renewing their memberships. He Canada: $43 38 35 35 asked for our feedback on the letters CHAIRMAN: (CANADA ONLY) and for how to address the concerns of Linda Bird - Immediate Past President these former members. Many people Total 1498 1354 1281 ...... Grandview, MO expressed concern that there is not a major effort to reach people who drop Additional information: MEMBERS: out. John Motto-Ros said that we are New members: Of the 68 people Liz Barnhart ...... Dayton, OH competing with many other special who joined in 2003 there were 21 Gary Craig...... St. Louis, MO interest organizations, so have to show “trial” members who did not renew. Jere DeBacker...... Denver, CO more initiative to recruit and keep These are probably people who joined Dee Kavouras. . . . .Beverly Hills, FL members. Since the Chapters are the for only 1 year to take a look at the Herbert Mercer. . Westlake Village, CA lifeblood of the organization, Linda organization. Dianne Polan...... Melville, NY However 47 people who joined in Bird suggested that we need to add chapters in areas where there are 2003 did renew for the new year. The Nominating Committee has enough people to start a new one. selected the following members for Some of the concerns were related to Old Members: Of the 168 “drop- nomination in the noted offices. This economic issues. People can’t afford offs” noted at the renewal time for slate of officers will be presented at to maintain collections, or to attend year 2004, 70 date their affiliation the General Membership Meeting in conventions so lose interest. Only a back to as far as 2000. The remainder Denver, Colorado. of the drop-offs range from the years small part of the actual membership attends the convention, observed continue. . . 344 continued. . .

PRESIDENT Thank you letters were also sent to breathtaking tours through the Rocky MICHAEL WALTER everyone who added a contribution Mountains. Jere DeBacker and his ...... Lancaster, NY when paying their dues. crew are in charge of this one. VICE-PRESIDENT Jere secured the Holiday Inn at JOHN MOTTO-ROS Respectfully submitted $109 per night, single or double ...... Sutter Creek, CA JOHN MOTTO-ROS, Chairman occupancy, with a 320 room night SECRETARY AMICA Memorial Fund obligation, plus $1200 for meeting FLORIE HIRSCH rooms, with minimum number of ...... Potomac, MD John gave the details of the meals served. With input from Liz TREASURER financials and said that there were Barnhart, Jere and I were able to WESLEY NEFF more contributions with the dues negotiate the $1200 figure from a ...... Findlay, OH renewals this year. He would like somewhat higher amount. to make the membership more The efforts that Jere and friends These nominees meet the aware of what the Fund is and what put in, plus a first time in this qualifications as listed in the it is used for and will request to run wonderful state should guarantee AMICA By-Laws and have agreed an ad in every issue of the Bulletin. AMICA a very successful meeting. to be nominated for the specified office. After approval by the Board, E. Audio-Visual/Technicalities 2005 – Minneapolis, Minnesota I will present these nominees to Report – none available June 30 – July 3 the membership assembled at the Terry Smythe would like direction Minneapolis Mariott, Downtown 2004 General Membership Meeting on how to continue with the AMICA is welcomed back to in Denver, CO, for their approval to Technicalities. He has been compiling Minneapolis, Minnesota where Don fulfill the duties of the prescribed new issue using past Bulletins, but Barton is Convention Chairman. offices for the next two years. there has been no request to publish the next issue.There has been no 2006 – Chicago, Illinois Respectfully Submitted, activity in the past two years in the July 25 – 30 Linda Bird A/V committee. Marvin Polan told Hyatt Regency, Woodfield AMICA Past President and Chairman, about other organizations who Mel Septon is Convention Chair. AMICA Nominating Committee are duping VHS tapes onto DVD 2007 – Germany for longevity and easier access. He and surrounding areas Linda Bird announced the slate of suggested that we make an effort to As of this writing, Liz and Mike officers and reminded us that there preserve what AMICA archives are Barnhart and Convention Chairs would be an election at the General available as they are the sole source of Frank and Shirley Nix are traveling in Membership Meeting after breakfast. information. It was agreed that we Europe to form plans and make travel should inventory what items we have arrangements. D. Memorial Fund Report – and make sure the items can preserved John Motto-Ros in a usable format so members could Respectfully submitted, I assumed the position of use these items. Mike Walter made a Frank Nix Chairman, AMICA Memorial Fund motion that we ask someone to view Convention Coordinator mid-2003, and I have collected an the tapes that are available and to additional $629 since the last year’s review the information contained in Frank Nix, Convention Coordinator, report of $620. This makes a total them to determine the value of repli- acknowledged the help of his of $1249 for 2003. Of this total, cation. Dick Merchant seconded and wife Shirley and also Mike and Liz $950 was donated in memory of an the board passed the motion. We also Barnhart in planning future individual and $299 was donated with need to find a new Technicalities Conventions. He also commended yearly dues. Coordinator. It is the President’s job to Jere DeBacker and his committee From January 1, 2004, to May 31, appoint committee chairs, so this will for the itinerary for this year’s 2004, I have received $415. Of this be addressed by incoming President Convention. total, $375 was donated in memory Mike Walter in the near future. of an individual and $40 was The biggest concern going forward is to keep the cost of attending a contributed with yearly dues. F. Archives Report – none available Convention within the reach of For donations in memory of an G. Convention Coordinator’s the members. There has to be a give individual, letters were sent to family Report – Frank Nix and take between the room costs vs. members or a friend telling them of 2004 – Denver, Colorado the memorial with copies to donators August 4 – 8 registration plus add-on costs. He and to Wesley Neff (with check). The Holiday Inn, Denver Downtown asked if it is better to present a lower This year we are in the spectacularly room rate to attract more attendees. beautiful state of Colorado enjoying continue. . . 345 continued. . .

Quite a few people stay at nearby Printing has resulted in praise world Elmer F. Brooks 1987 hotels, thus cutting into our total room wide and several of them are in the Julius Burger 1897 1995 nights. The room nights are used in United State Library of Congress. Adam Carroll 1897 1974 negotiating for meeting rooms and Some members feel that they are Julius Chaloff 1892 1979 other hotel services. unnecessary while many members Abram Chasins 1904 1987 The 2007 Convention will be from have said that without the reprints, Wilbur Chenoweth 1899 1980 July 6-20, starting in Munich and they would not renew their Shura Cherkassky 1911 1995 ending in Amsterdam. We should have memberships. The members who 'Jan Chiapusso 1890 1969 at least 50 people attending to make do not care for them should donate Zez Confrey 1895 1971 the trip practical. A deposit will them to libraries or even sell them. J. Lawrence Cook 1899 1976 be required one year in advance. I have seen them go on line auction. Charles Cooper 1888 1971 Plus it is good advertising for George Copeland 1883 1972 H. Publications Report – AMICA. Emse Dawson 1977 Robin Pratt Ursula Dietrich Hollingshead 1886 1985 Respectfully Submitted, Frederic Dixon 1895 1923 AMICA REPRINTS FOR 2003 Robin Pratt Lyle Downer 1979 JULY 1, 2004 John Duke 1889 1984 1--Explanatory Talk for Service I. Award Committee Report – Jose Echaniz 1905 1969 Men on ARTECHO Mike Walter Edgar "Cookie" Fairchild 1898 1975 Qty Printing Insert Ted Fiorito 1900 1971 1861 $439 $180. J. Honorary Members Report – Emmett Ford 1895 * (includes 5 convention items) from Jay Albert Rudolph Friml 1879 1972 The following show the Honorary Rudolph Ganz 1877 1972 2--A/E Aeolian Stroud art case pianos Members presently on the AMICA Adam Gawlick 1903 1995 Qty Printing Insert membership list. Larry Givens * 1500 $1254. $30. No new Honorary Members have Joe Gold 1894 1953 (Richfield phono & Danbury) been named since our most recent Gitta Gradova (Cottle) 1904 1985 Honoraries, Emmett Ford and Larry Ferde Grofe 1892 1966 3--Duo-Art Piano booklet Givens, in 1996. William Haeseler, Jr. 1994 Qty Printing Insert Our most recent losses were Ramsi Richard Hageman 1882 1966 1500 $1666. $30. Tick and Leo Ornstein. Francis Hall Ballard 1899 (2) Please keep the lines of Eddy Hanson 1893 1986 communication open. If you hear of Myra Hess 1890 1965 4--Wonder of the Duo-Art any news about our members which Clarence N. Hickman 1889 1981 Qty Printing Insert might be of interest please pass it on. Johnny Honnert 1908 1995 1500 $232. $90. Elmer H. Hunholz (3,4 & 5) I would also request that the Board might consider the future of the Gertrude Huntley Durand 1888 1987 5--Banquet Photos 2 kinds 4 shots Committee, i.e. adding any new Johnny Johnson 1876 1979 Qty Printing Insert Honorary Members, etc. Herman Kortlander 1900 1987 1500 $194. $40. Frank Laffitte 1982 (6) Respectfully submitted, Carl E. Lamson 1897 1966 John M. Albert Henry Lange 1895 1985 6--The Wonderful Boudoir Santa Barbara, CA Ethel Leginska 1886 1970 Player Piano Edwin Lester 1895 1990 Qty Printing Insert Current List of Honoraries Edwin Link 1904 1981 1600 $1081. (* = still living ) Matilda Locust Hart Vincent Lopez 1894 1987 Total Printing -- $4866. Clarence Adler 1886 1969 L. Leslie Loth 1888 1975 Insertion charge -- $370. Pauline Alpert (Rodf) 1912 1988 Dr. Mana-Zucca 1894 1987 Louis Alter 1902 1980 Flora Mora 1894 1987 Reprints are an important part of Robert Armbruster 1896 1994 Max Morath * our history and are fragile items. With Herman (“Hi”) Babich (“Babit”) 1917 * Mieczyslaw Munz 1900 1976 a total of $5236. spent on them Edythe Baker (Kane) 1997 Conlon Nancarrow 1997 in 2003, and divide that by 1400 Alan Bier 1973 Elly Ney 1882 1968 members, it comes to a small total of Robert W. Billings 1899 1985 Ray Noble 1903 1978 $3.74 per member spent on these Ruth Bingaman-Smith 1896 1996 Guiomar Novaes Pintot 1895 1979 reprints. The high quality by Engler Eubie Blake 1883 1983 Erwin Nyiregyhazi 1903 Alexander Brailowsky 1896 1976 continue. . . 346 continued. . .

Leo Ornstein 1892 2002 Dianne Polan seconded. A vote was L. Executive Committee Report – Wilfred Pelletier 1896 1982 taken and the motion passed. Then no report this year Gray Perry 1898 1995 Ron Connor moved to place Dick Genevieve Pitot 1980 Howe in the Hall of Fame. Linda Bird M. Chapter Reports Leo Podolsky 1891 1987 seconded and the vote approved the The Board meeting resumed with John Powell 1882 1944 choice. a review of the Chapter Reports that Vera Richardson 1978 follow. Claire Rivers Moody 1893 K. Webmaster Report – BOSTON AREA Douglas Roe 1903 1994 none available CHAPTER REPORT O. Fred Rydeen There was no official report this Officers: Domenico Savino 1883 1973 year with the transition between Web- Carl I. Schneider 1976 masters. Karl Ellison requested per- President: ...... Bill Koenigsburg Germaine Schnitzer 1889 1983 mission to give a facelift to the entire Vice President: . . . . .Robert Tempest Leonard Smith 1901 1993 AMICA Web site. Earlier he showed Secretary: . . . . .Ginger Christiansen Sigmund Spaeth 1885 1965 us an example of a layout created in Treasurer: ...... Karl Ellison Ernest L. Stevens 1894 1982 Front Page®. He said he could update Reporter: ...... Don Brown Reginald Stewart 1899 1984 and maintain the Web site, but would Board Rep: ...... Karl Ellison Alexandre Tansman 1897 1986 not be able to handle all of the corre- Ramsi Tick 1925 2000 spondence generated by the site. John The chapter has met an average of Donald D. Voorhees 1903 1989 Motto-Ros said that he and Jack 4 times a year, at varied venues. Pete Wendling 1888 1974 Edwards would work to provide con- • Oct. 3, 2003: Home of Ginger and Maurice Roy Wetzel 1895 tent for the site. Karl also suggested Chris Christiansen, Nashua NH Isabelle Yalkovsky Byman 1906 1981 changing the host for the site to one • Dec. 13, 2003: Chapter Christmas Victor Zuck 1908 * who provides the space, service and Dinner (restaurant) and reception at backup protocol that we require. He Dorothy Bromage’s, Billerica MA Only five of the Honoraries are still will investigate further. • Mar. 28, 2004: Home of Bill living. Karl Ellison requested that Jay Larry Kerecman of the Denver Koenigsberg, Concord MA Albert update the dates on the list Convention Committee created the • Apr. 24, 2004: Mason & Hamlin accordingly. As chair, Jay again asked Convention site and was getting a lot Piano Company - Factory tour and if the nominations should be reopened of hits from search engines on Luncheon, Haverhill MA. for new Honoraries. Dan Brown has mechanical music related terms. He had several suggestions for nominees. hoped that we will add a strong Fre- The chapter has 49 paid households Honoraries receive perks such as free quently Asked Questions page to sup- for 2004, compared to 45 in 2003, 49 Bulletins with their membership. port the most popular questions asked in 2002, and 66 in 2001. There are no Dorothy Olds made a motion that we via e-mail. He also thought that the chapter members that are not National reopen the request for nominees and shared responsibility for maintenance members. to change the name to the AMICA of information would help the new There is $1233.58 in the bank as of HALL OF FAME. Mike Walter s Webmaster in maintaining the site. It May 16, 2004. Submitted by, econded the motion. Discussion was was suggested that Jack Edwards be Karl Ellison initiated by Ron Connor, reminding us asked to handle the e-mail questions, Boston Board Representative of previous criteria that prevents the and it was hoped that there would be a recipient from using the implied committee of advisors to consult for The Boston Chapter is making an endorsement of AMICA for questions in various areas of expertise effort to step up their meetings and commercial gain. The criteria in the when needed. Others suggested the have added four new members this by-laws address the concerns of Ron decision on whether to add links year. They send notices to everyone and other Board members. We must should be evaluated on and individual within their geographical area. make sure that new nominees have basis, but if they are added, the contributed substantially to the field of AMICA window would remain active CHICAGO AREA Mechanical Music. A vote was taken so we don’t lose visitors to our site. CHAPTER REPORT and the motion was carried. Since the We hope to have cooperation and reci- Officers: option to add new Hall of Famers now procal links with other appropriate President: ...... Curt Clifford exists, Marvin Polan moved to add resources. After further discussion, Vice President: ...... John Mueller Harvey and Marion Roehl as Dan appointed Karl as Webmaster, Secretary: ...... Thad Kochanny nominees to the AMICA Hall of with Jack Edwards and Larry Kerec- Treasurer: ...... Joe Pekarek Fame. John Motto-Ros seconded and man assisting as needed. Reporter: ...... Kathy Stone a vote was called for by Dan Brown. Board Rep: ...... George Wilder The motion carried. Mike Walter then A 15 minute break was allowed. Chicago Area Chapter currently has moved to add roll artist Rudy Martin. continue. . . 347 continued. . .

85 paid members. We have had a Founding Chapter Board Rep where members enjoyed a dinner and great year and finished 2003 with a theater. At the meeting Past President holiday party at Jasper Sanfilippo’s. The Founding Chapter regrets to Linda Bird presented the Leo Ornstein The holiday party had 188 attendees report that long time member Dale award to Ron Bopp, who had not been and brought in 6 new members. Our Lawrence passed away this year. present at the Portland Convention to most recent meeting was to hear that receive it. celebrated maestro of ragtime, Max October found us in Abilene, GATEWAY Morath, play at the Woodstock Opera CHAPTER REPORT Kansas to play our band and monkey House. Currently we’re all working organs at a festival held by the Officers: hard to get everything ready for the Dickinson County Historical Society. 2006 AMICA International Conven- President: ...... Tom Novak Of interest here was their Parker tion! We’re planning to make 2006 a Vice President: ...... Bob Crowley steam carousel, up and operating. The memorable convention for all who Secretary/Treasurer: . . . .Jane Novak day ended with dinner at a local come to The Windy City. Reporter: ...... Mary Wilson landmark, the Brookville Hotel. In the Board Rep: ...... Gary Craig morning we were off to Manhattan Submitted by, George Wilder Kansas for a meeting at Blaine and Chicago Area Board Rep The Gateway Chapter continues to Armenda Thomas’ musical museum. struggle with membership. We are In December we gathered at having a hard time getting people to the new home of Paul and Shirley FOUNDING host meetings. Attendance at these CHAPTER REPORT Morganroth for the annual Christmas meeting was quite small. Part of Party. The usual gift exchange took Officers: the problem is the unwillingness of place along with a performance of the President: ...... Bing Gibbs people in this area to join the national Heart of America Thespians which is Vice President: ...... Karen Simons organization. They will join a local always good for a laugh. The day Secretary: ...... Lyle Merithew group primarily for social purposes. ended by attending a nearby theater ...... and Sandy Swirsky They see no point to joining the for a performance of “A Country Treasurer: ...... Richard Reutlinger national. Many of the people in this Christmas”. In the morning we visited Reporter: ...... Tom Mc Way area are not willing to go out of town Craig and Ellen Brougher for a Board Rep: . . . . .Richard Reutlinger to meetings. They are content to go brunch and a chance to hear their to someone’s home on a Sunday interesting instruments and see Craig’s The Founding Chapter of AMICA afternoon and listen to a piano or latest projects. The fun was followed currently has 32 members on the rolls. music box. by a business meeting. We have been encouraged to have had I will report on our July meeting The current year began with a several new enthusiastic members at the Board Meeting. We have the meeting at Galen and Linda Bird’s in sign up this past year. same people as officers year after year April. They had a pig roast and we all We lost two members who passed because we cannot get others to be got reacquainted to the music of away this past year, Luis Chardon and officers. Galen’s new Mason and Hamlin Elmer Klein, both of whom were If anyone has any suggestion of Ampico grand. The next morning we active members in the past. Luis something we have not already tried, returned for brunch (if nothing else, Chardon will be remembered for some we are open to suggestions. you won’t starve at the Bird’s) and a very spirited local meetings. business meeting. Submitted by, We have had meetings quarterly Gary Craig There was an organ rally in in the past year. We would like to Gateway Board Rep Topeka, Kansas on June 19th. It was promote having meetings every other the free day on their carousel, the train month with new members, perhaps HEART OF AMERICA that runs through the park and the zoo. this will be a possibility. At our CHAPTER REPORT There were thousands of people in March meeting the chapter voted Officers: the park with lots of interest in the to contribute $3000. toward the President: ...... Tom McAuley organs. In fact, one of the police Adopt-A-Piano project in Virginia officers is very interested in acquiring City/Nevada City, Montana. This Vice President: ...... Robbie Tubbs Secretary/Treasurer: . . . . .Kay Bode a monkey organ and may join project was initiated by Founding AMICA. We put on a demonstration Member Richard Reutlinger. Reporter: ...... Varies with meeting Board Rep: ...... Ron Connor in the amphitheater that evening and The Founding Chapter is concerned explained about the different organs. about the loss of members nationally The Heart of America Chapter On Sunday morning H.C. & Marlene and supports the idea of a more active, Beckman invited us to their home appealing Web site to promote continues to be an active chapter with well attended meetings. In September for a delicious brunch and business AMICA. meeting. Submitted by, Richard D. Reutlinger the Chapter met in Branson, MO continue. . . 348 continued. . .

During the year we have had Board Reps: ...... Dianne & MIDWEST a number of discussions at our ...... Marvin Polan CHAPTER REPORT business meetings about the problems Membership Chairman: . .Keith Bigger Officers: AMICA is having getting and President: ...... Stuart Grigg retaining members and the related We have four meetings a year: Vice President: ...... Liz Barnhart problem of finances. One thing October 19th, 2003: Dave Calen- Secretary: ...... Sherri Neff everyone seemed to agree on is that dine played at the home of Bob and Treasurer: ...... Alvin Wulfekuhl we should drop the reprints that Catherine Martin. He is an Organist Reporter: ...... Christy Counterman frequently come with the Bulletin. for the Detroit’s Radio City Music Board Rep: ...... Liz Barnhart There is almost no interest in these in Hall. our Chapter and we think this is one December 28th, 2003: Joe Hutter The Midwest Chapter has a total of place we could cut costs. gave workshop on the Aeolian 74 household memberships. Our Another thing that keeps coming chapter is having a problem trying to Orchestrelle at the home of the Polans. up is getting more variety in the find meeting dates. We can’t meet in A month later the meeting was Bulletin. There seems to be some the snow months and between May move in that direction and we held again in the Polans’ home for and September there are 8 organ understand that it will take some a video taping by the local PBS rallies plus 2 meetings all in our area time for the new Publisher to make Channel which was shown in two and held by other music groups. changes and the word to get out that segments over the next few months. We knew we could not fit in articles on subjects other than pianos May 15th, 2004: We held a a meeting last fall, so we held one will be considered. It was suggested meeting at Dr. Lenwood Wert’s home. in the upstairs lobby at the Portland that some of those whose articles had We had a hands on workshop on a Doubletree Hotel. All 18 Midwest been turned down might resubmit crank organ and band organ. As an members attending the convention them. Some of the problems discussed added extra some members went to came and all officers were present are not in AMICA’s power to do Ruth and Bill Kromer’s home to see except our president. We voted to anything about, such as the weakened his fantastic tool workshop. donate $1200. to the “Adopt a Piano” economy. July 17th, 2004: There will be a project when names of specific An additional problem that was meeting at Bill Maguire’s home. Bill instruments become available. often mentioned is the lack of places will do hands on workshops. ”How To Our December meeting was in to get things rebuilt. Our chapter has Findlay, OH with hosts, Bev and Tom Remove The Action From A Player taken on a project this year. Two of Gustwiller and Sherri and Wes Neff. Grand Piano.” our members have been having health A highlight of the weekend was problems and they greatly miss Besides meetings, Chapter playing “Name That Tune” using their player piano which has stopped Members participated in the grand excerpts of old piano rolls put together working. The Chapter has decided opening of the New York State Empire on one roll and pumped by Wes Neff to rebuild it for them. Parts have State Carousel by bringing player on his upright player. We voted to been passed out to various volunteer pianos, band organs and street contribute to the AMICA Memorial members who will rebuild them organs. Our member Randolph Herr Fund in memory of Judy Wulfekuhl, and then in the fall these gave a concert at our local library on Frank Rider, Lewis Schwartzkoph, subassemblies will be brought his Pianola. He also played at the Donna Counterman and Lawrence to Craig Brougher’s house and Museum of the American Piano in Frazer. We also visited the Piano Roll the piano will be reassembled New York City. Videos of his concerts Shop operated by Elizabeth Rettig. and returned to its owners. are available upon request. In May we gathered at the Cleveland Museum of Art and then Submitted by, Ron Connor, New Members: 46 had our choice of going there or to the Chapter Rep other museums, Natural History, Heart of America Chapter Botanical Gardens, and Crawford New Business: We request that Auto-Aviation. That evening and our Amica International Membership Sunday meeting were at Carol and LADY LIBERTY Chairman notify Chapter Presidents of CHAPTER REPORT Karl Thiel’s in Chagrin Falls. Karl’s new members so chapters can contact father, Al, was secretary of the Officers: these new members to welcome them. Midwest Chapter in the 70’s and Karl President: ...... Vincent Morgan has inherited his pianos. We also held Vice President: ...... Keith Bigger Respectfully Submitted, an informal mart. Secretary: ...... Maureen Saboda Dianne and Marvin Polan Our next meeting will be July Treasurer: ...... Ira Malek 17-18 in Indianapolis hosted by Jody Reporters: ...... Buzz Rosa Trittipo, Miriam Hanscom and Tim continue. . . 349 continued. . .

Needler and will include a trip to when he passed on. He will be greatly of people who were not AMICA Boggstown Dinner Theater. missed as he contributed in vital ways members, who were comfortably to our chapter back to its start in 1994. situated in the Doubletree Downtown Respectfully Submitted, Liz Barnhart Portland Hotel which had a most Midwest Board Rep Treasury helpful staff. Ann Smith coordinated In March 2004, we had $340.76 in all our tours for the convention and NORTHERN LIGHTS our checking account, $2,056.32 in a did a splendid job! We had an entire CHAPTER REPORT certificate of deposit, and a savings bus of 47 folks attend the 1/2-day Officers: account with a balance of $2,778.47. Pre-Convention tour that included President: ...... Phillip Baird This is a near doubling of our visits to the Rose Gardens, Japanese Vice President: ...... Paul Watkins financial assets since last year because Gardens, and Pittock Mansion in Secretary: ...... Jason Beyer of money made on the Portland Portland. On Thursday we all boarded Treasurer: ...... Donald B. Jones convention in August, 2003. buses for a daylong tour of the Reporter: ...... Dorothy Olds Columbia River Gorge. The tour Board Rep: ...... Dorothy Olds Chapter Activities included the Gorge itself, Mt. Chapter activities have continued Hood, Multnomah Falls, and the There has been only one general regularly. Each year we have four International Museum of Carousel Art meeting of members since the meetings with 15 to 40 people in in Hood River, Oregon. This museum Portland meeting and that was held in attendance, and our meetings occur on is home to the world’s largest and December, our annual Christmas Party. Saturday or Sunday afternoons. most comprehensive collection of On that same day, prior to the Members and visitors come to the antique carousel art. Furthermore, we meeting and dinner, the Convention hosting home at around 2 PM and had a chance to see a restorer at work. Planning committee met. We have had there is approximately two hours of A particular highlight of the several meetings since then. Plans are visiting with other members while the convention was being able to feature moving ahead. A presentation is instruments in the home are viewed our young guest artist, Nathan Bello. planned for the Denver convention. and played. This considerable period Nathan is one of AMICA International's of time for interaction with other youngest members, and although he Respectfully submitted, Dorothy Olds AMICAns has proved to be one of has been a member of AMICA for Northern Lights Board Rep the most valuable features of our several years, he was only 17 years of meetings, and people become well age. Specifically for this convention, PACIFIC CAN-AM acquainted with others during this Nathan composed “The Rose City CHAPTER REPORT time. At approximately 4 PM, we have Rag,” which is a real toe-tapping tune Officers: our Business Meeting and show and of exactly the type that AMICAns Co-Presidents: . . . .Carl(now deceased) tell time. At roughly 5 PM, we share enjoy, and this became the ...... & Peg Kehret our potluck meal together. This convention’s souvenir roll. Nathan Vice President: ...... Halie Dodrill schedule works very well indeed. performed a full length piano concert Secretary: ...... Brian Tate The largest activity of our chapter of both popular and classical pieces Treasurers: ...... Jack & as a whole this year was the 2003 to an enthusiastic audience. Carl ...... Mary Lou Becvar AMICA Convention which was held Kehret organized the Technical Reporter: ...... Mark Smithberg in Portland, Oregon from August 20 Sessions which were especially broad Board Rep: ...... Carl Dodrill to 24, 2003. Carl Dodrill was in scope this year. Karl Ellison, Convention Chair and Al Menashe demonstrating unbelievable control Membership from Portland was the Convention of the piano’s expression, won As of March 20, 2004, the Pacific Co-chair. Our committee consisted of the Pumper Contest. On Saturday Can-Am Chapter membership persons from the state of Washington morning, AMICANs went to the Oaks consisted of 32 individuals who come (Dan Brown, Halie Dodrill, Carl Park Roller Rink and Amusement from 20 households. This is a Kehret, Dean Randall until his death Park in Portland where all enjoyed a significant reduction from the early last year, Beverly Spore) and wonderful concert on the Wurlitzer previous year, primarily due to the also from Oregon (Nathan Bello, pipe organ by Jonas Nordwall. This nonpayment of dues. As can be seen, Bruce and Juanice Cartwright, John was followed by an extended visit to in many cases, two members from a Collins, Bill and Marilyn Englund, the Sellwood Antique area of Portland household are both actively involved Don McLaughlin, Al Menashe, Ann with more than 50 shops. That in our chapter. Deaths this year among Smith). The convention registered 183 evening, the banquet was held in the our membership prominently included people, including a significant number ballroom of the hotel with excellent Carl Kehret who was Co-President continue. . . 350 continued. . .

food and with dancing to the music Carl Dodrill, Reporter: ...... Frank Warbis provided by the Dick Saunders Pacific Can-Am Chapter Board Rep: ...... Holly Walter Orchestra. The convention concluded Representative to the AMICA Board the next day with the Farewell The S.O.W.N.Y. chapter of AMICA Breakfast and with visits to six open SIERRA NEVADA is alive and well, although the number houses which had been arranged by CHAPTER REPORT of chapter members has declined. Our chapter has 18 current members with Don McLaughlin of our convention Officers: a few more new members on the committee. Free transportation was President: ...... John Motto-Ros horizon. provided to all open houses for Vice President: ...... Sonja Lemon During the past twelve months we anyone who wished to go and who Secretary/Treasurer: ...... Doug & have had five chapter meetings at ...... Vickie Mahr did not have a way to get there. various homes throughout the region. Reporter: ...... Nadine Motto-Ros The AMICA - 2003 - Convention We are looking forward to two or Board Rep: ...... John Motto-Ros Committee wishes to thank everyone possibly three more before the end of who helped with the convention the year. The Sierra Nevada Chapter has (a host of folks from our Can-Am Concerning finances, we currently 19 memberships; most of these are chapter), the wonderful hotel staff at have $1,487.30 in our chapter couples, but we have a few individual the Doubletree, our guest artists checking account and $3,400 in a memberships. The Chapter has met CD account to be used for chapter Nathan Bello and Jonas Nordwall, and three times since the 2003 Convention projects. persons who offered their homes. in Portland. We have another meeting Our current chapter project is the Special recognition goes to my wife, scheduled for June 27. restoration of a Weber Duo-Art grand Halie, whose commitment to this Our continuing goal is to expose piano in the workshop of Harold convention in the hundreds of hours more people to automatic musical Hodgkins. she spent resulted in a convention instruments. Long-time members Bob We are looking to find ways with no significant weaknesses and to and Sonja Lemon are developing a of increasing membership in our Bev Spore who assisted in many chapter web page to link to the chapter and also the international ways. AMICA International web site. This organization. Chapter president Mike could be a tool to attract new Other activities beyond the Walter has mentioned auctioning members. We have a new, very young convention occurred throughout the memberships to our organization member who is obsessed with Photo year. The chapter voted to undertake on P.B.S. TV auctions here in the Players, and he does own one. His the rebuilding of a player piano for Buffalo/Toronto market and also goal is to place it in the ballroom of placement in the American Museum P.B.S. stations across the country. The the Stockton Hotel (being renovated) of Radio in Bellingham, Washington. chapter feels that it would be a great and show silent movies. The chapter Kurt Morrison, Troy Taylor, Mark way of advertising our organization is currently talking about a player and we unanimously endorse the idea. Smithberg, Ron Babb, and Carl piano with trailer to use on weekends Kehret (until his death) have pressed in malls and other locations to Respectfully Submitted, Mike Walter ahead on this project. A rebuild of the promote AMICA. player grand piano in the Paramount President, S.O.W.N.Y. Chapter Holly Walter Theater in Seattle was approved by Respectfully submitted, S.O.W.N.Y. Board Rep the Chapter, and this will be done as John Motto-Ros time permits. Norm and Sally Gibson President/Board Rep sponsored the third band organ rally in Sierra Nevada Chapter SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA June in Ocean Shores, Washington. CHAPTER REPORT Bill Masterman maintains a Wurlitzer John Motto-Ros reported that since Officers: band organ that he has rebuilt, and he the writing of this report, their new President: ...... Frank Nix has been successful in getting it Chapter Web site has been launched Vice President: ...... Jerry Pell installed in Washington State’s largest and can be accessed from AMICA’s Secretary: ...... Shirley Nix county fair, the Puyallup County Fair. Chapter page. Treasurer: ...... Ken Hodge Brian Tate continues to go to schools Reporter: ...... Shirley Nix to illustrate automatic musical S.O.W.N.Y. Board Rep: ...... Frank Nix instruments. Other members furthered CHAPTER REPORT 2004 has been a busy year for our the mission of AMICA by Officers: chapter. The December meeting was President: ...... Mike Walter volunteering their time on a consistent held at the home of Bob and Diane Vice President: ...... Stan Aldridge basis. Lloyd. AMICA invited MBSI Secretary: . . . .Garry & Anne Lemon Treasurer: ...... Holly Walter continue. . . 351 continued. . .

members as usual, and the crowd was TEXAS Bulletin does not reflect the current large with many old friends. The CHAPTER REPORT by-laws.The question was raised on Lloyds have a large collection of Officers: whether to change the by-laws to musical machines, clocks, and other President: ...... Jerry Bacon reflect a new definition of our intent. “goodies”, all in good working order. Vice President: ...... Bill Boruff Since it was determined that the In February Mike and Marilyn Secretary: ...... Janet Tonnesen by-laws are not a recruitment tool, Ames hosted our meeting in Solana Treasurer: ...... Vicki Brady they are not restrictive in their Beach. This meeting was well Reporter: ...... Haden Vandiver meaning. Mike Walter said that a attended, with many of us taking the Board Rep: ...... Dick Merchant better solution would be to create a train from L.A. and back. The Ames new tag line to be used under the have a wonderful collection, and Our main objective has been to header opposite the inside front cover. the star of this meeting was the maintain an active and viable chapter Dick Merchant represented the newly restored Weber Solea, playing this year with emphasis on having opposing view, saying that we need to beautifully. quality and enjoyable meetings. rewrite the by-laws to accurately April was a busy month, with an To summarize meetings that we reflect AMICA’s direction today. organ rally in Redlands on the 17th. had in 2003 since the last convention He said we should include the This one got rained out! The next to date in 2004: preservation of the music as a priority weekend we had our annual rally in Sept. 26-28, 2003 – Joint Meeting of the organization. After much Descanso Gardens. It was, as usual, a with Sunbelt Chapter MBSI – Band discussion, Linda Bird reverted to very successful rally with large Organ Rally at Fair Park in Dallas Mike’s original premise. She moved crowds and a beautiful setting. with open houses at Walter & Jessie to leave the by-laws the way they are, In May we had our meeting at the Moore's and Richard & Janet but requested revision of the Bulletin Nix home in Woodland Hills. Two Tonnesen’s homes. definition of AMICA’s purpose instruments many had not seen before Dec. 13, 2003 –Jerry Bacon to reflect the broader scope of the were the newly restored Hupfeld Christmas dinner meeting/gift swap – organization. Frank Nix seconded Helios 1C31 and the Ruth 35-A, Dallas the motion and the vote passed, with both pleasing the crowd. We had a Feb 15, 2004 Sal & Elaine Mele, Dick Merchant, Gary Craig and Bill potluck luncheon, so no one went home visit and Organ/Choir concert Chapman disagreeing. home hungry. following dinner – Dallas May 16th found us having a rally May 1, 2004 Olden Year Musical B. Adopt-A-Piano Program – in Pasadena at historical locations for Museum – Duncanville Richard Reutlinger their celebration, very well attended. Two more meetings are planned Richard gave an update on the June 20th, Father’s Day, found for 2004 - a fall meeting and the program. One of the main concerns many of us back in Pasadena at the Christmas meeting. was the method of transferring funds Historical Museum, with a few of us Attendance at meetings has to the project. The Montana Heritage at the Father’s Day Classic Car Show increased and averages 20-25 in Commission does not want to playing for the crowds at the Cal attendance. We had quite a few administer an endowment fund. One Lutheran College. members that didn’t renew from last of the goals of the program is to July 10 and 11 will find us at a year dropping us down from last make the public aware of AMICA. meeting planned at the home of Jim year’s 73 memberships to 66 this year. Approximately 100,000 visitors per and Caroyl Westcott in Lompoc, and We still struggle to find hosts year pass though the Nevada City at the Print Shop of Doug and Audrey for meetings and to find volunteers Music Hall during the season which Mussell. This will be our last chance for office. We are working to increase runs from May to September. One of to see the Westcott collection, since the Chapter membership and the the first steps will be to determine they are selling the whole thing and involvement of the members. which instruments are to be restored moving. They have a large collection, and a priority order for restoration. and put on a very entertaining Regards, Dick Merchant Frank Nix was concerned about the meeting. Doug and Audrey also have Board Rep., Texas Chapter speed of the restoration due to Art a large orchestrion collection, so it Reblitz’s busy schedule, but there will be a weekend filled with music 5. Old Business seems to be no time schedule set as of and fellowship. A. By-laws revision consideration yet. Richard will provide updates to Our treasury is healthy, with 86 concerning the statement of the Bulletin when necessary. Dan paid members. (The organ rallies and purpose of AMICA – Gary Craig, Brown said that no further Board word of mouth seem to be our major John Motto-Ros, Dick Merchant, action is necessary to move the project source of new members.) Dan Brown forward. Submitted by The header describing AMICA’s Frank and Shirley Nix intent on the information page in each Southern California Board Reps continue. . . 352 continued. . .

C. Emmett Ford photo collection proposal. On a Chapter level Carl 6. New Business disposition/use – Dan Brown Dodrill found that every one who did A. Webmaster replacement and Dan Brown asked for suggestions not renew merely forgot to do so. website design and content on what to do with the collection, Other Chapters will make the effort to This was previously addressed which has been in the possession of personally contact members who did earlier in the meeting. several AMICA members since it was not renew. donated to the organization. When the As Dan Brown stated earlier, we B. Notification to chapters of new Barnharts stored it in Ohio, they made need to get instruments in front of the International members – Dianne an inventory of all of the items. Dan public. He suggested that we revisit and Marvin Polan Brown has recently reviewed the the possibility of making funds The Polans request that the materials and found most of them available to get an instrument into a Chapters be notified immediately to be copies of articles or actual prominent location. John Motto-Ros when a new member joins in their clippings from publications. There are wants to make sure that AMICA area. That way they can be invited to perhaps two dozen real photos in the Brochures are available in all kinds of join the chapter and participate in collection. He has now given the venues and at events where people local activities. important articles to Mike Kukral to may be interested in antiques or use for the Bulletin. music. Karl Ellison suggested that Note: the order of the agenda was we coordinate our Convention dates changed at this point. D. Membership growth ideas – to avoid conflicts with like John Motto-Ros, Bill Chapman, organizations so attendance at D. Historic reprints – Bing Gibbs, Dan Brown Conventions could be improved. Dan Ron Connor and Wes Neff Bill Chapman is concerned about said that this is already is being Ron Connor, representing the Heart membership loss and asked for done to some extent, citing last of America Chapter, said that suggestions on how to maintain and year’s Portland Convention and the their chapter took a vote and the add to membership. He had compiled possibility of riding the train to the majority do not think that the reprints a group of letters from former MBSI convention the following week. are necessary. Gary Craig from the members and also a possible survey to Liz Barnhart suggested inviting Gateway Chapter agreed. John determine why people drop out. Dan college students from music education Motto-Ros said that we need to to Brown maintains that Chapter activity programs to see our collections promote the reprints more as a is the way to get people to join. Public to generate interest. We hope to perk to AMICA. Discussion followed demonstrations are often used since publish ideas for recruiting new on just what should be considered many people have never seen any of members in an upcoming bulletin. for a reprint. Should they relate to these instruments, especially young the Bulletin articles? The subject was people. Dianne Polan asked if there E. AMICA e-group then diverted from the reprints were any other Chapters who had a Karl Ellison explained the to a discussion of Bulletin content. Membership Chairman. Keith Bigger workings of a Board Member only There had been a concern that a recent of their Lady Liberty Chapter took it e-group to use in facilitating Bulletin had been dominated by one upon himself to call everyone in their conversation between Board large article. The Board agreed the Chapter area to invite them to come. Members. It would be a closed, need for diversity in articles. Carl They now have a thriving Chapter private group where others could Dodrill revisited last year’s suggestion which was recently featured on the not participate. Each e-mail on Board of creating a Publications Committee local PBS station. action would be sent to the entire which would have several people The book “Pianos in America group. There would be automatic representing different interests. These –1800 to 1940” was cited by John archiving so we could look up members would determine if the Motto-Ros as a great example on how topics of interest. There would also author of an article was presenting to present the history of instruments. be free disk space for images or valid information. They would also He wondered if perhaps the history of commonly needed documents such solicit and review articles submitted instruments of interest to AMICA as the by-laws. It was decided for publication. Carl moved that the could be profiled on our Web site. that Karl would send an introductory President be directed to form an ad Mike Walter proposed the idea of e-mail to each member of the Board, hoc Publications Committee with promoting AMICA on the nationwide inviting them to register for the group. which our Publisher and Printer would PBS television auctions. For a $75.00 If enough people approve of the group serve. It should include people investment, we could essentially it will be implemented as our main with expertise in various areas of receive a 30 second “commercial” means of communication, but we will mechanical music in which AMICA about AMICA. He will investigate the make an effort to include others who should be involved. The chair will potential of how many households can not participate due to lack of Web be appointed by the President and can be reached in each geographic access. should have a broad knowledge of area to determine the feasibility of the continue. . . 353 continued. . .

mechanical music and the skills to of increasing dues until we have AMICA International Board of manage the committee and evaluate further information on the need to do directors to re-establish the Rocky submissions to the Bulletin. Mike so. When the Publication costs are Mountain Chapter of AMICA. All Walter seconded the motion. The vote evaluated, it may not be necessary to petitioners are current members of was carried. raise dues if the budget can be AMICA International. They submitted We then returned to the original trimmed otherwise. Gary seconded the a copy of the by-laws that were in topic of Historic Reprints. The motion and Dan pointed out that no effect at the time the Chapter was Midwest Chapter discussed the motion is necessary in this case. Ron dissolved that will be used as topic at their July meeting and withdrew the motion. provisional by-laws. Larry listed all agreed that they find the reprints the states previously covered by the valuable and enjoy reading them E. Airmail sending of Bulletins Chapter: Colorado, New Mexico, and displaying them. They suggested to overseas members and Wyoming, western Kansas, and west- certain kinds of reprints they would affiliates – Bill Chapman ern Nebraska. They request that the like to have reproduced. Dan Brown Bill Chapman discussed the costs territory remain the same. Richard pointed out that Robin Pratt had of sending overseas subscriptions Reutlinger made a motion to noticed the reprints selling online Airmail vs. Surface mail. It would re-establish the Rocky Mountain and suggested we do the same with take 4-6 weeks to receive a bulletin Chapter of AMICA. Gary Craig surplus reprints. John Motto-Ros via surface mail for most members. seconded the motion. A vote was moved that we scan or photograph the No motion was made as there would taken and the motion unanimously existing ones and get them ready to not be enough savings to merit approved. The Chapter will hold its put them on our Web site to sell. changing the way we mail the items. first official meeting this fall. Christy Counterman seconded the Dan Brown asked if there were motion, and the vote was approved. F. Request to change AMICA any more items to be discussed. Liz Wes Neff reviewed the current convention days from Barnhart showed the brass AMICA budget and how much each reprint Wednesday-Sunday to plaques suitable for engraving and had cost, and how much the cost had Tuesday-Saturday – Karl Ellison asked to sell them at the Mart. Mike varied over the past months. Christy When it was pointed out that most Walters asked how many members suggested that we determine a set discounted airfares require a Saturday have foot-pumped player piano in budget for reprints to alleviate the overnight stay, Karl realized that their homes, and if we know if the financial problems caused by such a there would be little savings from majority of our chapter members have varying amount spent each time. Carl leaving the Convention Saturday and them. He was trying to gauge the Dodrill suggested that the Publications withdrew the suggestion. focus of future membership efforts. Committee could make that decision. After these discussions, President Dan Wes Neff made a motion to stop G. Future of Technicalities – Brown adjourned the meeting, publication of the reprints until the from Terry Smythe and reminded Board Members to be Publications Committee evaluates the The future of Technicalities was prepared to give a brief report at the process and makes a decision. Carl covered earlier in this meeting. Membership Breakfast. Dodrill seconded the motion. The vote The Board reconvened later in the was approved with two dissenting. H. The petition for the evening as the new Publisher, Mike re-establishment of the Rocky Kukral had arrived. We discussed the C. Membership dues increase – Mountain Chapter – direction of the Bulletin and suggested Wes Neff Larry Kerecman possible subjects for future bulletins. There will only be a minimal profit On July 31, 2004 thirteen members The Publications Committee was also from this convention. Ron Connor of the Denver Convention Committee discussed. suggested that we table any discussion voted unanimously to petition the

354 By John Motto-Ros VERVIEW OF “MUSIC A MILE HIGH” AMICA CONVENTION

DENVER, COLORADO Hospitality Room was great. I enjoyed Club 38th Floor, I knew why. What a August 4-8, 2004 Yousuf Wilson’s banjo; the workmanship view and the dinner was excellent. is unbelievable—it is the best. Music by the Queen City Jazz Band was I spent Wednesday at the Annual Day 2 - Friday: The convention the frosting on the cake for Nadine and I. Board Meeting in the Gold Nugget committee did a “travel agency” job Their vocalist Wendy is the greatest. Did Room. The convention committee had organizing our visit to Garden of the anyone see the fireworks off in the arranged for a phone for conference calls, Gods in Manitou Springs. Our evening distance—just for us? which worked out great. The continental trip to 4-Mile Historic Park was like Day 4 - Sunday: The Farewell breakfast was superb. Later in the day, stepping back in time to the Old West. Breakfast and Annual Meeting went very I checked out the Hospitality Room The chuck wagon dinner was fun and the well. After seeing the Northern Lights which was large and accommodating cowboy poetry by lantern light was a Chapter presentation, no one should miss with lots of instruments to play. nice way to end an exciting day. next year’s convention in Minneapolis, Day 1 - Thursday: The Welcome Day 3 - Saturday: The work shops MN. We missed the concert at the Breakfast was second to none. The were very informative. I attended three: Paramount Theatre and Open Houses as welcoming remarks and Denver Yousuf Wilson – Back to Basics, Chris we headed off to Mount Rushmore. orientation were very informative. The Finger Pianos – The Piano Disc System, An important thing for me was multi-media presentation “100 Years and Bob Billings – Perforators. All were visiting Art Reblitz—Art is amazing. of Automatic Music in Colorado” by very good. I had a good day selling at the Getting the Rocky Mountain Chapter Dick Kroekel and Art Reblitz was both Mart as I sold a few extra things I had on on line again is a good thing for all informative and entertaining. What a hand. Thanks to everyone who made a AMICAns in the area. It is apparent great trip to Silver Plume and the purchase. that Jere had a good group of people Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown, Jeri (in top hat and tails) gave Nadine all working together. Each year the and Central City. During a torrential and I a ride to the Banquet in his Lincoln conventions get better. I say that every downpour in Georgetown, Halie Dodrill convertible. That was a real treat. My year and mean it. Thank you Jeri and and I took refuge in a doorway prior to first thought was why were we going a crew. Those who did not have fun each getting back on the bus. The Pumper couple of blocks away from the hotel? day must have stayed in their room. Contest was one of the best ever. The As soon as we arrived at the Pinnacle

This was a load test of this bench at 4-Mile Park. It passed the test.

Sierra Nevada Chapter’s Alex Thompson playing games at 4-Mile Historic Park.

Christy Counterman David and Dianne Reidy on enjoying salad the bus to somewhere. and pizza.

355 Board members on Mount Rushmore.

John Motto-Ros holding sign at Van Briggle Art Pottery which says: “If you break something, it’s our responsibility. Enjoy yourself.”

Linda and Galen Bird enjoying the pizza.

Dianne and Marvin Polan couldn’t resist this musical merry-go-round in Georgetown.

Janet and Peter Tallent in Silver Plume.

Carl and Halie Dodrill getting on the bus for a tour.

Art’s beautiful Seeburg “G” with AMICA member dreaming it was his. Art Reblitz center attraction in his shop.

356 By Shirley Nix ENVER CONVENTION 2004 Frank had wanted to have a Central City used to be a small town, group of contestants, and this time convention in the Denver area even not quite a ghost town, but a quiet, quaint the audience had to choose, and three before he became Convention Chairman, place. All that changed when a few winners were selected, with Roger and when he approached Jere DeBacker Casinos opened, and now it is a thriving Stumfol from Kansas the #1 winner, about it Jere said he would see what he area for gambling. Alex Thompson was #2 and Julian Dyer could do. Next thing we knew Jere had We, however, were more interested in was third. taken the bull by the horns and the 2004 the old section of town, and many of us When the contest was over the piano Denver Convention was on the way with took a tour of the old opera house. This is roll for the Convention was presented, its theme “Music a Mile High”. a lovely old theater, and the paintings on and when I say “presented” I mean it was This convention was so much fun, and the walls alone were well worth the trip. quite a presentation, with four “cowboys” the time was so filled with events that Others of us wandered down to see singing and acting out the songs, who in it just seemed to fly by. Jere and his “the face on the barroom floor” in the real life were not actually Tex, Slim, the committee used the area and the Western Teller House. This is an interpretation of Kid or Monty, although they certainly theme and went with it to great effect. the famous picture made famous in the would fit the parts. Actually, they were The Holiday Inn Hotel was situated poem by Hugh Antoine D’Arcy in 1887. Joe Saman, Jan Myers, Barry Weiss and right in downtown Denver, close to many Now lest you think that’s too far back for Jerry Hutt, with Art Reblitz on the Player of the sights Denver is famous for: The anyone today to know, this poem has Piano and Dick Kroeckel on the piano. Denver Capitol Building, with its golden been the subject of a movie in 1914 (These guys all might have an up and dome, the Molly Brown House, the directed by Charlie Chaplin, another coming career in “show biz”????) I have Brown Palace Hotel, and many more. movie in 1998 starring Mickey Rooney, never seen anything like it, and it was Add to that all the restaurants and shops on television adapted for “Touched by an marvelous. They were such a big hit that in easy walking distance and you have a Angel” with Roma Downey as the face, the audience voted to have them repeat great setting. and even a Star Trek episode. The the performance at the banquet on Wednesday started off the activities original poem told of a down and out Saturday night. for the officers and board meeting, but drunk coming into a bar begging for After a good night’s sleep we rose for the rest of the attendees it was a day someone to buy him a drink. Finally early Friday, had breakfast and boarded to arrive, get settled in and relax. There someone does, and he tells the bar the buses again for a lovely trip to was a tour of the Chris Finger Piano hangers on that he was once a famous Colorado Springs, nestled at the base Shop, and the hospitality room was open painter, but his downfall came when he of Pikes Peak about 60 miles south of with an assortment of reproducing fell in love and his girl left him for his Denver. The scenery is decorated by the pianos. best friend. After a couple of drinks he Rockies (Colorado has more peaks over Thursday started off with a welcome offers to show them what she looked like, 14,000 feet high than anywhere else), breakfast followed by Art Reblitz and and he paints her portrait on the and the trip detours through the Garden his remarkable presentation of “100+ floor, then promptly falls over dead of the Gods. This is one of the most Years of Automatic Music in Colorado”. on the portrait. This was also made into photographed spots in the Rockies, with Art has spent 36 years researching an opera, but the story was expanded its ever-changing panorama, and its red automatic instruments and their history in somewhat. rocks jutting up from the ground in many Colorado’s old mining towns to the west, As you might guess, this whole area is shapes and sizes. Yes, they really, really major cities along the front range, and an historical treasure trove. are red. high plains to the east. We had a fine lunch in Georgetown, From this wonderland we went to the His multimedia presentation included complete with accordion music, workshop and home of Art Reblitz, a real many photos of historic instruments furnished by Joe Saman and John treat. Art’s shop is a place where many along with their “then and now” Roberts in costume. of the world’s largest, most rare, and locations, presented in a thoroughly From there we went by bus to take the completely fantastic mechanical musical enjoyable manner. Many of us urged Art Georgetown Loop Railroad trip. What instruments are reborn. Add to that to make this fascinating presentation a fun trip it was, and the scenery was the fact that this is where many of into a CD or other venue available to beautiful. We skirted the storm clouds, the hobby’s most referenced books other chapters for presentation at their and while we got a few “drops” of rain, have been written. Art is a walking meetings. for the most part it was fine. encyclopedia of this hobby, and we were After breakfast and the presentation Thursday evening was the pumper most honored to be able to visit his home we boarded buses for the Georgetown- contest, and boy, these things are getting and shop. He and his wife Jeannie Central City Tour. better and better. This was really a good continue. . . 357 continued. . . opened their home to us, and Art’s prepares everything just as the cook Theatre in the afternoon, “An Afternoon associate Bob Grunow helped with would have done on a trail ride. The food of American Music” with Dick Kroeckel showing the shop and the instruments in was really fantastic, and there was lots (ragtime pianist) and Patti Simon. various stages of restoration there. of it. Four Mile Park was the last stage There were open house tours in the Our lunch stop today was Fargo’s stop outside of Denver, and the distance? evening, with the hospitality room open, Pizza, which was a fitting stop before You guessed it…Four miles! The home too. going to visit Art and Jeannie, since this in this park is the oldest residence in This was convention filled with fun is home to a large orchestrion which was Denver. This is part of the Colorado State and friendship, and we owe Jere and his built by Reblitz Restorations over Historical Society, not just a tourist crew a big vote of thanks. They didn’t 20 years ago, and is still splaying attraction. even have a Chapter of AMICA when beautifully. There are other nickelodeons The park is really a neat place, and they started, although they did start one in this great Pizza Parlor, too, and all you nearly everyone managed to take a back up now. have to do to hear them is put a coin in stagecoach ride around, and go through Jere gave me a list of people who the slot. the old homes. It was interesting. worked on the convention, and we want A century ago, several daily narrow- After dinner, the “chef” put on a to thank all of them. I am not going to list gauge steam trains made the trek from program of cowboy poetry, and he was their jobs, since most of them probably Cripple Creek, “The World’s Greatest just great. He told several stories, all in managed to do much more than just one Gold Camp” on the west side of Pike’s poetry, some funny, some sad, but all job. Peak, downhill and around the mountain entertaining. He is really a showman, and Here are those who made this from Colorado Springs, delivering tons we enjoyed his show immensely. It successful: Kathe Graham, Anita Nickels of gold ore to several large mills for was a real taste of western history and Johnson, Art and Jean Reblitz, Dick refining. The ore mills are gone, except hospitality. Kroeckel (who played the souvenir roll, for one large smokestack, but an Saturday was workshops and the mart, which Art recorded and edited), Barry enormous pile of mine tailings and two which kept us busy until about five p.m., Weiss, Ben Haass, Don and Ginger Hein, historic stone buildings remain: the then up to the room to freshen up, dress Don and Owanah Wick, Jan and Lucy Midland Terminal car repair shop and the up a bit and walk the block and a half to Myers, Jerry Hutt, Jim Bratton, Joe original roundhouse, which marked the the restaurant where the banquet was Saman, Joe and John Roberts, John eastern end of the railroad. held on the 37th floor. Wilkens, Larry Kerecman, Louise Today, the repair shop houses the The view from this banquet room was Lucero, Clara Wingfield, Steve Pikes Peak Ghost Town Museum, which just breathtaking, with all of Denver lit McCormick, and Tom Zook. provided old-time fun, including several up for our pleasure. We also had one of Frank and I also want to thank Mike coin-operated pianos restored by the prettiest sunsets you could ever want, Kukral, who gave us such great coverage Art Reblitz in the early 1970’s. The and Jere said it was the first one they had in the bulletin for the convention. roundhouse is occupied by Van Briggle for weeks due to bad weather, so we were Another special thanks to Bob Berkman Art Pottery. We had the good fortune really fortunate. and QRS Rolls for the super job on to be able to explore both places. A lot The “Queen City Jazz Band” the convention roll. of pottery items went home with furnished the music for dancing and Great job, everyone. We all know it is AMICANs. listening, and they were a big hit. The a big job to put on a convention, and you For our evening meal, Jere and his whole evening had such a wonderful made it look easy, which shows what a crew had arranged for us to go to Four ambience to it. good job you did. Mile Historic Park for a real, live chuck Sunday morning was the business wagon meal, put on by a gentleman meeting and breakfast. There was an who owns an authentic chuck wagon and organ and piano concert at the Paramount

Roy Beltz and Frank Nix Diane Lloyd and Roy Beltz Dianne and Dave Reidy (it’s a friendly chapter)

358 A stagecoach with AMICA members

Bob & Diane Lloyd

The Queen City Jazz Band

“Ragtime Cowboy Jere” On the Georgetown Loop Railroad

Robin Biggins and Ardis Prescott

Bill Klinger

Ken Hodge and his daughter Marlowe

Richard Ingram

359 Pumper Contest-Alex Thompson Pumper Contest-Joyce Brite Pumper Contest-Julian Dyer

Photos Contributed by Tom Rosenbusch

Yousuf Wilson & Automatic Banjo Art Reblitz

PUMPER PUMPER CONTEST CONTEST

Automatic Banjo

Pumper Contest-Dick MerchantPumper Contest Winner Pumper Contest-Jere DeBacker Roger Stumfoll 360 Richard Reutlinger, Richard Reutlinger, Cynthia Craig Cynthia Craig

Arnold & Annegret Guminski

Cowboy Dinner David & Anne Saul

Dick Kroeckel, Patti Simon BANQUET

Durrell Armstrong, Jack Johnson, Steve Holland

Miriam Hanscom, Jodi Trittipo, Anne Saul, Liz Barnhart

Richard Reutlinger, Cynthia Craig

361 AMICA

362 AMICA CONVENTION

363 By Alex Thompson MAZING PHOTOPLAYERS In 1895 Thomas Edison invented the he quickly introduced himself. As it piano rolls of which could have different motion picture projecting device. When happened the two men were the Van music on each which allowed an instant these early machines were first marketed Valkenburg brothers, the inventors of the change in mood. they were sold to small theaters that were American Fotoplayer and founders of In 1926 the American Photo Player quickly converted storefronts to show the the American Photo Player Company of Company was bought by the Robert newfangled motion picture. At this time Berkeley California. The piano salesman Morton Theater Pipe Organ Company. the novelty of the motion picture was by the name of Harold J. Warner wanted Sadly in 1927 Western Electric enough to draw an audience. These early in on the company. The original introduced the talkie and put an end films that were usually five minutes in agreement was that he could sell more to the theater pipe organ business. length startled their viewers to the point Fotoplayer than the two brothers could In the 1960’s, seventies and eighties, that patrons in the front seats of the build he could be president of the when automatic musical instruments house when viewing a film about the Company. In six months he had sold became popular again among collectors ocean moved back in fear of getting wet. hundreds more Fotoplayer than the two these machines which were found Immediately after the invention of the brothers could build in years. Every in closed theaters, barns, garages, and silent film it was obvious to many people theater in the country wanted what he basements were soon bought by who wished to make a fast dollar that this had to sell. This new device allowed collectors and restored, giving new life to was much easier to own and operate than the operator complete control over the these machines which bared 80 years of many of the current vaudeville shows music being presented to the audience. neglect in damp theaters and in some that required hours of rehearsal and were Of course all the big Nickelodeon cases were actually used to support the limited to the stage in which they were manufactures tried to flood the market stage when the theater remodeled and presented. with inadequate copies which infringed were buried under lath and plaster. No Around 1905 it was decided in many on their patents. These machines became one will ever know how these amazing of the larger motion picture houses widespread around 1915 even though machines met their fate to a demolishers that something was needed to cover the they reach the market around 1911. wrecking ball. Some of which were clicking of the projector. The simplest American Fotoplayers contained within actually removed as the theater was torn answer was music. First orchestras two side chests a pipe organ, reed organ down around them. accompanied the silent films, but the and a complete set of sound effects These wonderful machines, now only nickel admission price to the movie which ranged from (on some of six of which play in the entire world, was not enough to cover the wages of their more custom machines) crockery should be shared with as many as to care the band members. At this time smashes to antelope mating bleats. to listen. Included in this article are many Nickelodeons and their larger brother These sound effects were found on the pictures of my own American style 40 the orchestrion were being widely style 50. It was the company’s largest Fotoplayer which proudly sits in distributed in cafes and dance halls machine; it was 21 feet long, 5 feet deep. my garage. It was bought from Bob and places of amusement across the It had traps and effects as follows; a Ayers of Salem, Oregon. When I was country. So it was not a longtime before set of orchestra bells, pistol shots or informed that this instrument was for they made the jump into the pit of the Gatling gun, bass drum, xylophone sale I boarded a departing train from theater. Cremona, Coinola, Wurlitzer, telegraph key, crackling flames or Sacramento and arrived the next day. I Seeburg, and all the other large names in breaking brush, symbol, Tom Tom, met Bob at the station where I traveled to the field soon became commonplace in thunder or tympani, snare drum with his house to help move my new the silent theater. This did the job until jazz effect, doorbell or telephone bell, Fotoplayer home. I rented a U-Haul at this too began losing the audience. It was fire gong, 5 Cathedral chimes, waves, five minutes till five on Easter weekend quickly decided that it is necessary to bird whistle, wind, cowbell, triangle, and began loading the many parts. Bob’s have control of the music being heard by tambourine, castanets, horse’s hoofs, auto basement door is 2 feet wide and a the audience. Oftentimes on a ten tune horn, sleigh bells, siren, Chinese crash Fotoplayer side chest is 3’10” from front roll a funeral march may accompany a symbol, Steamboat whistle or locomotive to back; we had to take the door off its Wild West shootout! whistle, automobile exhaust, locomotive hinges just to get the piano out. But in In the East San Francisco Bay near exhaust, Chinese wood drum. All of less than a week it was reassembled and Berkeley a visiting piano salesman from which were controlled from a console making noise. Nevada was having lunch a local café. which was an 88 note piano with a player The mechanism to produce sound Overhearing two gentlemen discussing device with double trackers which effects is quite simple and basic, the designs for a new musical instrument enabled the switch between two different compared to a reproducing piano. The continue. . . 364 continued. . . style 40 Fotoplayer has a full array of woodblock (repeating), horses hoofs, and such as sentimental music and gallops for sound effects actuated by pull cords that an electric doorbell or telephone bell. chases. These rolls were cut with long hang from the lid of the piano above the On this same rail are the stops for the sustains for the organ while the piano double tracker device. These include: organ and they include clarinet, oboe, played the fast accompaniment. pistol shot, ship’s bell, cathedral chime, principal, Diapasion, Echo, and harp trio. Included are photos of the toy wind Siren, crash symbol, jazz symbol, These machines also had pipe stops that counters in treble and bass chests, all bass drum, ceremonial Indian Tom Tom, include violin, flute, cello, vox humanna, devices therein contained should be sleigh bells, a train whistle, and a trimolo, tuba, an orchestra bell and self-explanatory. squeeze bulb auto horn. This machine xylophone kit. The player action was It is a shame that more of these also has an array of pneumatic sound made by the Standard Pneumatic Action instruments are not playing so that more effects which are actuated by telegraph Company and operated like a regular people can hear and enjoy the beautiful keys that stick out of the music desk. home player in that it played 88 note rolls music that these machines create and be These include: a thunder or timpani supplied by the Filmusic Company of taken back to the days of grand movie effect on the bass drum, castanets, Los Angeles. These rolls were named palaces, honey haired heroines, and vile tambourine, snare drum, triangle, Picturolls and played background music villains.

Double tracker device, 2 air motors, Close up of the one and only side 2 tracking drives, 2 duo tracker bars. chest.

Treble chest showing pipes, snare, horse hoof’s, wash symbol, wind siren, ships bell, etc.

Bass chest, reed organ, bass pipes, Style 35 Fhotoplayer owned by bass drum, symbol, sleigh bells, Richard Reutlinger. train whistle.

365 Alex Thompson at Fotoplayer.

Joe Rinaldo’s Style 41 or 20 Special.

Ben was born in the Ukraine near Kiev in 1911, and the family emigrated BEN LILIEN to Winnipeg in 1915. Eight years 1911-2004 later they managed to emigrate to Los Angeles, and that was home for Ben from Submitted by Shirley Nix that time on. Ben and Mary Lilien in 1994 receiving the AMICA International Award He was a second child, living with his from Ken Hodge The world of Automatic Music lost family in Boyle Heights and graduating a giant with the passing of Ben Lilien from Roosevelt High. He married his know and love Mary, and wish her the last week. We all lost a good friend and childhood sweetheart, Pearl, shortly after best. Our condolences go out to her in mentor, and his loss leaves a very big graduation and they had two sons. her loss, but I know she has so many hole. I am reminded of what the Wizard Ben’s father had a Butcher shop and wonderful memories to keep her going said in the “Wizard of Oz”…a heart is Ben helped out in the family business. now, and a great family support system. not judged by how much it loves but by Surely that influenced his later life, since Ben was extremely proud of his how much it is loved by others…if that is he and his brother Aaron founded the family, and I remember when one of the the true measure, then Ben had a great L.A. Meat Company, a wholesale meat last great grandchildren was born he told heart, because he was loved by so many packing plant in Vernon. It was a huge us how happy he was the Lilien family people. He had friends all over the world, success, and for 40 years furnished meat was growing so well. His children and including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, to wholesale venues like restaurant and grandchildren remembered so many Germany and more, and everyone who hotels. happy times growing up with Ben. One knew him was touched by the scope of In 1966 Pearl died, and a couple years of his sons mentioned getting in trouble his friendship and love. later he married Mary Walker Holt. She fairly often for turning on the band organ had two daughters. Of course, we all when he wasn’t supposed to.

366 continued. . .

We went to his funeral, and the love He and Mary had a calliope in a circus He was very active in the Nash for this wonderful man was so apparent wagon trailer, and they were a familiar Metropolitan club also, and I know you couldn’t help but feel it. site at parades, usually pulling the they feel the loss as well, which was Anyone who knew Ben also knew trailer with their Metro. They added a lot evident at the funeral. of his wonderful work shop in the to many neighborhood functions, as well Ben started many people on the road garage, and oh, what marvels he created as organ rallies and charity events, and to automatic music collecting along there. Ben could make anything in anyone who was at their home during the way, and changed many lives as he his garage, and often did, from parts conventions always was greeted by did. Dave Reidy told at his funeral for Nash Metropolitans, table favors, the calliope playing in the front of answering an ad for a square grand gears for music boxes, parts for driveway. piano, and when they got there and Ben orchestrions….anything you needed, The Lilien home was the site found out neither Dave nor Dianne Ben’s workshop was the place to go, and of many wonderful meetings, and played a note on the piano he showed go the people did. usually included dinner (with meat them a reproducing piano, told them When we would visit Ben and Mary, from the L.A. Meat Company, of course) who to contact, and started them off on Ben and Frank would disappear into the served by Ben. Anyone who was the road to a new life, filled with fun, garage and Mary and I would have to fortunate enough to have enjoyed one love and music, much of it centered pry them out to take a trip to Burger King of the meals there will never forget around Ben and Mary. for lunch, then when we got back the experience. They served hundreds We joined MBSI and AMICA just home it was back out to “work”. during conventions, and Ben was before the Queen Mary Convention and Sometimes I had to wonder how much very active along with Mary in many at one of our very first meetings Mary work was done compared with the charities, many times having groups and Ben were asking for volunteers fun….The camaraderie was the best part, at their home where again Ben served to help with the table favors. We figured and Ben had a way of making you dinner and showed off his collection. we were able to do that, and once feel like you were part of the family, and Mary put on fashion shows for charities you volunteered Ben and Mary had a favored part at that. and rest homes, and Ben packed their your number and you found yourself Ben and Mary amassed a wonderful old station wagon floor to ceiling “volunteers” from that time on in all sorts collection of automatic music, and Ben with boxes and boxes of clothes to take of venues. was justifiably proud of it. He always to the event, unpacked when they We in the Southern California Chapter felt it was one of the best anywhere, got there, packed back up to return home of AMICA feel the loss particularly hard, mainly because of the variety of and then unpacked again. Nothing but our memories will keep Ben alive in instruments and the quality of each one. was too much trouble if Mary wanted our hearts and minds, and perhaps that is it done. the best memorial of all.

DALE what it was supposed to. Knowing what doing the most wonderful things. Dale was about to happen, Sally rolled her would take Rosie to explore tide LAWERENCE eyes and headed for the refreshments. pools; with infectious enthusiasm, he Dale disappeared into the innards of would teach Rosie and her friends Submitted by Jack Edwards the piano. He was next seen just a few how to make and fly kites or how to minutes later saying that the patient use a blade of grass as a reed to make Back in 1963, Sally and Albert “Dale” had recovered fully and would be what he called a “finger flute”. Age was Lawrence joined with other like performing the way it should. It still is. less important than the openness minded people and founded the As a matter of course, Dale was often and honesty he found in children, and Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors seen in the official AMICA position, we all found in him. Association, AMICA. The two of lying flat on his back beneath a Nearly every tombstone has the them worked and played for years piano tweaking it to make sure this or deceased’s birth and death dates. In with the idea of keeping our instruments that function performed the way it was reality, those dates aren’t too terribly making music on into the future. They meant to. Dale paid the same kind important; what is important is the welcomed new ideas and new people of attention to his friends as he did dash between them. That dash is the with great enthusiasm. Theirs was an to their instruments. person's life. With his Sally, Dale led attitude of “I like you now, and you’re People of all ages felt at home a wonderful dash, and we are privileged going to have to work hard to make me and comfortable with Dale. He could to have Dale Lawrence a part of ours. stop.” discuss how to adjust the expression Since “amica” is the Italian word On May 16 of this year Dale on an Ampico, tell “back in my day” for friend, it is fitting that Dale was a Lawrence passed away and joined stories, or cuss some politician or other founding member. Dale Lawrence was his beloved Sally. Once, at a meeting, with great ease and good humor. Dale a great friend to the organization and the host mentioned in passing that his would take his daughter Penny and his to all of us who knew him. upright pumper wasn’t doing exactly granddaughter Rosie all over the place

367 EW PIANO ROLLS & RECUTS

New Releases from David Caldwell 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E. Lowell, MI 49331 • Phone: (616) 897-5609 • DavidWFrom [email protected]

AMPICO ROLLS Ampico 210031-E Golden Gate (Jolson-Dreyer-Meyer-Rose) FoxT P/B Carroll. The 78 record by Al Jolson is as hot as it gets and the music roll is no second stringer either. Ampico 68633- Some O These Days P/B Lee Sims. Written for Sophie Tucker, this became her theme song. Lee Sims does a wonderful interpretation of the song setting the mood with many changes for which he was famous. Ampico 209481-My Blue Heaven. FoxT. E Flat. Whiting-Donaldson. P/B Reichenthal. One of the great FoxTrots from years gone by, that will stir memories from your past. Ampico 53894-Hallelujah! Chorus, Handel's "The Messiah" P/B Howard Brockway. A glorious inspiring 1915 interpretation by musican Brockway. Ampico 202941 Yankee Doodle Blues. This number is good enough for the Piano Trio, it must be good enough for us.

DUO-ART ROLLS Duo Art 10105- Fantasy On Christmas Hymns...O Come O Come Emmanuel; While Watched Their Flocks By Night; It Came Upon The Midnight Clear; Shout The Glad idings; Joy To The World. Arranged & P/B Dion W Kennedy. Duo Art713351- Muddy Water. Written & P/B Peter DeRose. This is an unusual recording. Not many of these bluesy type rolls recorded. Duo Art 0609-I'll Get By. FoxTrot. Ablert. Arranged & P/B Gene Kerwin. (1928).

New from Joyce Brite - Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exhange Home Page: http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/ • Roll Page: http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/rollpage.htm

NEW ROLLS LISTING! 88 NOTE ROLLS HAND-PLAYED ROLLS: THEMODIST RECUTS: “I Want To Be Bad” (song from the 1928 musical, “Follow “Carmen” (Overture) by Bizet. Recut of Themodist-Metrostyle Thru”. Hand-played roll by the young French ragtimer roll No. 98342. Benjamin Intartaglia. “Serenata (de la Fantasia Morisca, in B minor)” by Chapi. “Syncopated Impressions for Piano: 1. Zebra Stripes, 2. Crazy Recut of the Themodist-Metrostyle roll No. 84454. Top” - novelty piano tunes, both composed by Lothar Perl. Played by Frank Himpsl. 88-NOTE RECUTS: “Whose Izzy Is He? (Is He Yours or Is He Mine?)” - QRS 2620 - ORIGINAL ROLL: Played by Pete Wendling. “Brasillian Maple Leaf” - Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag played “The Mosquitos Parade” - Recut of the Artistyle roll. to a Latin beat. Arranged by Robbie Rhodes. Previously issued by Hot Piano Classics and BluesTones Music Rolls. “Don’t Bring Lulu” - Recut of the Vocalstyle roll No. 13299 played by Rudy German.

368 LEEDY BROTHERS FALL 2004 LIST Please send us your order by the mid-November as we plan on shipping orders in early December. J WELTE LICENSEE MUSIC C-1112 Hungarian Rhapsody No.8 Liszt, played by Elly Ney. A superb recording of one of Liszt's lesser known rhapsodies is authentically played in the romantic style of the era. E-2961 Scenes from Tiefland d' Albert, played by the composer, Eugene d' Albert. This rarely heard composition played by the composer was recorded in Freiburg, Germany in 1913. B-6185 Album Leaf Op.45 No.1 Scriabin, played by Austin Conradi. A splendid recording of this twentieth century composition. Conradi was at his best with these "modern" compositions. A-6498 Washington Post Sousa, played by Lutter & Spencer. Wow - a Sousa march on Welte! This march was Sousa's first big hit! C-7149 Allegro Classique Op.94 Ravina, played by Marguerite Le Grand. One of the wonders of owning a reproducing piano is all the great music recorded for them. We recommend this wonderful piano solo which is never performed today. It has a beautiful soaring melody written in the classical style. C-7842 Liebesfreud Rachmaninoff / Kreisler, played by Reginald Stewart. Rachmaninoff's powerful transcription of Kriesler's violin masterpiece is truly "Love's Joy." This is an exceptional recording! Y-75231 Sunday Miller, Cohn, Stein & Kruger. played by Henry Kiselik. The roll offers clever touches by Kiselik, in that Welte style we all like! The song was a hit for Chicago's Arnold Johnson Orchestra. Y-75320 What'll You Do? Cohn, played by Sanford MacGregor. Nice Welte pop tune from January 1928. Y-75387 Imagination Meyer & Kahn, played by Johnny Johnson. A terrific tune smartly played in that bouncy Welte style-a highly recommended recording from October 1928. ... Y-75514 Lady Play Your Mandolin Caesar-Levant, played by Frank Milne. One of the rare "triplets," This same ~~ arrangement was available for Ampico and Duo-Art as well as the Welte-it's a terrific tune too! Y-75525 When Your Lover Has Gone Swan, played by Arden & Carroll. One of only four Welte produced Arden & Carroll recordings. It's one of their best efforts recorded in May, 1931, and is also a "triplet."

AMPICO MUSIC 60261-H Waltz Op.70 No.1 G Flat Major Chopin, played by Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler. An nice performance of this well known waltz. It was composed when Chopin was 25 and published after his death. 64423-H 64433-H· 64493-H 64443-H Symphony In G Minor No.40 Mozart, played by Suskind & Buerger. We have tried to complete this superb symphony set for years. Finally, we are able to offer this complete four roll set, the best known and well-liked of Mozart's symphonies! 66153-H Waltzes Op.39 Nos.1, 2,14,16 & 13 Brahms, Benno Moiseiwitsch. A nifty collection of Brahms' short waltzes. Moiseiwitsch's artistry shines through these clever pieces. 70553 Valse Caprice E Flat Rubinstein, played by Moriz Rosenthal. A wonderful caprice in the form of a waltz. Rubinstein wrote many fine piano compositions that are not performed today. Broil. 50304-E You'll Always Be The Same Sweet Girl Von Tilzer, played by Pete Wendling. A neat early recording by Wendling. 71463 Melodies in Blue 1. Chlo-e; 2. Solitude; 3. Sophisticated Lady; 4. Manhattan Serenade Various, played by Frank Milne. Perhaps the best popular Ampico recording ever produced! Included are four great song adeptly transcribed and smoothly recorded. An extremely long B roll-longer than some of jumbo rolls-produced in 1930. Originally released by Ampico with a blue box label.

)i '\ 71853 Dinner Music No.17 1. All the Things You Are; 2. Heaven in My Arms; 3. All in Fun; 4. That Lucky ~ Fellow; Various, played by Frank Milne. Another terrific Milne recording from the last years of Ampico roll production. This superb B roll was recorded in the spring of 1940.

369 204641-E Mindin' My Bus'ness Donaldson, played by Henry Lange. A nice hot Ampico roll. This song was originally released by Frank Crumit and the Virginians. It was revived in 1938 by Glen Fray and the Casa Lama Orchestra. ["">. 206191-E Charleston Mack-Johnson, played by Zez Confrey. First sung by Elizabeth Welch in the black revue ~ Runnin' Wild, it quickly became the dance craze of the 1920s! 216273 1. This Never Happened Before;2. True Confession; 3. Sweet Someone; 4. You're a Sweetheart Various, played by Robert Farquhar. A nice selection of songs from 1938 played by Frank Milne under one of his many pseudonyms. A recommended Broil. 216483 1. From Now On; 2. Get Out of Town; 3. The Shortest Day of the Year; 4. This Can't Be Love Various, played by Frank Milne. More delightful tunes on this very late B roll from 1939.

If you have any questions or suggestions contact us at: WELTE LICENSEE ROLLS email: [email protected] C-I112 Hungarian Rhapsody No.8 Liszt $18.50_ web site: www.leedyrolls.com E-2961 Scenes from Tiefland d' Albert 16.50 phone: 269-468-5986 B-6185 Album LeafOp.45, No.1 Scriabin 12.00 fax: 269-468-0019 A-6498 Washington Post Sousa 12.00

Mail your order to: Leedy Brothers Music Rolls C-7149 Allegro Classique Op. 94 Ravina 17.00 4660 Hagar Shore Road C-7842 Liebesfreud Rachmaninoff/Kreisler__l 7 .50 _ Coloma MI 49038 Y-75231 Sunday - Henry Kiselik 12.00 PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO LEEDY BROTHERS MUSIC ROLLS & REMEMBER TO INCLUDE Y-75320 What'll You Do? - Sanford MacGregor_12.00_ YOUR ADDRESS WITH YOUR ORDER: Y-75387 Imagination - Johnny Johnson 12.00 Y-75514 Lady Play Your Mandolin Frank Milne_12.00 -r~ Y-75525 When Your Lover Has Gone played by -,,---,~:/ Arden & Carroll 12.00 AMPICO ROLLS 60261-H Waltz Op.70 No.1 Chopin 13.00

64423-H Symphony G minor part 1 Mozart sold

uuv~ pu.~-~..+ PLEASE VISIT THESE SUPPLIERS OF RECUT ROLLS 64433-H Symphony G minor l. '"" only

Rob Deland: Blues Tone Rolls 64493-H Symphony G minor.U.J.J.VJ. part1oJu,.l l. v" -='__=_as a www.bluesrolls.com 64443-H Symphony G minor part 4 set 60.00 [email protected] Phone 847-548-6416 66153-H Waltzes Op. 39 Brahms 15.50 Larry Norman: Rollertunes www.home.earthlink.netl-rollertunes 70553 Valse Caprice E flat Rubinstein 15.50 [email protected] Phone 540-721-7188 50304-E You'll Always Be The Same Sweet Girl David Saul: Precision Music Rolls played by Pete Wendling 12.00 1043 Eastside Road 71463 Melodies In Blue Frank Milne 23.00 EI Cajon, CA 92020-1414 [email protected] 71853 Dinner Music No.17 Frank Milne 18.00 Tim Baxter: Meliora Music Rolls 204641-E Mindin' My Bus'ness Henry Lange__12.00_ www.members.aol.com/meliorarollindex.htm 206191-E Charleston Zez Confrey 12.00 [email protected] 216273 This Never Happened Before +3 more Keystone I Magic Melodies played by Robert Farquhar 17.50 360 Lawless Road 216483 From Now On - Get Out ofTown - This Jamestown KY 42629 Can't Be Love +1 more plb Frank Milne_IS.OO_ Phone 270-343-2061 Fax 270-343-3534 TOTAL COST OF ROLLS ORDERED------r SHIPPING INFORMATION SHIPPING CHARGE------USA $4.00 for the first roll, 80 cents each extra roll. >- Canada $8.00 for the first 3 rolls, $1.25 each extra roll. TOTAL ENCLOSED IN US DOLLARS---- _ Europe & Australia $12.00 first 6 rolls, $1.25 each extra roll

370 --- \

( ,~ A- \; j I . ~. Meliora ' 88-Note Selections Meliora Ampico Rolls ' ~MUS IC ROLLS Il & Descriptions ~M U S I C R OLLS it' (Recuts ~ ~

27. Painting the Town Red, White & Blue Composer: Stephen K. Goodman "A" ROLLS UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED Roll Performance by: Timothy Baxter Wonderful patriotic one-step in the WW-Isong tradition, with the feel of a 68871-H E Minor Valse concert band! Perfect for an election year. $13.00 69901-H Arabesque No.1, E Composer: D ebussy (posthumous) Roll Perform ance by , Mischa L evitzki Composer: Chopin Duo-Art Recuts $14.50- "B" ROLL Roll Perfo rmanc e by .' Benno Moiseiwitsch $14.50 - B ROLL 67788 Estudiantina Waltzes 66919 Liebeswalzer; Op. 57, No.5 55863 Arabesque No.2, G 56156-H (Love Waltz) Composer : Debussy Ballade, Op. 10, No.1 Composer.' Waldteufel "Edward" Roll Performance by: Genevieve Pitot Composer: Moszkowski Roll Performance by: Katherine G oodson Composer .' Brahms $14.50 Roll Perfor mance by : Shura Cherkassky $14.50 $15.50 ROll Performa nce by .' Max Landow 7286 Perpetual Motion Rondo 64173-G Cortege (Procession) $15.50 Composer: Weber 70488 Gavotte Composer, Debussy 60873-H Eugene Oneguine - Roll Perfor mance by : Josef Hofmann (Dans Ie Style Ancien) Roll Performance by : M athilde Coffer Concert Paraphrase $14.50 Composor: Mowrey $15.50 Composer : ROll Perform ance by: D ent Mowrey Tchaikovsky-Pabst Roll Performance by: Juan Reyes 5984 Invitation to the Dance $15.50 65991-H Prelude, F, from $14.50 Composer : Weber "Suite Bergamasque" Roll Perform ance by : Tina L erner 70600 May Breezes (Song Composer: D ebussy $15.50 Without Words) Roll Perform ance by : E . R obert Schmitz 212123 Can't We Be Friends - from "The Little Show" Composer: M endelssohn $14.50 Composer: James-Swift 72539 Siciliana Eb Roll Per form ance by : Ernest Hutcheson Roll Perfor mance by: Adam Carroll Composer: Bach-Zadora $14.50 66893-H Danse, E Roll Performance by : Dai Buell Composer : D ebussy $15.50 $14.50 713068 Southern Rose Roll Perfor mance by : D ai Buell 70463 Composer , Billy Mayer! $15.50 Tango Medley No. 2- 1. La Seduccion- 71497 On the Mall - March Roll Performance by : Moran & Leith Composer: Coldman $14.50 70233 The Flatterer, Elevation 2. La Rumba Roll Performance by Leith & Addison Composer : C hamin ade Composer : Arr. Fuiks $14.50 69349 Red Mill Selections Rol l Perfor mance by : L . Leslie Loth Roll Perform ance by : Lewis Fuiks Co mposer: H erbert $16.00 - "B" ROLL $15.50- "B" ROLL 536 Magic Flute Overture Roll Perfor mance by : Robert Armbruster Composer: Mozart $16.00 63523-H Pastorale 57143-G Waltz, Op. 70, No.3 Roll Performance by. G anz & Hutcheson Comp oser , Scarlatti-T ausig Composer.' Chopin $15.50 67359 Cavalleria Rusticana Roll Perform ance by : F. Bloomfield- Zeisler Roll Performance by George Copeland Selections $14.50 $14.50 62130 Concerto Pathetique Composer : M ascagni Composer : Liszt Roll Perfor mance by, Robert Armbruster Roll Perfor mance by : L erner & Shavitz $16.00 $16.00

W -J Fall Cata log 2004 6 Meliora M us«: Rolls Fall Cata log 2004 7 Meliora Music Rolls -....It;.) N Welte-Mignon 5' Meliora ;s. r ~ M U S I C ROL LS • .~ ~ til . c. .... =' (L icensee) Rolls i~ ' '"0 c..- 11:1 '"Oc.. ~ ~ ,c.. 0" 8t'"' ::r ~ . ~ if ~ ' ~ g t""'~' . 1:0~ n-= ..!:l. 0~ 5. g § ~ "Ij ('I> 0 ::s ... .", 0 •• ~ ~ ~ ~ WE-l "Stardust" WE-2 "April in Paris" ~ ,1:0 ::s W c, ...... ~ 8 = :1:. til ioI!l O¢@~e 0 '0\.' 5" ;S. ~ Composer' Parish-Carmichael Composer.· Duke 3 l-oio'" =- i@~ ~ ~ ' ~ .g: C ~2)~~~ -::;lcf)l! Roll Performan ce by: Emse Dawson Roll Performance by: 1:0 ~ . Edgar Fairchild -, 00 ..... :0;" \0 Ii;' ~ > = o tv c.. ... U1~ .... =~ (or~g.J~mp;co 1@\O ~('I>5: 0-0('1>= .... £ rI1 $16.00 - 213701) $16.00 - (or;g. Amp;co 104945) ~-;-J\O>~ ;~N:;O= 00£.00"1'1' ('I>U1~<~ "'(;;''''~ ~ Ig'g~?= b~~::: ~ • ~ ~_ (IJ '" 0 = c, = -03=~ ~ \0 ~ ~ ~. 0\ ,3 ~ Welte Recuts ~ rz1 r r rI1 a= looo( 7523 Caprice, Op. 44, No. 14 =(IJ 7824 "O b eron " Uverture ""'3 Composer: Sinding Composer : Cad Maria von W eber Roll Performance by : E va Yeargain ""'3 Roll Perform ance by : G eorge Liebling ~ $16.50 $14.50 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 iij' .~ 7610 Saudades do Brazil ('I> ~ =rI1 6352 Valse Arabesque 3 == Composer: (Nostalgia of Brazil) '"0 ~ Theodore Lack ::;[~ ~ 0";;;' ~.= Composer . Milhaud o 3 ...., ~ Roll Performance by : Julius Koehl ('1> '" (II S-~:'l ~~gj~ rI1 $14.50 Roll Perfor mance by: Darius Milhaud ;":,,,o~m. ~h~ ~ d $15.50 ~ N 1:0 = 1o 0 ~ 8.::s~t- 6619 Bohemian Girl Selections @~!' ~ 1:0 3 "l .t;.) '" (IJ ~ 7728 Etude, c, "Revolutionary" £~= .j:>.>-<::"1Il> Composer Michael William Balfe ....,~"" ~ NN~~ Roll Perfor mance by: Edna S, Hart Op. 10, No. 12 '" o' 00\c..~ ~ ~ C Composer: Chopin o i... ~t;5 (IJ ~ $16.50 ~ Roll Perfor mance by : Leonid Kreutzer .~ == i~ .c...('1> =_ 7220 Pas des Amphores $14.50 >< rI1 ':,- (IJ Composer: Chaminade 7750 3' o Roll Performa nce by : Claude Duret Songs My Mother ~ $15.50 Taught Me ~ . Composer : Dvorak ~ ~ ~ 7195 Prince of Pilsen Roll Performance by : Jean Fabre ~ :E ' :E e ~ Selections $15.50 ~--i == ~i o C ~ .... .O":!= ::s::!.. ! '"0£0,", '"0 0\ $:' Composer: Gustav Luders i51f~ 2 "Ij0"~(")0\== d 7811 ~~ gv;; ~g~£0"'l Roll Perfo rmance by: Edna S. Hart Ben Hur Chariot Race- ~':'l ~ E (, e ~ ""'3 ?': 0 .r .. ::s 1:0 :! .. ('I> 0 ::r: = March N (;' o z ~ ,-.o~= """~N('I>I:O(J 'ir = \0 0\ B. . 1:; ~ . ~ ~ o@::::= ~CI:l~ """ \0 '"0 ,.:!; (1) ~ •• '-"\0 0\ N U1 1:0 . ~ ~ a ~ '::r ~ o 7894 Memories, Roll Performance by : Don Ricardo · 0\9""'-3";-....1 ':::; 00 ~ -....Ie;. = 0\ -~o ... ~S-~= '{'~?'\O@i ~ Lotus Blossums $14.50 doO\O~~ " :::::::.= , 0 , 00:;0'" -....I::s I ~ 8~0~o(ll ~ . ~ ~ ~; = -1""8::1 Composer : Friml ~ ~ ~ !. 00 ::s _ == \0003 1:0= rI1 75537 Dancing in The Dark 00('1>('0= 0\ c, e Roll Perform ance by: Edna S. Hart -....I> ~ ::+ .~ ... Composer: Schwartz 00, " C (IJ $14.50 ~ ~ ' ::s a= ('I> Roll Performance by: Frank Milne I'" $15.50 Fall Cata log 2004 8 Me ltora Music Rolls --) ~...J. >, demonstrated how he can scan rolls and tranpses the information onto an electronic disk. The sing-a-long crowd put the upright Steck to good use with a variety of funny popular selections from the teens and News twenties. Great enthusiasm by Bonnie Gonzalez kept the song birds trilling away. Later, the Peerless provided some great foxtrots and one-steps for those who felt like dancing…the From meeting was supposed to end at 5:00 p.m. but a few members were still enjoying the music and fellowship at close to 9:00. As usual, members brought a varied and bountiful buffet The Chapters which contributed to the stamina of the members. During a short business meeting President Bing Gibbs announced that one of our Founding Members, Dale Lawrence, had passed away in late May. We voted to contribute to the Memorial Fund in his name. Richard Reutlinger gave an update of information on the Adopt-a-piano campaign and some information on the Denver convention. Our newly elected Vice-President of AMICA, John Mott-Ros talked about the new AMICA web-site and encouraged us to create a chapter web-site. Sandy Swinsky volunteered to work on this project with some pointers from John and Jack Edwards. Thank you, Roy, for hosting a very good meeting.

FOUNDING CHAPTER Reporter: Bing Gibbs President: Bing Gibbs - (408) 253-1866

On Sunday, September 19, the Founding Chapter enjoyed Peerlesss Model A-A Roll Player. an interesting and fun-filled meeting at the home of Roy Powlan in Orinda, California, an East-Bay suburb of San Francisco. Roy’s home is situated in a hilly, rustic area and he has furnished it very comfortably and decorated it with a Spencer Chase setting variety of Tiffany-type lighting (that he constructed himself) up e roll system on and beautiful western paintings. He took pains to put together Steinway OR a meeting attractive to all interests of our collectors from ragtime to serious classical music. His instrument collection includes an early Berry-Wood O-roll orchestrion (Roy rescued this machine years ago and added a couple of solo instruments), a Steck upright foot pedal Duo-Art upright, a German Red Steinway upright pumper, a 1906 Welte Red Paper Vorsetzer, Paper-Welte Vorsetzer. a Steinway OR grand duo-Art (which has a concertola attachment not at present working) and a newly acquired Peerless coin piano…a real powerhouse nickelodeon. The serious music lovers enjoyed listening to the Welte Vorsetzer playing Chopin and Liszt beautifully…Welte was the first company to produce reproducing pianos and this is their centennial year. Roy had thoughtfully placed a large mirror under the Duo-Art Steinway after removing the cover so that interested people could watch the mechanism work when the Duo-Art was playing. He had invited Spencer Chase to bring his electronic attachment to a Duo-Art which plays via a floppy disk controlled by a lap-top enabling one to have over 1,500 Duo-Art selections at your finger-tips. Spencer explained the process to interested members and also

373 Roy Powlan at George Steck pumper. Bonnie Gonzales & Lyle Merithew observing.

BOSTON CHAPTER Reporter: Ginger Christiansen Roy Powlan talking to President: Bill Koenigsburg - (978) 369-8523 Jack & Diane Edwards. On Sat. 8/21/04 the Boston Area Chapter of AMICA met and took a most wonderful tour of the Andover Organ Company in Lawrence, MA. AOC’s tonal director John Morlock conducted the tour. Believe me, it was impressive to see different organs in the process of being built or “in the shop” for an overhaul. AOC is located in one of the old mill buildings that are prevalent here in New England. Yes, we climbed up two flights of stairs to see more. But it was Roy Powlan’s with enthusiasm and great curiosity to see what was on the house and pool. next level. It’s not often one gets a firsthand look at such craftsmanship. Computers and machines do so many things, so it was a real treat to see actual hand crafted work.. The AOC has designed some absolutely beautiful instruments for: Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Norwich, CT, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Clinton, SC, Cochran Chapel – Phillips Academy in Andover, MA are among over 300 instruments built. Andover Organ Co. is also kept busy maintaining over 500 organs in New England, NY and the southeast US. I highly recommend that you visit their website: www.andoverorgan.com

Bing Gibbs holding business meeting. Richard Reutlinger sitting at desk.

374 is an accomplished painter and her artwork as well as paintings and pottery of others decorated the home. She also has a fun collection of Borden's Elsie the Cow items as her husband was a milkman for many years. After brunch we moved outside to the patio where we held the business meeting. Liz Barnhart gave updates on upcoming convention plans and we discussed ways to encourage new members to join. We had members in attendance from four states, and hope to have as many at our next meeting in Michigan November 13-14. We'd like to thank our hosts, Tim Needler, Miriam Hanscom, Jody Trittipo and the Boggstown Cabaret for a fun weekend. And we invite any AMICA members from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Southern Canada and Western Pennsylvania to come to our chapter meeting when it's in your area. Contact information is in the front of this Bulletin and on our Chapter Web site which can be accessed from AMICA's newly designed site at www.amica.org.

MIDWEST CHAPTER Reporter: Christy Counterman President: Stuart Grigg- (248) 356-5505

Mike Kukral examines rolls at Tim’s front porch sale. Tim Needler was the host of our first stop of the day in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, July 17th. His wonderful tudor-style home was the perfect setting for the 1929 Mason & Hamlin Ampico A with a B drawer. Duo-Art enthusiasts were entertained by the 1926 Steinway grand, and the collection was rounded out by his Welte in a Louis XV style case. Several members enjoyed the double Mills Violano-Virtuoso in the sunroom. Many of us took a home tour to see the wonderful original tile work and period detailing as well as a roll collection and retro furniture downstairs. After everyone arrived Tim treated us to a concert in the living room on the Conn organ. Since the weather was so nice, the mart was held outside on the front porch, where Wes Neff starts another tune on Tim’s Mason & we traded and sold rolls before traveling across town. Hamlin, Ampico ‘A’ with ‘B’ drawer. Not far from Indianapolis, but seemingly far away from everything, was the Boggstown Inn Cabaret. AMICA member "Howie Carlisle" (his stage name) was the host for a fun evening of great food and entertainment. He headed up a cast of singers and musicians who believed in audience participation. And as you can see by the photos, our chapter members were happy to oblige. Alvin Wulfekuhl sang a duet while Miriam Hanscom - in her 20's dress - graced the stage in a dance with Howie. The lobby of the dinner theatre has a great oak upright player to entertain guests before and after the shows. Sunday morning, sisters Miriam Hanscom and Jody Trittipo hosted a delicious brunch at Miriam's home. Miriam Carole and Dan Harrett take a turn at the keyboard.

375 l to r: Tom Whitehair, Sherri and Wes Neff, Bob Andersen and Don Johnson enjoy dinner.

Host Tim Needler gave us an impromptu concert at the Conn organ.

Alvin Wulfekuhl and friend Mary, Carole and Dan Harrett, Marva Rasmussen Miriam Hanscom and Jody and son Ben are ready for the show. Trittipo wore their 20’s finery to the Boggstown Cabaret.

Dan Tuttle and Gary Ras- mussen at intermission with Senator Capehart of phonograph fame Boggstown Cabaret’s player once lived in Tim’s home. piano.

Our business meeting was held on Miriam’s patio.

Miriam Hanscom at work in her studio as sister Jody Trittipo looks on. Sue Ricca and Liz and Mike Barnhart enjoy the music at Tim’s.

Liz Barnhart takes a turn on the dance floor. Howie recruited Miriam Hanscom for the show.

376 Ray Stacey installing the roll with Alex Thompson tapping the keys.

SIERRA NEVADA CHAPTER Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros President: John Motto-Ros - (209) 267-9252

On Sunday, September 26, the Sierra-Nevada chapter met at the Heidrick Ag History Center in Woodland, California. This meeting was well attended. The chapter has a Gulbransen piano on display, and it does get played. Alex Thompson brought some movie music rolls, and played until Sonja and Bob Lemon receiving plaque closing time. The group toured the Center, which contains from John Motto-Ros. the world’s largest and most unique collection of antique agricultural equipment and trucks. Computer interactive displays complement the collection. The highlight of the day was chapter members, Ray and Betty Stacey of Big Horse ranch in Ione, brought their 1923 Tangley Calliope in the wagon (without the horses today). It played most of the day in the large parking lot in front of the Center. It drew quite a bit of attention, and people really enjoyed the circus music. We attracted a few extra people because the Woodland DAILY DEMOCRAT newspaper ran an article on the calliope on September 24. Several people asked about the calliope and AMICA. Of course, we handed out old BULLETINS and membership applications. Special The inside of the calliope. thanks are extended to Betty and Ray and to the staff of the Heidrick Ag History Center. We did break for lunch at our favorite BBQ place-Luddy’s- in downtown Woodland. At lunch, we presented Bob and Sonja Lemon a plaque in appreciation for developing and posting our Chapter web site. We also had a short business meeting and discussed the revised AMICA International web site and how exciting it is. After lunch, it was back to the AG History Center and more music.

S.O.W.N.Y. CHAPTER Reporter: Garry Lemon President: Mike Walter- (716) 656-9583

SUMMER Reported by Garry Lemon Photography by Nancy Group and Anne Lemon The Tenerowicz family had a special August day planned for SOWNY Chapter. Members traveled from near and far to visit one of Western New York’s well known homes-Graycliff. Daniel and Nika had arranged our tour of this Frank Lloyd Wright summer home built for the Darwin E. Martin family. Ray and Betty Stacey, Don & Sally MacDonald, Rose & Dean Heiman, Vickie & Doug Mahr, Sonja & Bob Lemon, This home, its siting and relationship to nature are significant Alex Thompson at the keyboard. not only to the local community but also to the nation

377 because Wright furthered his vision with his next creation- Fallingwater. As restorers of musical instruments, Amicans understand the challenge and opportunity to make historic Entry to Graycliff instruments once again speak. As visitors at Graycliff, we become aware of the power of the original design concept and are humbled by the restorer’s dedication and artistry. Upon returning to the Tenerowicz home, Daniel welcomed us to his family and introduced his collection of instruments. His appreciation of antiques and old world craftsmanship is rewarding and his sense of humor and talent made our visit memorable. The Victrola of 1926 performed the fox trot, My Suppressed Desire, while the Stroud Duo Art sang out the Barber of Deville and the thrilling Boston March. The Wilcox and White player pump organ from Meridan, Connecticut played another march-the Marionette’s March from Gounod’s Horizontal lines at Funeral March. This musical theme was used to great effect Graycliff by Alfred Hitchcock on his television program. Daniel’s latest acquisition sits proudly in the family room and is a rare 1938 Hammond AB Aeolian Player Organ with external speaker and over 70 rolls. While munching on our mid afternoon snack goodies and listening to Daniel’s rendition of Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desire, we looked up at each other and questioned…did Daniel contrapuntally juxtapose between the musical lines of Bach’s popular gigue another well known tune-I’ve been working on the railroad? Our congratulations went out to our chapter president, Mike Walters for his appointment as national president. Mike and Holly overviewed highlights of the Colorado Convention, the good times with fellow Amicans, the Anne-admiring parlor wonderful homes they visited, the concerns with promoting mechanical instruments in this new century and the inclusion into the Hall of Fame of our local member Rudy Martin. Discussion of efforts such as the implementation of the International website, the distribution of complementary Bulletins with membership applications and our own club initiatives were reviewed and discussed. Our next meeting will offer more surprises and discoveries from SOWNY territory.

Janet, Audrey, Ed and Garry listening to pump organ.

Daniel at Player Pump Organ

Tour group at Graycliff

Audrey & Daniel-Stroud Duo Art

378 Holly, Nika, Mike and Daniel Audrey, our hostess, sampling desserts and Anne sharing the ‘tete a tete’ sofa.

Daniel at the Wurlitzer in the Forest Lawn Chapel. Mike, Holly and Anne are listening.

SOWNY-OCTOBER 10, 2004 Reported by Garry Lemon Photographs by Nancy Group and Anne Lemon On October 10, 2004 SOWNY Chapter met at Audrey Cannizzaro’s home near the Allentown District of Buffalo. Audrey and Mike Allentown is the meeting place for young and old who enjoy amusingly wonder if a player roll might downtown Buffalo’s art, music, theatre, café and dinner. The work on the organ. main street is busy and active while Audrey’s side street is quiet and has an attractive continuous crown line of linden and maple trees that collectively shelter pedestrians while individually framing the homes. Her 1902 home with its double porch, generous in both width and depth, offers a welcoming rest place after a busy day. Natural quarter sawn oak is the principal building material for floors and the architectural features such as pocket doors and Corinthian columns. This home was built when Buffalo had celebrated the Pan-American Exposition and was anxiously anticipating the promise of hydro electricity and prosperity. We SOWNY members were also anxiously anticipating our surprise tour and visit. Audrey and Daniel led our convoy along the venerable Elmwood Avenue and told us our destination was in sight. We drove under a most resplendent archway, along a winding pathway, viewed idyllic scenes and listened to ringing bells. We were in Forest Lawn Cemetery! Daniel suggested that a visit to the chapel, crematory and columbarium would be of interest. The Organ Historical Society had recently ‘selected for recognition as an instrument of exceptional historic merit, worthy of preservation’ the 1933 Chapter president, Mike and long Wurlitzer chapel organ. Daniel gave us a tour of the chapel, time member and former board Mausoleum of parents grieving over representative, Ed sharing the the crematorium and columbarium. For many of us, this was a the loss of their son. ‘granite sofa’ while Audrey, Anne first time experience! Daniel offered to demonstrate the and Garry await their turn. playing characteristics of this smaller organ and explained how the pipes were enclosed behind the ‘false window’ so the interior of the chapel would have a minimum of decoration. That the organ is well maintained by Daniel and is still an important member of the chapel is evident. That older instruments still play and are enjoyed is a testament to the designers, builders and service technicians. Upon returning to Audrey’s home, she had a delicious meal of German potato salad, spinach-cauliflower casserole, sliced roast beef, sausages and several desserts. We were certainly most appreciative and well fed! All the foods were delicious! Audrey has a mid-1920’s Weber Duo Art grand piano that convincingly rendered the popular dance medley, “You Never Looked So Beautiful.” The Weber sits in the front bay window and keeps good company with the Clough and Warren organ. Supper time and Stan recounts SOWNY stories (Stan is our vice president and ever knowledgeable technician, restorer and conserva- Next meeting is the Christmas party at Mike and Holly’s tor of piano-making and piano roll history.) Ed, Daniel, Anne and home. our treasurer, Holly, enjoying the delicious meal.

379 ADVERTISING FOR SALE GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT 1914 Steck Duo-Art 5’2” Ivory keys, rebuilt but requires some repair work from 2 years of storage, bench, 67 large and 42 small Duo-Art ALL ADVERTISING IN THE AMICA BULLETIN rolls included for $5200. Contact: Yale H. Crandall, 5329 Fountain All advertising should be directed to: Palm St., Las Vegas, NV 89130, phone (702) 396-8305. (6-04) Mike Kukral 1923 AMPICO UPRIGHT MARSHALL & WENDELL; 1926 216 Madison Blvd. DUO-ART STROUD UPRIGHT; 1928 DUO-ART STROUD Terre Haute, Indiana 47803 UPRIGHT; 1930 AMPICO “B” 5’2” KNABE GRAND; 1937 Phone: 812-238-9656 AMPICO SPINET MARSHALL & WENDELL. No reasonable e-mail: [email protected] offers refused. Trades considered. Delivery and rebuilding are Ad copy must contain text directly related to the product/service available. Nathan “Skip” Woodhull, 624 Ohio St. Lima, Ohio 45804 being offered. Extraneous text will be deleted at the Publisher’s 419-227-8565 [email protected] (6-04) discretion. All advertising must be accompanied by payment in AEOLIAN ORCHESTRELLE STYLE V, beautiful dark oak case, U.S. funds. No telephone ads or written ads without payment will playing well with pedals or blower, 24 rolls, $5,800. Howard Sanford, be accepted. This policy was established by a unanimous vote of Miami, FL 305-932-7972 (1-05) the AMICA Board at the 1991 Board Meeting and reaffirmed at STEINWAY DUO-ART GRAND PIANO. 1925 model XR (6’1”), the 1992 meeting. AMICA reserves the right to edit or to mahogany, unrestored condition. $5,500. Mel Septon 847-679-3455 reject any ad deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with email: [email protected] (1-05) AMICA’s objectives. AMPICO, DUO-ART, WELTE, AND 88 NOTE PIANO ROLLS. The BULLETIN accepts advertising without endorsement, New Recuts and Originals, including “Jumbo” and Program Rolls. Also implied or otherwise, of the products or services being offered. N.O.S. QRS 88 Note rolls. Dave Caldwell, 400 Lincoln Lake Ave. N.E., Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA’s Lowell, MI 49331; Check out my website: www.maui.net/~uni/caldwell/; endorsement of any commercial operation. e-mail: [email protected]; phone 616-897-5609. (6-04) HANDMADE BARREL AND PNEUMATIC ORGANS made in AMICA PUBLICATIONS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO Germany. With moving figurines and a lot of humorous surprises. ACCEPT, REJECT, OR EDIT ANY AND ALL See: www.magic-mechanical-music.de Musik & Spiel Automaten SUBMITTED ARTICLES AND ADVERTISING. Geratebau, Ing. Hansjorg Leible, D-79400 Kandern/Holzen, Kirchstr. 2; All items for publication must be submitted directly to the Tel: 07626-7613, Fax 07626-971009 (6-05) Publisher for consideration. NEW REPRODUCING ROLLS FOR SALE – Magic Melodies is now the Exclusive Dealer for new Keystone Ampico and Duo-Art rolls. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: $.20 per word, $5.00 minimum For periodic Catalogs and other listings, write or call us. Magic for AMICA members. Non-members may advertise double the Melodies, 360 Lawless Road, Jamestown, KY 42629 or member rates ($10.00 minimum). Because of the low cost of phone 270-343-2061. (1-05) advertising, we are unable to provide proof copies or “tear sheets”. WELTE-MIGNON PIANO 1927 – Seiler upright, Oak, T-98 green DISPLAY ADVERTISING system, made in Germany. Complete and original, perfect ivories, brass Full Page — 71/2 " x 10" ...... $150.00 inlay, restrung. Asking Only $1,900 Mike Kukral, 812-238-9656 or 1 3 (6-05) Half Page — 7 /2 " x 4 /4" ...... $ 80.00 [email protected] Quarter Page —35/8 " x 43/4" ...... $ 45.00 1924 STEINWAY OR Duo-Art walnut Art case w/veneer damage Business Card — 31/2 " x 2" ...... $ 30.00 from fire on one side, rebuilt player, in crates, w/new Ivory keys $11,500 Condition: D; 1995 BALDWIN 4’7” red polish Mah. Non-member rates are double for all advertising. W/Pianodisc $8,900 Cond.: A; 1987 YAMAHA G2 Ivory polish Special 6 for 5 Ad Offer - Place any ad, with no changes, for a s/Pianomation $8,900 Cond.: A; 1920 FRANKLIN 56” Ampico Mah. full year (6 issues), and pay for only 5 issues. Payable in advance. $3,500 Cond.: B+; MARIONETTE AMPICO GRAND original Photographs or halftones $15.00 each complete w/matching bench $2,500 Cond.: C-; 1995 STORY & Loose Sheet or Insert Advertising: Inquire CLARK 42” Wal. $2,500; AMERICAN PLAYER PIANO 48” We recommend that display advertisers supply camera-ready Studio, $2,900. Contact: Schroeder’s Pianos 562-923-2311 (5-04) copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to WURLITZER STYLE C (piano, mandolin, violin & flute pipes, correct size at your cost. We can prepare advertisements from drums, triangle & bells), beautifully restored. Looks and sounds new. your suggested layout at cost. Includes large supply of ten tune rolls. Also available: rolls from large collection of reproducing & 88 note rolls. (Estate of my friend, Gary PAYMENT: U.S. funds must accompany ad order. Make check Sage.) Call John Field, 831-423-1397 or [email protected] (6-04) payable to AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Typesetting and layout size alterations charges will be billed. HAMILTON REPRODUCING UPRIGHT, style 286 Baldwin Piano, serial no. 108060. Welte restored by Carl Kehret in 1998 and appraised DEADLINES: Submissions must be received no later than the in 2002 at $6,500. Comes with Piano Bench, 70 Welte rolls and 107 first of the odd months (January, March, May, July, September, regular rolls, many later QRS rolls. Asking $3,500. Buyer arranges for November). The Bulletin will be mailed the first week of the shipping. [email protected], 360-289-7960 (5-04) even months. (Rev. 6-98) NEW PIANO ROLL BOXES-Duo-Art Audiographic series-Exactly like the originals! Maroon with Gold Printing, all 3 sizes available! (small & medium are “Top Hat” style) $7.00 ea. Quantities are limited, so get them before they are all gone! AMPICO “Top Hat” boxes-Black Leather with Gold Printing and False Bottom, Exactly like the originals, “Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For $4.00 ea. 88 note roll boxes in two sizes-Large (fits 2 3/4 flange) covered with Black Alligator paper (Top), Black Leather (Bottom). Or what each man wishes, that he also Brown Leather Paper (Top & Bottom) $3.00 ea. Small (fits 2” flange) Covered with Black or Tan Leather Paper (Top), White Litho (Bottom) $1.50 ea. Other repair supplies available-Parchment Leaders, Tabs, believes to be true.” Tubes, Flanges, Repair Tissue. Quantity discounts available. Rich Ingram [email protected] (760) 244-ROLL (7655) (4-05) ~ Demosthenes STEINWAY RED WELTE GRAND (T-100), Hamburg Model O, with original rolls. Please contact [email protected] for additional information. Alejandro Radchik, Av. Mexico 37-507, Condesa 06100, Mexico, DF. [Mexico City] Tel.: 011- 52-555-419-5374 (4-05) 380 WANTED STEINWAY "0" (9 FT). Built between 1910 and 1930 in truely BENNET LEEDY ROLLS deplorable, original, (unrebuilt) cond ition. Must have solid case and uncracked plate. Action , lyre, legs still there. Does not need to have THE PIANO ROLL CENTER jbeen a 9' 6" player. We'll fix that. Ta xkwaxak@e nter.net ~ P h o n e 215 - 234 - 8424, or box 222 Sumney town Pa. Tockhwockh (6-04) 4660 HAGAR SHORE ROAD RED WELTE MI GNON piano rolls (T-IOO) . Paying top dollar. Mike COLOMA MI 49038 Kukral 8 12-238-9656 or Kukral@Rose- Hulman.edu (6-04) WANTED: 88-note Ethnic Rolls , especia lly Russian, Greek , jewi sh, Phone 269-468-5986 Hungarian, and Syrian. Happy to buy, trade, or borrow rolls for Fax 269-468-0019 copyi ng. Excellent references. Help spread diversity! Contact Bob Berkman at bobb @Qrsinc.com or 716-882-1 826 (3-05) email: [email protected] ANY AND ALL CASSETTES FOR MARANTZ SUPERSCOPE PIANOCORDER SYSTEM. Ca ll Peter Funk 201-836-0357, leave message. ( 1-05) Reproducing, 88 note, 65 note, rolls. PIANOSTYLE ROLLS with blue & white label and black lettering Musical related publications and other for roJl title and number. Will pay generou sly for rolls played by B. G. Howa rd. N. F. Woodhu ll 419-227-8565 , nwoodhulll @yahoo.com (6-04) collectibles for sale by mail auctions. Serving collectors since 1970. Contact us to receive our auction lists.

Web Page: www.leedyrolls.com (4-05)

Person wi~h Experience in ~he Ad"er~isingField ~o §olici~Ad"er~isersfor ~he AMICA Bulle~in. Candida~esshould be Energe~icand En~husias~ic. Direc~ mone~arycompensa~ionis poor bu~ long-~ermrewards are good. More ad"er~isemenbin ~he bulle~in mean fewer increases [and possibly decreases] in annual dues for our members. For more information, or to apply for the position, please contact our publisher, Mike Kukral, at [email protected] or by phone at (812) 238-9656

38 1 BENNET LEEDY RESTORATIONS 4660 HAGAR SHORE ROAD ...;;' COLOMA MI 49038 Phone 269-468-5986 Fax 269-468-0019 email: [email protected]

High quality restorations of Ampico, Duo-Art, Welte and other reproducing pianos. All makes of 88 note player pianos, and other automatic instruments.

Barrel organs for collectors and enthusiasts. Complex moving figures with various sounds, delightful music and a lot of surprises. Musik & Spiel lng. Hansjorg Leible, Kirchstr, 2 • 79400 Holzen/Gennany Phone ++497626-7613 Fax ++49 7626-971009 Web Page: www.leedyrolls.com (4-05) [email protected] www-magic-mechanical-music.de

'-; " Ii~~~~ii

.III..T_I.TM -.-__-137001---.1.1 www.BluesRolls.com ** Since 1988 ** Rare vintage player piano rolls reissued - over 400 great ragtime, blues and popular 88-Note music rolls; Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte Licensee rolls of popular and classical music are available, as well as "A" roll recuts for your nickelodeon piano. A NEW LIST affine Duo-Art classical (and some pop) music and Welte popular (and some classical) rolls is now IN STOCK and READY TO SHIP! Twenty of each, plus new 88-note BLUES recuts by such greats as James P. Johnson and "Fats" Waller. Browse to www.bluesrolls.com or email for details: [email protected]. You can also call or write for a list - please specify which type of

roll interests you! -, BluesTone Music Rolls / Rob DeLand / 485 Gatewood Lane Grayslake,IL 60030 / 847-548-6416

382 I LEEDY BROTHERS MUSIC ROLLS 4660 HAGAR SHORE ROAD COLOMA MI 49038 Phone 269-468-5986 Fax 269-468-0019 email: [email protected] Welte Licensee DUO-ART AMPICO 88 NOTE Limited edition reissues and new music rolls. Contact us or check our web page for our latest list of music rolls. Web page www.leedyrolls.com

(4-05)

, P lga gg Kcop YOUr- AMPICO - DUO-ART .-MEMBERSHIP WELTE - RECORDO .. INFORMATION 88 NOTE

CURR~NT! Including, Jumbo, Program and Medley Rolls Offering listings of new recut and original rolls .: Other Members are counting of above for direct purchasing, without bidding . .. on your contact information Also buying small and large colledions . to be up-to-date. Write or e-mail for listings and prices. Ifyour email address or Include P.O. address any other information cbenqes, and type you're interested in. '.' please remember to email [email protected] the change to our · .' Dave Caldwell MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E. .Bill Ohapman Lowell, MI 49331 616-897-5609

at [email protected] (6-04)

383 REPLACEMENT LEADERS These 11 1/4” x 17” reprints, not trimmed and without tabs, are excellent replicas of the more popular types of reproducing piano roll leaders. While intended for roll repairs, they may also be used for decorative purposes. To splice, overlay new leader on old roll, lay a straightedge on an angle, cut through both papers with a sharp knife, discard scrap, and butt-join with magic mending tape on top surface.

A. Brown on buff B. Black on ivory C. Black on ivory D. Black on ivory (For early red label boxes) (Area for reusable (Most common) (Very late rolls by combined artist photo) Aeolian/American)

Note: Early Welte’s with blue leaders may be repaired with this brown leader. Many of these when reissued had brown leaders.

E. Green on ivory F. Green on ivory G. Welte (Most common) (Favorite Fifty & Brown on buff Selected Roll Service) (Most common)

Please make checks payable to Checks or money Price: $ 1.00 each Style Quantity AMICA INTERNATIONAL, orders from foreign Minimum Order: $10.00 A ______And send to: countries must B ______be drawn on C ______BRIAN K. MEEDER U.S. bank. D ______904A West Victoria Street Postage and Handling $ 5.50 Santa Barbara, CA 93101-4745 E ______Roll Order $ ______F ______e-mail address for orders: G [email protected] Total Amount (U.S. $) $ ______Total Quantity ______

384