AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION MAY / JUNE 1998 VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3

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. ROBIN PRAn PUBLISHER, 515 scan ST., SANDUSKY, OH 44870-3736 -- Phone 419-626-1903, Fax 419-624-9454, e-mail: [email protected] Visit the AMICA Web page at: http://www.winnipeg.freenet.mb.ca/amica Associate Editor: Mr. Larry Givens Contributing Editor: Mr. Emmett M. Ford

VOLUME 35, Number 3 May/June 1998 AMICA BULLETIN FEATURES _ Display and Classified Ads Articles for Publication Letters to the Publisher When I Survey The Wonderous Cross - 120 Chapter News AMICA 1998 Niagara Falls, Canada - 125 UPCOMING PUBLICATION DEADLINES An Original 8 I-Note Duo-Art Stack - 130 The ads and articles must be received by the Publisher on the 1st of the People-132 Odd number months: January July March September May November Bulletins will be mailed on the 1st week of the even months. Robin Pratt, Publisher :-.JDEPARTMENTS _ 515 Scott Street Sandusky, Ohio 44870-3736 President's Message - 113 Phone: 419-626-1903 Fax: 419-624-9454 e-mail: [email protected] From the Editor's Desk - 114

Calendar of Events - 114

Some Things Never Change - "Instant Ampico Recordings" - 115 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Letters - 116 New Memberships In Memoriam - 131 Renewals Crossword Puzzle - 136 Address changes and corrections Directory information updates Chapter News - 139 Additional copies of Classified Ads - 145 Member Directory Single copies ofback issues ($6.00 per issue - based upon availability) William Chapman (Bill) 2150 Hastings Court Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Front, Inside Front, and Inside Back Covers: Postcards courtesy of Mike Daniel 707-570-2258 e-mail: [email protected] To ensure timely delivery of your >4ack Cover: Sent in by Don Rand BULLETIN, please allow 6-weeks advance notice of address changes.

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

Entire contents Cll998 AMICA International 111 AMICA INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS CHAPTER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Linda Bird BOSTON AREA NORTHERN LIGHTS r 3300 Robinson Pike Pi:es. Edward Bordelieu - (603) 472-5566 Pres: Donald B. Jones - (612) 824-4811 Vice Pres: Ken Volk Vice Pres: Jerrilyn Boehland - Grandview, MO 64030-2275 Sec: Robert Hunt (612) 780-5699 . PhonefFax 816-767-8246 Treas: Alan Jayne Sec: Jason E. Beyer - (507) 454-3124 E-mail: [email protected] Reporter: Don Brown Treas: Terry Goepel Board Rep: Sandy Libman Reporters: Paul & Barbara Watkins PAST PRESIDENT Maurice Willyard Board Rep: Dorothy Olds 1988 NW Palmer Lane CmCAGOAREA Bremerton, WA 98311 Pres: Margaret Bisberg - (847) 318-7310 PACIFIC CAN-AM 360-692-8885 Vice Pres: Sandy Persky Pres: Ron Babb - (253) 759-1588 Sec: Mabel Zivin Vice Pres: Paul Johnson VICE PRESIDENT DanC. Brown Sec: Ward Folsom N. 4828 Monroe Street Treas: Joe Pekarek' Reporter: Barbara Schultz Treas: Ted Miholovich Spokane, WA 99205-5354 Reporter: Dan Brown Board Rep: Marty Persky 509-325-2626 Board Rep: Fran Willyard SECRETARY Ken Vinen FOUNDING CHAPTER SIERRA NEVADA AMICA Headquarters 62 John Street, North Pres: John Motto-Ros - (707) 642-8792 Pres: Becky Kane - (916) 448-9559 Vice Pres: Bob Wilcox Stratford, Ontario Vice Pres: Vickie Mahr Sec: Lyle Merithew & Sandy Swirsky Secffreas: N5A 6K7, CANADA Treas: Dan Stofle 519-271-4576 Tom & Virginia Hawthom Reporter: John & Nadine Motto-Ros Reporter: Lori Deal e-mail: [email protected] Board Rep: Richard Reutlinger Board Rep: John Motto-Ros TREASURER Roy K. Powlan GATEWAY CHAPTER SOWNY (Southern Ontario, Registered agent for legal matters Three Crestview Drive Pres: Robert W. Taylor - (573) 875-6111 Western New York) Orinda, CA 94563 Vice Pres: Dan Summers Pres: Anne Lemon 510-254-0236 Sec: Cynthia Craig Vice Pres: Mike Hamann Treas: Cynthia Craig Sec/Mem. Sec: PUBLISHER Robin Pratt John & Diane Thompson 515 Scott Street Reporter: Cynthia Craig Historian: Larry Hollenberg Treas: Holly Walter Sandusky, Ohio 44870-3736 Board Rep: Robert W. Taylor Photographer: Garry Lemon 419-626-1903 Reporter: Garry Lemon e-mail: [email protected] HEART OF AMERICA Board Rep: Mike Walter Pres: Sandy Schoeppner - William Chapman (Bill) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (816) 767-9766 3208 Nielsen Court Pres: Herb Mercer r- Vice Pres: Ron Bopp Vice Pres: James Westcott Santa Rosa, CA 95404-1720 Secrrreas: Rick McDowell 707-570-2258 Sec./Reporter. Shirley Nix Reporter: Mary Jo Bopp Treas: Ken Hodge e-mail: [email protected] Board Rep: Galen Bird Board Rep: Frank Nix COMMITTEES - LADY LIBERTY TEXAS TECHNICAL Harold Malakinian Pres: Keith Bigger - (718) 528-9443 Pres: Larry Williams - (817) 485-3727 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI 48098 Vice Pres: David Palter Vice Pres: Bill Flynt Sec: Richard Karlsson PUBLICAnONS Robin Pratt Treas: Ken Long Treas: Joseph Hutter 515 Scott St., Sandusky, OH 44870-3736 Sec: Janet Tonnesen Reporter: Bill Maguire Reporter: Bryan Cather AMICA ARCHIVES Shawn Fox Board Rep: Dianne Polan Board Rep: Sal Mele 1319 Pearl St., Sandusky, OH 44870 - (516) 673-0388 419-621-9758 SOUTHERN SKIES MIDWEST Acting Pres: Debra Legg ­ AUDIO·VISUAL Harold Malakinian Pres: Harold Malakinian - (813) 734-3353 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI48098 (810) 528-3111 Acting Reporter: Debra Legg Vice Pres: Liz Barnhart CONVENTION COORDINATOR Liz Barnhart Sec: Judy Barnick 919 Lantern Glow Trail, Dayton, OH 45431 Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl HONORARY MEMBERS Mike Walter Reporter: Christy Counterman 65 Running Brook Dr., Lancaster, NY 14086-3314 Board Rep: Liz Barnhart 716-656-9583 AFFILIATED SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS AUSTRALIAN COLLECTORS INTERNATIONAL PIANO NORTHWEST PLAYER PIANO SOCIETY FOR SELF-PLAYING OF MECHANICAL MUSICAL ARCHIVES AT MARYLAND ASSOCIATION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS INSTRUMENTS Perfonning Arts Library, Hombake 3210 Everson Whittle Gesellschaft fUr Selbstspielende Musikin­ 19 Waipori Street University of Maryland 47 Raikes Rd. strumente (GSM) E.V. St. Ives NSW 2075, Australia College Park, MD 20742 Preston PRI 5EQ Lancashire, England Jiirgen Hocker Phone 0772 792 795 Heiligenstock 46 DUTCH PIANOLA ASSOC. MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach Nederlandse Pianola Vereniging INTERNATIONAL SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Gennany Eikendreef 24 P. O. Box 297 Division ofMusical History Phone 02202-932524 Marietta, OH 45750 Washington, D.C. 20560 r) 5342 HR Oss, Fax 2202-932526 Netherlands NETHERLANDS MECHANICAL PLAYER PIANO GROUP ORGANSOCIETY-KDV (England) PIANOLA INSTITUTE Jan L.M. Van Dinteren Tony Austin Clair Cavanagh, Secretary Potterstraat 36 93 Evelyn Ave. 43 Great Percy St., London WC1X 9RA NL-6165 AE Geleen Ruislip, England TellFax 0031 46474 3134 Middlesex HA4 8AH, England 112 President's Message

fear I am late in getting this to Robin so if the Bulletin is late, years. I love to hear from any you can blame your President this month. We are the proud of you about anything, so feel I grandparents of Cory Michael Bird, born April 30th, three free to contact me. A weeks premature. So I have been busy doing the grandparent reminder that my E-mail thing and taking care of Morgan, 22 months old. address is [email protected]. My snail mail address and I was very impressed with Robin's message in the last issue phone number are in the about getting involved in a chapter. It really is true that you are directory or the front of each missing out on so much if you aren't a chapter member. Since that time we have had an inquiry about starting a chapter in the Bulletin. Carolinas and Virginia and anywhere else within driving dis­ Bill Chapman is hard at tance of there. Please let Sam Harris know if you would be work on·our new Member­ interested in helping get a chapter going or would be interested ship Directory. We hope to have it to the printer by Convention in joining the chapter. You may write Sam at 3742 Old Creek time. Bill is in the process of moving to a new house. His new Road, Greenville, NC 27834, or send him E-mail at address is 2150 Hastings Ct., Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Please [email protected]. The strength of our organization is in change the address on any AMICA International membership the strength of its chapters and its volunteers, so please get applications you have in your possession so if you give them involved. out, they will get to Bill. By the time you receive this, you will be getting ready to Our organization is strong and thriving thanks to the work attend the convention. We will be electing new officers at the of our elected leaders, but even more importantly thanks to the annual meeting. I would like to thank Ken Vinen, our interna­ individual members who contribute in some way to our growth. tional secretary for his two years of service to AMICA. I would This may be through participation in a chapter or contributing also like to thank Roy Powlan, our international treasurer who to the Bulletin. But mainly it means talking about AMICA and has served us for four years. This is a big job and we appreciate its goals with family and friends both in business and in your all the volunteer hours he has spent serving AMICA. I have community. We must always continue to "sell" our organiza­ 19reed to stay on for another term if you can put up with me tion in as many places as possible. Then and only then can we ~and if I'm elected. I feel like I amjust getting to know many of continue to grow and thrive. you and know the ins and outs of the organization by now, so I hope to see you at the Convention! hopefully I will be better able to serve you for the next two Linda

NOMINATING COMMITTEE Call for Presenters Maury Willyard Boston 1999 February 2, 1998 AMICA Boston 1999 is well under way The Nominating Committee members have completed their action and includes a block of time for seminars. The required in accordance with the bylaws, with the exception of presenting the dates of the 1999 Convention are August 12-15 Nominees to the membership by way of the Bulletin and for a vote at the at the Westin-Waltham Hotel, 30 minutes from Annual Meeting. Boston. Therefore, it is requested that you put the following notice in the Bulletin for receipt by the Membership, prior to the Annual Meeting in New York and If there is a topic you would be interested in Ontario. sharing, please contact: Election ofAMICA Officers Dorothy Bromage The Nominating Committee has selected the following slate to serve as 8 Skyline Drive AMICA officers for the term 1998-2000. This·selection has been made in Billerica, MA 01821-1117 accordance with the AMICA bylaws and will be presented for your considera­ 978-670-1269 tion and approval at the 1998 Annual Meeting in New York/Ontario. (voice or fax) E-mail: [email protected] President - Linda Bird (second term) Secretary - Shirley Nix 3300 Robinson Pike 6030 Oakdale Avenue Time allotted for each presentation is one Grandview, MO 64030 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 hour. Audio-visual devices will be available. Convention planners are looking for talks Vice President - Dan Brown (second term) Treasurer - Robert Deland involving any aspect of mechanical music, such as rolls, disks, music, artists, instruments of N. 4828 Street 485 Gatewood Lane all types, manufacturers, repair, restoration, Spokane, WA 99205 Grayslake, IL 60030 history, ephemera.

113 How CanAMICASurvive? .- FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

By the way, make sure that people who regularly attend your Chapter meetings are indeed members. In the past we have had the situation of people who say, "Naw, I don't want to belong to the National, I am just interested in the Chapter." Well, honey, according to the AMICA Bylaws, that don't cut it. Make sure that people who are regularly attending are indeed members and politely request that they take the time (and The new AMICA Brochures have been a big success, how­ money) to fill out an AMICA International Membership Appli­ ever, I notice that the requests for them have dribbled to a halt. cation (and have them join your Chapter, too!). You can even Many Chapters have never even requested one copy. What's offer to send it in for them with their check and spring for the the problem? All you have to do is ask for them and they will postage stamp. If they continue to refuse? Well, who wants a be sent. cheapskate member anyway? What could they possibly have to You should have them displayed and available at every contribute? What have you lost? I mean, as they say in the car meeting. Include them with your Chapter meeting mailings and clubs, "If you can't afford the dues, then maybe you shouldn't take them to all functions or outings. Most locations, whether even be in the hobby in the first place." they be antique shops, museums, restaurants or retail music You may find this hard to believe dear reader, but these stores, have a rack or a place to put a bunch of them for the types can even be too miserly to buy a technical book on their public to pick up. I take a box of them with me in the car and hobby! So, don't waste time with, or be intimidated by a skin­ give them out to many of my tuning customers. A few have flint. They are usually there only to "soak it up" rather than to bought player pianos as a result of the Brochure! make a contribution. r--' At our Midwest meetings, we have never been refused. As guardians of these priceless historic musical art trea-' Whether it be museums, shops or whatever, we have been sures, it is our "Duty" to follow (once again!) the guidelines of enthusiastically supported when we ask about putting a bunch AMICA. Restoration, Distribution, and Enjoyment! It is of them in a location. Do it! All you have to do is ask. How your "Duty" to get new members. AMICA cannot survive on many do you want? 25 ... 250... 2500? If your Chapter offi­ complacency. No excuses, I'll be hearing from you! cers won't do it, write or call me yourself for some for your Robin Pratt Chapter and even get some of your own. We've got plenty. In 515 Scott Street fact AMICA Publications just reprinted another 10,000 for you. Sandusky, Ohio 44870-3736 Did you know some of the better phonograph shows are 1-419-626-1903 willing to give you a whole table to promote AMICA if you just Fax 1-419-624-9454, ask?! Of course it requires someone to monitor the table, but E-mail: [email protected] what fun! Seeing friends and making new ones. As Bill Kap has said many times, "You have to create the excitement." It won't happen by itself.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHAPTERS CALENDAR OF EVENTS ANNUAL CONVENTIONS Heart ofAmerica Chapter July 8-12, 1998 AMICA Convention, Niagara Falls, Canada Contact: Michael Walter 716-656-9583 September 11-13,1998, Rally - Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson KS We welcome large and small organs and will have display areas for August 12-15, 1999 AMICA Convention, Boston, Massachusetts phonographs, music boxes, etc. June 21-26, 2000 AMICA Convention, Sacramento, California Contact: Leonard Railsback 316-665-5740 --- 1440 West 17th Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501. [email protected] February 29-March 6, 2001 AMICA Convention, Melbourne, Australia

114 The "Some Things Never Change?" Department -R.P. AMICA BULLETIN ARCHIVES - LETTERS, APRIL, 1970

"This time Alice, we're gonna' be millionaires!" Ralph Kramden1

Instant Ampico Recordings

he following is part of a very informative letter received throughout the roll. Of course, it makes no sense visually, but it from Durrell Armstrong of the Player Piano Company, does make the roll play better since normally-adjacent playing TWichita, Kansas: notes are separated from each other, and the paper is stronger I see a mention on page 12 of the January 1970 Bulletin and runs truer. about the "machine invented to record a piano reproducing It was intended that this new system be marketed using a record on magnetic tape" as quoted second-hand from Don miniature spoolbox, but no manufacturers have been interested Morton. To supplement the curiosity of readers of this mention, in taking a chance on producing such a non-standard system. I will fill in some of the facts in regards to this achievement. Perhaps it came along twenty years too soon. Although it is not at present actively in use, it could be when I recently talked with another friend for several hours on the the demand for new Ampico recordings is sufficient to allow phone - name of William Petty of Fort Defiance, Virginia, who the utilization of this recording system, which was worked out completed a recording perforator about the same as Jim Ballan­ by Jim Ballantine, owner of Min-A-Matic, Inc. of Absecon, tine [see Aug. '69 Bulletin, pg. 12 -Ed.]. Bill Petty designed the New Jersey, which is where this apparatus is presently located. perforator basically to record pipe organ rolls. It records a roll A great amount of money and time have been put into this about 21 inches wide, 12 perforations to the inch, using the project over the past ten years. I am a contributor myself, as I same alternate staggered perforation idea. It can record live loaned the original German-made Welte perforating machine, .playing of a three-manual pipe organ and registration with its which I had previously purchased, to Jim Ballantine at this time 240 note positions. The recording is made directly into a high­ ~ince he needed something to start with. Although the recording speed perforator which faithfully catches the most fleeting note, "'Vmachine (also built in Germany) came with the perforator in my at the rate of 130 punching strokes per second. The recording is purchase, it was more of a curiosity rather than being practical to then simply spooled up and ready to play. Several hundred use, since it was so complex and elaborate a piece of machinery recordings of late popular music have already been made for it would be doubtful that anyone could fathom the many features playing upon the Austin Premier Quadruplex pipe organ player. of the original purpose. At any rate, such a recording had to be This complete player attachment is being manufactured for sale hand-punched over the recording machine's ink markings to by Allen R. Miller, 167 Carriage Drive, Glastonbury, Connecti­ make the master roll for the perforator. A better and more mod­ cut 06033. Although Allen is also a recent addition to the em system was devised by Ballantine. The signals from the Ampico enthusiasts, he has successfully rebuilt his model "A" keyboard were fed onto videotape. Later at slow-speed running grand (with a few tips from me). Also William Petty, his part­ of the tape, the recorded signals are fed into the perforator and a ner, has recently installed his Knabe model "B" grand which perforated copy made. Minor corrections can be made on this can be played through the pipe organ roll recording console. roll and run back through the recorder as many times as needed, Not being satisfied with this innovation, he thought - why not each time producing a fresh tape and consequent perforated roll. devise a method to record the remote playing of the Ampico When finally satisfactory, the last tape made is held permanently and at the same time record perforations that will que in the to be used in lieu ofa paper master roll. Ampico expression. I understand this is done through usage of According to Jim Ballantine, the recording method he the swell pedals and second touch on the keyboard. This invented can capture the expression of the recorded artist in the method allows the artist to hear exactly what he is recording on form of Ampico coding - automatically calculated by the com­ the Ampico, as it is simultaneously being played mechanically puter which puts the perforating signals on tape. It was origi­ through the Ampico from the pipe organ console. Mr. Petty nally intended that the new roll with the Ampico expression does not claim to be an expert on the Ampico, as this facet is would be a miniaturized version. The perforator is presently rather new to him, but he does seem to have something by the installed with punching dies spaced 20-to-the-inch, which cuts tail here. Hopefully it may someday result in a flood of new the width of the roll in half and allows more than twice the popular recordings made by contemporary artists for many playing time. Further improvement was made by completely happy Ampico owners. Bill doesn't seem to stimulate any _ ;scrambling the perforations. Instead of the trackerbar having interest in his recording system from either of the extant roll ~ne row, 20-to-the-inch, there are two rows spaced lO-to-the­ recutters, and mentioned he may decide to build his own 9-to­ inch, and the perforations staggered accordingly on the music - . the-inch perforator and issue new rolls himself. roll. To improve the tracking of the roll, a note-usage survey Durrell Armstrong count was taken and the most frequently-used notes (normally in the middle range) were systematically and evenly distributed 1 The Honeymooners - "Chef of the Future" episode

li5 Letters to the Editor: r, AND Now, VIRTU_AL RESTORATION

What is virtual restoration? Virtual the music that's in greatest need of (the direct result of removing the music . restoration is the electronic coaxing of preservation." Another is: "We're just from its medium), the noble music yet another flawed performance out of a archivists." Well, don't you believe intended to be played upon them will be tired, wheezing automatic musical 'em, folks! The best way to preserve bought, sold and swapped (and copy­ instrument desperately in need of a gen­ the music is to punch another paper righted) in grossly distorted forms by uine restoration. It is the surrender to music roll... period! If they really those with neither a concept of, nor one's desire for immediate gratification believed in those statements, they'.d be concern for, its original performance rather than rigorous service to the altru­ building perforators. criteria. To them, the instruments istic (and laudable) goal of preservation As I see it, the real reason for the themselves are irrelevant. Judging from of instruments for future generations. current obsession with scanning is the digitalization attempts to date (with While such a goal may seem logical and accumulation of free music without the their abundantly evident distortion of far-sighted to some, it is often derided burden of stewardship (to say nothing of rhythm and phrasing), the music this as a costly luxury by others. musicians' salaries and/or licensing crowd so solicitously claims to be The "let's-get-'em -goin' " crowd fees). To my mind, digital operation of preserving is in dire peril indeed. As the (these days most frequently encountered authentic instruments is just a ruse; saying goes: They just don't know what on the internet) can be relied upon to digital music for its own sake being the they don't know. Sic transit gloria mundi! roll out the same hackneyed canards as real goal. By pursuing such a goal, one So, just how should the term "digital reason for their near-obsessive preoccu­ effectively removes the music from its music" be defined? A good definition pation with the digital scanning of paper medium. might be: Immediate gratification with­ music rolls coupled with a less-than­ Long after these instruments are but out the rigors of restoration. enthusiastic interest in the preservation a distant memory in the minds of men Jeffrey Morgan of instruments. One of these is: "It's ------.-f' "Fantasie Pour Organ" from D.H.S. In 1906, the Aeolian Organ Company commissioned the ambitious original organ work of Camille Saint-Saens "Fantasie Pour Organ", a 44 page, 11 section composition for the Aeolian player organ. The perforations on the paper roll have been translated into musical notation. This sheet music is offered for $15 + $2.50 (No. RS-1906) from The Organ Historical Society, PO Box 26811, Richmond, VA 23261. (Note: This Aeolian organ roll may be in some AMICAns' collections.) Emmett M. Ford Kreiselman or Sims?

Shortly after publication of the March/April Bul­ "So Blue" reflects the Lee Sims style, but, as some letin containing my letter concerning who recorded "So have observed, lacks the polish of acknowledged Sims Blue" (Ampico 208703), I received a call from Mr. rolls. In current vernacular, one person has branded William Knorp. Bill related that he had known Adam Kreiselman as a Lee Sims "wannabe". Carroll from 1960 until Adam's death in 1974. Bill More important than this obscure obsession, how­ had discussed various Ampico artists with Adam, ever, is that bill Knorp is a treasure trove of informa­ including Gertrude Kreiselman. Although "So Blue" tion about artists. Knowing that I'm putting him on the was not specifically discussed, Adam stated that spot, I hope that he might submit to recorded inter­ Gertrude Kreiselman, a Washington, D.C. socialite, views which could be transcribed for publication. (I had approached Ampico expressing a desire to record a apologize, Bill, but you know too much.) During our roll, which she subsequently did. (One roll.) Based on conversation, Bill also related interesting information ~ this evidence, plus the information contributed by about Germaine Schnitzer and Efrem Zimbalist. -' Richard Groman in the March/April bulletin, I'm throwing in the towel, and concur that "So Blue" was played by Gertrude Kreiselman. Tom Kimble

116 Letters (continued) What's Wrong With This Picture? Subtitled - "The Meeting in Purgatory" By Shirley Nix "Jack and June Doe" agreed to host a meeting at their to ask the host who would be more than happy to play anything. home, and even decided to furnish lunch, with the attendees Of course, the ladies just had to run their fIngers over the fInish bringing desserts. It was to be on a Sunday afternoon, which of the newly restored music box... it was so smooooooth. promised to be a lovely, sunny day. The meeting was held, and when it was over, the host began Came the day of the meeting, and of course there was a a tour of his instruments. He had carefully prepared a running light rain falling. Oh, well, that's no problem. The hosts felt commentary on each instrument as he played it. Of course, they could deal with that easily, and it was still warm enough to there was always the guy who had to comment that his was eat outside in the covered areas. much nicer than this one, and this had not been restored proper­ The fIrst guest arrived, and had their three-year-old grand­ ly... anyone could see that. The host went doggedly on, trying son in tow. "We knew you wouldn't mind, and he is such a to ignore the ignoramus, but ran into an even larger problem wonderful child - so bright and inquisitive. We just know he with one person who questioned his commentary, correcting will love your collection." Oh, oh!!1!! dates, inventors, machines, and everything that came into the conversation. As the rest of the members f1ltered in, somehow grandma lost track of little wonder boy, and the host found him in the Finally the meeting was over, the guests left, and the Does den playing with the governor on a very lovely cylinder box. looked at each other and sighed. Later people would always When he was told not to touch, he proceeded to cry (loudly), wonder why they never would agree to host another meeting... run through the house to find sympathetic ears, and make the host feel like Simon Legree. Not only that, but it turned out he Analysis had been outside in the mud, so his tracks were easy to follow. Well, I may get into trouble with this article, but I feel Well, with that under their belt, the Does decided to serve periodically someone needs to put into print the proper protocol the food. They asked everyone to eat and drink outside, where for attending meetings, visiting someone who has a collection, vtables were set up, and by now the sun was shining, making it orjust plain being a welcome guest. really inviting. The first point in this article is, I know, argumentative, but As the food was set up, a member (or guest, or whoever) it still needs to be addressed... children. I have heard all the decided to go in and take another look at the collection while arguments about including them at meetings, we need new the line for food thinned itself out. Of course, he had to have a blood, they don't do that much damage, etc.... well, gang, cup of coffee, and no one would object if he took it inside... As it still comes down to the fact that these collections are he entered the house, he was jostled by someone coming out, EXPENSIVE, and it doesn't take much damage to be too much. and the coffee slurped over onto the host's nearly new carpet. Another point is that while some of us have kids or grandkids Now he was really embarrassed, and didn't want to add to that who have been raised around these instruments and do, indeed, by making a big thing of it, so he took out his handkerchief, know how to conduct themselves around them. If you bring wiped (smeared?) the coffee up and went on his way. your well-mannered kids, it leads to other people thinking that Another lady saw him go in, followed, and since she only these meetings are open to all of the kids, and that leads to had a piece of celery stuffed with cream cheese, she fIgured it trouble. We have members and friends come with their kids, was no big deal. Well, you know the story... the celery but preferably not during meetings when there is just too much dropped, and you know which side fell on the carpet, don't going on. you? That's right. .. the cheese side. Out came the gentleman's For my part, I feel these meetings are adults-only unless the (?) handkerchief again, a quick wipe and the two were on their host or hostess specifically states that children are welcome. I way again. do have a suggestion, though... if you have children... plan a Then in came yet another attendee... this one with a cold meeting!!! drink. He decided he wanted to get a closer look at one of the If you don't have room in your home, fInd a park nearby. instruments, so he had to set down the drink, and the grand That way it can be a family affair, plan it for potluck dinner, and piano was just the right height, so that's where the glass, which you can have members bring show and tell, or even have a was sweating, was set. Of course, it made a ring on the fInish mart. Invite members to bring monkey organs to entertain. You of the piano, but not a very big one. need to get involved yourself, and not feel left out because you People were fInishing with their food, so they were coming have kids... make it work. A visit to a museum is another good ~ and wandering through the house. Some of the people were _'. plan. You can, perhaps, find a museum that has something to opening doors, closets, drawers, etc., just looking... (yes, that do with the musical instruments, the era they represent, or just does happen). Others were going to the instruments, starting up something of interest. We had a wonderful meeting in a print­ some, opening the doors of others and looking inside, even ing museum. Make it your business to have family affairs dur­ though there were signs posted asking people not to touch, but ing the year. Don't wait for someone else to do it. That way it

117 Letters (continued) can be arranged around the kids, and stimulate their interest of that area for any reason. Ifyou have to leave a cup of coffee rather than boring them. still half-full, fine, better that than to have that half-cup of cof- ,!"" If the hosts do allow children, they should be watched care­ '. fee on the carpet. Iffood is allowed in the house and around the "­ fully by the adults bringing them - not other members or the instruments, remember it's around the instruments, NEVER, host. They should never be allowed to touch an instrument. NEVER, NEVER ON the instruments. Sitting a coke, cup of . coffee, or plate on a piano, orchestrion, or any other fine piece, Actually, even adults should not touch instruments unless is really bad. Those finishes don't get that way by themselves, specifically told it is O.K. by the host. Ifthere are signs around nor do the rings or scratches on them. saying to ask the host or his designated helpers for help if you want to hear an instrument, THAT DOES MEAN YOU, even if Another thing that can be really annoying, and that's when you have a large collection of your own. Many collectors will the host is playing one of his machines or giving his talk and tell you sure, play whatever you like, and if that's the case, fine. there are conversations going on in the room. If you want to visit, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE go outside or find a room Never, ever, ever, try to "FIX" something that isn't playing where there are not instruments being listened to. This is prob­ right unless the owner asks you specifically to do so. You may ably the most-abused rule of protocol there is. And, no, it isn't know exactly what is needed, but if something goes wrong, just the ladies as the men would have your believe. Whatever who is going to be stuck with the repairs? Probably not you, your conversation is about, it isn't important to the host or the although the owner will probably always feel you should have other guests, so take it outside where you won't bother anyone. made it good. This is a touchy area... play with your own toys!!! If you enjoy a meeting, drop the host a line and tell them so. It makes people feel good to be appreciated, and it doesn't The thing we have the most trouble with is people running take much. It takes a lot of work for most people to put on a their hands over a finish on an instrument. The oil from your meeting. It doesn't have to, but most of us do more cleanup hands is not good for the finish, and if there is dust on the fin­ and fixup when we know a group is coming over. Sometimes it ish, as there often is in my house, it can scratch. has really been a big deal, with repairs that had been put off for Now, remember, you are a guest in this house, so you listen years suddenly being rushed through. That all takes money and politely to the host's spiel and DO NOT CORRECT HIM!!! time, so let them know you think they did a really good job, and You may hear things that don't agree with what you know, but that you enjoyed their collection. it's his story. If you want to talk to him about it after the meet­ Now that you are all sticking pins in the Voodoo doll made.r-. . ing, fine, but don't make him look bad. He doesn't want to to look like me, I want you to know that most collectors are just ~ hear your opinion of the condition of the machine, either, or the great. But sometimes we need to be reminded that there is pro- restoration job (unless maybe you think it's the best you've ever tocol that should be observed. I have been thinking about this heard, and then he might make an exception). Just let him do article for quite a while, and during that time I had another col- his thing .. .he probably has put in a lot of time figuring out lector say that someone should write something about this stuff what to say, and he is the one in the limelight, not you. . .. and I hadn't mentioned that I was thinking about it. That Besides, a lot of us are not natural-born talkers, especially in gave me the impetus to do it, and I hope I haven't trod on too front of a crowd, so give us some slack. many toes. Of course, most of you don't see yourself in the Food and drink, of course, belong in whatever area the host above, anyway, do you????????????? has designated for such things, and should never stray outside

Welte-Mignon "Licensee" Slang Slobbman gftibute Help Needed!!! ClAJork is on the way to reprint the book "Leierkasten in Berlin 1912-1932" Can anyone help me with a tubing The Hans Hoffman Fund was started with the purpose of reprinting this chart for the "transforming bar" located on book and making it available for members and collectors. the top of the spoolbox of a Welte-Mignon "Licensee" upright? This is the bar that The book is 32 pages with 28 large black and white photos depicting changes the mechanism from the Welte­ barrel organ (Bacigalupo) production as well as the use of the barrel Mignon reproducing format to the 88-note organ on the street. Roadblocks to this project have been obtaining format. It is not shown on any of my reprinting rights from the East Berlin author but these have now been reprints. Perhaps this tubing chart could granted and the book should be available by the end ofJuly. then be printed in the AMICA Bulletin and r Again, donations may be made to the Hans Hoffman Fund by sending a made available for everyone. Thanks! check to Ron Bopp, 55801 E. 356, Jay, OK 74346. Donators of $20.00 Mike Kukral or greater will receive a complimentary copy of the book. 27 Brown Avenue The book will be available by mail or at marts. Athens, Ohio 45701

118 The Paderewski Piano A Rarity? Or One OfA Kind? By Frank Trotta

The Paderewski piano in the accompanying photos is certainly a rarity at the very least. It is a Huntington piano built by the Hunt­ ington Piano Company of Shelton, Connecticut, U.S.A. It also is a player and contains the Standard Pneumatic Action single valve stack. On the piano plate is a cameo portrait of Paderewski with a decal signature. Inside the lid is the warranty which reads: Warranty This is to certify that this Piano is hereby warrantedfor the term of Five Years and should it, with proper care and use prove defective in material or worlananship, within that time, we hereby agree, in accordance with our written guarantee to put it in good repair ifdelivered at ourfactory with freight charges paid, or replace it with a new one. The Huntington Piano Co. Manufacturers Sheldon Conn U.S.A.

Between the warranty and the following letter of endorsement is an "autographed" decal photo portrait. The endorsement is as follows: To the Huntington Piano Co. May 13,1900 Dear Sirs: Having heard excellent accounts ofyour instruments, 1 hereby request that you will send one ofyour pianos to the "PADEREWSK1 Singing Society" at Chicago, Illinois for my account. Yours very truly, 1.J. Paderewski Piano to be delivered at once to the order ofJosef P. Szymanski, President ofPaderewski Singing Society, 567 Dikson Street, Chicago, Illinois

Does anyone in AMICA have any other information about this - 'unusual piano? Is it one of a kind? I would be interested to hear of any others. If so, contact: Frank Trotta, 8634 S. Kolmar, Chicago, IL 60652 or call evenings at 773-581-0684.

119 When I Survey The Wondrous Cross Or Misunderstood Parts II f'. The Duo-Art ·Cross Valve By Jeffrey Morgan

Jeffrey lVIorgan's appreciative homage to Richard Geddes' 1989 AMICA article incorporates portions of it with extensh:e new material.

faVOrite among misunderstood parts is Aeolian's cross the effects of vacuum or atmosphere respectively on that por­ valve plate (see Cut 1). It's simple and ingenious; yet, tion ofthe valve's facing exposed by the applicable seat. A its elegant configuration requires considerable skill and expenditure of time in restoration. The temptation to replace it Now you must see that since its travel is so small, the valve with a round hole plate should be avoided. Here's why: doesn't really open up a hole, but rather a crack with a long edge. A round valve plate creates a crack with an edge (perime­ What happens when the tracker-bar hole opens... air rushes ter) whose length is the circumference of a circle. That is the in and the pouch inflates because more air rushes in under the shortest perimeter length you can get with the greatest possible pouch than can be removed through the bleed. The pouch push­ exposure of valve facing. Since flow is determined (amongst es up on the inverted wooden mushroom attached to the bottom other factors) by the ratio of perimeter length to valve travel, a of the valve stem. There is resistance because there is atmos­ round-shaped opening would provide less flow than other possi­ pheric pressure holding the valve down on its bottom plate ble shapes given the same amount of travel. A round hole valve (seat). This is the result of vacuum underneath this plate acting plate therefore offers: the greatest amount of resistance to seat- on the surface of the valve's leather facing exposed by the ing against atmosphere; the greatest amount of resistance to-/". . plate's orifice. Remember that it is the same vacuum which is breaking away from vacuum; and, most importantly, the least . causing atmospheric pressure to inflate the pouch when the amount of flow! It is the worst possible choice of shapes. It is tracker bar hole is opened. Also it is the same vacuum which is easy to manufacture, though. Most any shape at all would give sucking atmospheric pressure through the bleed in hopes of a better perimeter-to-area ratio than a circle. A star shape would keeping the pouch un-inflated. So the pouch is now inflating be great, but would be challenging for the tool and die people. and pressing upwards on the valve stem against the resistance The cross shape, however, lends itself acceptably to the of the seated valve. When that resistance is overcome and the machine shop, has plenty of perimeter (edge) length and expos- valve is pushed away from its lower seat, air rushes around the es minimal area. And, plenty of air may pass through the crack edge of that seat and, suddenly, the valve moves heavenward to when that valve opens 1/32 of an inch (see Cut 2). Brilliant, complete its tiny travel. huh?

Unfortunately, during this travel, both the top face (which There's more. With this improvement in seating character­ will, in a moment, seal off entry of the room atmosphere) and istics and increase in flow, you might be tempted to dispense the bottom face (which has just broken away to connect the note with the whole row of primary valves. If this keeps up, you pneumatic to vacuum) are unseated. Room air therefore rushes might consider going to the moon! Now having implemented first around the top edge of the valve and then around the bot­ this evolution in design, you can see that it would be disastrous tom edge causing an unproductive waste of stack suction. This or, at least, unfortunate or depressing to have some misinformed is unavoidable in valve design. The trick is to keep the valve individual come along eighty years later and complain that there travel at a minimum so that the period of leakage is as brief as is a cross-shaped impression in the antique leather valve facings possible. and that this means that the cross valve seats should be replaced with round ones. Moving onward... as the valve reaches its top position and begins to seat, there is a sudden increase in resistance because Upsetting the "golden proportion" gained by the cross valve there is room atmosphere pressing downward on the top surface plates by replacement with round ones would result in a weaker../""': of the valve everywhere that its facing is exposed by the orifice seating against atmosphere and stronger seating against suctiorr ­ in its top (outside) plate. Now in order for the valve to break while, at the same time, reducing flow. The ratio of perimeter away from suction and seat against atmosphere reliably, the to exposed area was well understood during the first decades of active surface of the pouch must be large enough to overpower the twentieth century; and, it was often expressed as "pluck." A

120 Cut 1 • Patent Drawings Relating to Cross Design.

r~.

/8 19 ~}lyl :., '"

2/......

, 19 -- /0 '8~-·""'"

~() ...-. 21

121 between two stamped metal plates (seats) each having a best shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. Instead of round opening which was proportioned to the diameter of the usual circular 0 enin throu h the valve-seat, I shape it i e a Greek~cross or the movable valve. With its travel centered by guides, the o erWlse give it such other shape; as for 60 top and bottom surface of the valve covered (with appropri­ example with entrant angles, that the pe­ ::tte overlar) the r0~,;d hole in its respective plate when riphery of the opening will be increased and moved from one plate to the other. Leather facings on the its area reduced. The reduced area means valve's mating surfaces insured a reliable seal and, thus, that the suction in chamber 9 does not act restricted flow. Such early round-hole-type valves were so strongly on the valve 6 to hold it on its 65 utilized by Aeolian in single-valve stacks and (more seat 10 with the result that a relatively small successfully) in double-valve stacks. When employed in pouch 5 will lift it off its seat. This in turn means that even a small perforationiri the single-valve stacks, these large round-hole-type valves music sheet quickly passing over the tracker became unstable at very low levels of suction. This deficien­ will let in enough air to lift the pouch and 70 cy could have been easily rectified by employing primary valve to operate the striker-pneumatic. valves. And, indeed, double-valve systems were often Further that rapidly repeated notes as in employed in the better Aeolian products of the time such as a trill will be properly reproduced. The Themodist and Metrostyle Pianolas, which were manufac­ elongated periphery of each valve-seat open­ tured in both electrically operated and foot-impelled versions ing also functions to· the same advantageous 75 end because it gives just that much more and installed in Steinway, Weber and other pianos. gate-way for the suction and atmosphere re­ For whatever reason, Aeolian decided that its new Duo-Art spectively to pass. In sllort i am enabled reproducing action would incorporate a single-valve stack. to control a large wind-way from a small Perhaps this economy was to counterbalance Aeolian's primary pouch without any secondary and 80 thereby obtain a very quick responsive con­ decision that Duo-Art instruments should lavishly retain the trol of the striker pneumatics from the·note­ ability to play non-expression and Themodist rolls over the sheet. entire range of the piano keyboard even though the new Further, so that the atmosphere and suc­ Duo-Art recordings played only 80 notes. Nonetheless, tion will have as free access as possible to the 85 a new single-valve design was needed to cope with the active faces of the valve and seat, and to sustained periods of very low suction encountered in the the opening in the latter, I locate said open- automatically controlled soft playing of the Duo-Art. The cross-type valve was developed expressly for this purpose. Cut 2 - Excerpt From Text of Patent For Cross-type Valve The first cross-type valves were 3/4" in diameter and used a low coefficient of pluck was recognized as essential for stable stamped seat made of nickel-plated brass. Later seats for this and reliable operation of valves at the very low levels of suction size were made of aluminum. required for soft playing. From the mid-teens to about 1920, the cross design was The test roll, you know the part that says "Dumb, dumb­ utilized in conjunction with 88-note capability on the entire dumb-dumb" also causes the valves to say "Pss, fss-fss-fss-fss" Duo-Art line. With the exception of some pre-191S grand and etc. and you know that there's nothing you can do about it. most later two-tiered upright units, all 88-note Duo-Art stacks Then you would have to face the terrible fact that your other­ were equipped with graduated striker pneumatics. wise superb rebuilding job performs poorly at the low end of During the mid-teens and coincident with the development the dynamic range and you KNOW that nothing else leaks. Of of the cross-type valve, a miniature round-hole-type valve course it will perform far better than it did before rebuilding, system was also designed. It is important not to confuse this but when you hear those top valves hiss, you'll have your dirty miniature valve system with a sub-miniature one employed by little secret and it will feel so bad. And, you'll feel worse still if Aeolian for theme primary and accordion operation. The newly it is the only thing that prevented you from having one of those developed miniature valve was intended for non Duo-Art (i.e., thrilling "tight-as-a-drum" pneumatic actions. These Duo-Arts Themodist and 88-note foot-impelled players) applications. are so useful that we often forget they're antiques. When in However, in the very early 1920s, this smaller round-hole-type doubt, copy what's there. Don't innovate in an antique. The valve system began to appear in Duo-Art production. This designers had much more experience than you have. smaller valve system arrived with the recently developed 80-note stacks installed in less-expensive grand piano marques (i.e., Aeolian, Wheelock, Stroud) along with the recently down-:V Some Historical Background graded-for-mass-production Steck and (smaller) Weber grands.

Prior to the Duo-Art, Aeolian employed several valve The appearance of 80-note stacks in Duo-Arts indicates schemes. Most of these schemes used a relatively large, cylin­ some retreat (perhaps for economic reasons as there was a drically shaped, movable valve body which traveled vertically recession in 1921) from the opulent position that all Duo-Arts

122 should have the capability to play non Duo-Art rolls over the Of course there are exceptions to this and several notable entire range of the piano keyboard. Nevertheless, these newly ones have been reported. One is found in a number of post­ developed 80-note Duo-Art grand stacks differed from previous 1924 Louis XV Steinway Duo-Art grands which are reported to ,.. 88-note Duo-Art stacks in several ways. Most noticeable was be equipped with the earlier-style 88-note stacks. Another is a their smaller, more-compact appearance, their side-mounted late (1929) model AR Steinway Duo-Art in an art case that was supply nipples, and their rearward-facing striker pneumatics part of an Aeolian Duo-Art residence pipe-organ installation. (the striker pneumatics faced forward in the 88-note Duo-Art Its 80-note stack (equipped with a later and larger cross-type stacks). Additionally, striker pneumatics on the new 80-note valve system to be described shortly) was modified with an stacks were all of the same size... except when these stacks additional bass note giving it the capability of playing 81 notes. were installed in Weber and Steinway pianos. However, the additional note was not playable from a Duo-Art piano roll; it was only playable from the organ console and, These features greatly improved the visual aesthetic appeal probably, a buo-Art pipe-organ rolL of the small reproducing grands in which such stacks were installed. Pointing the striker pneumatics rearward allowed the The cross design was NOT abandoned, but was retained for stack to be mounted further forward under the piano's legs. No service in high-performance 80-note stacks destined for use in longer did the stack lend that laden-with-child look peculiar to many premium (i.e., large and/or art-cased) instruments from earlier small Duo-Art grands equipped with the beautifully about 1924 onward. If anything, its use became even more crafted but protuberant 88-note stack. select. The later valve plates were made of aluminum and had a larger cross to accommodate a redesigned valve now 13116" in Meanwhile, the beautifully constructed teens-designed 88­ diameter. This modification necessitated retooling at consider­ note stacks incorporating the 3/4" cross-type valve continued to able expense. Such an outlay gives strong indication that Aeo­ be installed in premium Webers and all Steinways up through lian deemed the cross design superior for certain premium 1923 and, possibly, into 1924. Generally speaking, the smaller applications. the grand, the sooner it got an 80-note stack. Perhaps this was because the longer lines of the larger grands obscured the aes­ There are additional advantages to the cross valve plate and thetically displeasing visual effects of protruding 88-note additional chapters in its history; but they are beyond the scope stacks. Anyhow, by the end of 1924, all Duo-Art grands had of this article. 80-note stacks. And, only those destined for installation in ~ Webers and Steinways were equipped with graduated striker pneumatics.

NEW AMICA Brochures available for your event Call or write for as many as you may need! Robin Pratt 515 Scott Street • Sandusky, Ohio 44870-3736 Phone: (419) 626-1903 Fax: (419) 624-9454 e-mail: [email protected]

Chapter officers are encouraged to order immediately for distribution at your regularly scheduled chapter meetings!

123 '\ /?~G L IF E.

"::,'I:"':~~ ...:;-7:~':;;';;"~'''''':'''"! ~ J_'''~~(' .r... ..,.:..~ ' •.\, , • £ '-,:_ Je'...;:'" .-: . , '.":"'.",: .~_' ....::' fL~.'::'_l": :":. _' ~•.•~T~,~ "?_" ~C~CILIAN

"~ ~-~:.::: :.~.~, :-.:,:.~.;.,: ~.:::. ~ (.~~",;;;>, _.,~.• \ J',-. ~ New Style Primaryand , Secondary Pneumatics ,:land Wind Chest-made ",;1 all of.Metal and in ~..,;jjJ one pIece.

f?", -:..;:s ':-.;;.4<" ...... ~ ... ~,!( Jr, ":'~ Y'~~ mOE: on} piano-pl~:~er whose mechwr II ism_is made of metal instea.d of

"wood and leather: './

In every Piano-Player there are 6S primary and 6S secondary pneumatics, or bellows. Ii (See illustrations at bottom of page.) These J30 pneumatics operate the wooden fingers which strike the keys of the piano. In all Piano-Players except the Cecilian these pneumatics are made of wood and leather, and the constant changes in the weather, from hot to cold, from wet to dry, etc., cause them sooner or later to split or leak, and then the Player must be repaired. Ask the man who owns one if this is not so. In the Cedian Piano-Player the primary and secondary pneumatics, and also the wind chest, are built of steel, brass, and phosphor bronze, and consequently are never affeCted by atmospheric or climatic changes of any kind, and praCtically do away with all necessity for repairs. Furthermore, the Metal Action of the Cecilian enables it to give a more perfect musical per­ formance than anything ,heretofore accomplished by any Pian<>;Player. The Metal Action is now put into the Cecilian (cabinet) Piano-Player, the Sohmer-Cecilian, and the Farrand-Cecilian pianos.

FULL PARTICULARS SENT ON REQUEST. " The FARRAND COMPANY, DETROIT, MICH.

London, Eng. OLbSTYLE 'PRIMARX PNBUMATIC Paris, France. MAOE OF WOOD.AND LB.A.TKBR. ':. '. ".' '."::'.' ...•·.h .. ~:""-,),2., "_' Cl,,-./ :~~,~.~-

124 ~ AMICA 1998 Niagara Falls, Canada --:. ,- Don't Miss It!

~E=- Niagara F~lS, Canada ---;---fi1$~tl1eJ:aiJit _lAvre-t-l1an-flt'L-oc::..:--

125 AMICA 1998 Niagara falls, Canada . Max KollaTH THE RAGTIME MAN What the Critics Say: Max Morath has ashow that crackles with wit ond wisdom. He is a philosopher of American Popular culture with Mark Twain's gift of gob. In its seamless blending of vintage pop music, interwoven with artfully chosen tidbits of Americono and the performer's pithy, homespun philosophy, the show is a bravura exercise in casual prafundity. Stephen Holden, New York Times

Morath mixes ragtime, vaudeville and theater with his usual mix of charm, wit, and deft musicianship. When it comes to virtuoso pieces, Morath, who seems ageless, become ... "The Entertainer." Michael Anthony, Star-Tribune, Minneapolis/St. Paul Max Morath, the Ragtime Man, will appear at the 1998

AMICA Convention in Niagara Falls, July 8th - 12th. The pop­ It's all ragtime -snappy and sad, baisteraus and bluesy, happy and heartbreak­ .j ular entertainer presents a musical glance at an earlier Ameri­ ing, the sort of music that makes two hours seem to melt away. And when pre­ ca, blending music, humor, and satire in a bright and affection­ sented with the style and wit of Max Morath, it's completely captivating. James D. Watts, Jr., Tulsa World ate look at another era. Morath takes his audiences on a rol­ licking musical tour from the Naughty Nineties to the Roaring Morath is a natural·born showman who walks the wobbly wire of history with Twenties, with plenty of stops along the way - stops that reveal the greatest of ease, the undisputed"greatest living expert on the ragtime era." the fads and foibles of the time. Paul Wellborn, Tampa Tribune "Living A Ragtime Life", Morath's Off-Broadway show of a Morath not only gives ragtime its life, he gives it back its few years back, brought unanimous acclaim from the New youth. He shows ragtime was also protest, high York critics. The show "crackles with wit and wisdom," said satire, and bittersweet romance -the some the New York Times. Another critic has dubbed Max Morath elements that mode jazz and rack the "the greatest living expert on the ragtime era." soundtrack of later ages. Morath captures not only what the The music in the repertory of the Ragtime Man ranges as wide ragtime age heard but what it as the contents of his many recordings - from piano rags to felt and thought as well. It is show tunes, from vaudeville novelties to the blues, giving new a tribute without tears and life to the words, music, and spirit of such pop music immortals avirtuoso performance by as Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, May Irwin, a man and on ero. and Bert Williams. On-stage, Max Morath delivers an exciting Michael Phillips, Ft. performance that blends vintage and virtuoso American music Worth Star with savvy observations of the American scene, past and pre­ Telegram sent. "This isn't a 'nostalgia' show," one critic commented. "It is more of a way to reacquaint us with a living part of our his­ tory. A great show, as welcome and invigorating as a cool breeze on a hot summer night." ~I~rnm~,

126 ~AMICA 1998 Niagara Falls, Canada Don't Miss the Excitement!

E Convention will be held at with Horseshoe Falls being a short dis­ the Skyline Brock Hotel, in tance away. City view rooms have a less ~Niagara Falls, Canada, on July dramatic vista, but the accommodations, 8th through 12th, 1998. The Skyline nonetheless, are in keeping with tradi­ Brock is a wonderful Four Star Hotel at tions of a four star rating. the edge of the Niagara Gorge, overlook­ The Convention schedule will follow ing the Niagara Falls. Built many years this basic outline. Some changes may ago, it is the epitome of elegance with take place as programs develop. a flavor of the 1920s in it's decor. Uniformed doormen will greet you as Yellow and red tulips across the gorge you enter the main lobby. Two curved, WEDNESDAY: from the American Observation Tower. marble staircases or an elevator will • AMICA International Board Meeting ­ ~ transport you to the main reception desk all day with a break for lunch on your of the Falls. Reservations can be ~ where their cheerful staff will register own. (There are approximately 30 to made from your room phone, if you you for a memorable event, not soon to 40 restaurants in the Niagara Falls choose to do so.) be forgotten. "downtown" area. The vast majority of them are located in walking dis­ • The Hospitality Room will be open all Rooms for 1, 2, 3, or 4 persons are day, as well as the Registration Desk. available in the hotel, with two views tance to the hotel. There is also a available. Falls-view rooms face the wonderful restaurant that is located on Niagara Gorge, and every room on this one of the upper floors of the Skyline THURSDAY: Brock, with a beautiful view of both side has a view of the American Falls, • Opening Breakfast in the Grand Ball­ room

• U.S. Tour This will include all of the following: Tour of the Herschell-Spillman Carousel Museum, where carousels had been made for many years. The museum will be selling Wurlitzer 125 and 150 Band Organ Rolls, made from the origi­ nal masters on the original perforators. The perforator should be operating dur­ ing our visit to the museum. Arrange­ ments will be made to send your purchas­ es directly to your home. The next stop will be at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda. The Riviera Theatre has been undergoing A closer view ofthe Canadian "Maid of the Mist" dock. Four boats on rotation regu­ renovations for the past eight years or so, larly make trips to the base ofthe falls. and is just about completed. Tours of the

127 AMICA 1998 Niagara Falls. Canada

theatre will be given, includ­ FRIDAY: ing the opportunity to play • Breakfast on your own "The Mighty Wurlitzer" for those who are interested as • Workshops: These will well as climb up into the include the following - organ chambers. An accom­ • Bill Hatzenbuhter - Grand panied silent movie is also Piano Regulation planned. • Refinishing tips and tricks Next on the tour is a visit to mecca, or the Q.R.S. • Music from the Internet Music Roll Factory, where a with Terry Smythe slide preseiltation on the his­ • Q.R.S. Pianomation - How tory of the company is given, A view ofthe Casino Niagara on the left and the Skyline Brock Hotel it works and a walk through the facto- on the right 'as viewedfrom one ofthe many gardens near the gorge. ry lets you get a feel of what • Harold Hodgkins' Helpful the roll business was really Handy Tools that you can make and fix your piano about. New and old rolls Do you have a favorite roll with no quicker with. will be available for purchase. box and no leader, and you don't know Another spot that can not be forgot­ the title of it because somebody cut it off • Liz Barnhart's Cross Stitch ten is the Darwin Martin house. Built in fifty years ago? Here's your chance to • Bob Taylor's Ampico A to Broil the early part of the century by Frank identify it!!! Bring your unknown roll to coding conversion method ., Lloyd Wright, it has been the home for the Convention and our team of experts many families over the years. Most (Dan Wilke from Q.R.S. Old Roll Auc­ • Lunch on your own tion, and others [including you]) will try recently it has been purchased by the • 1:00 - 4:00 pm Mart (at Quality Inn) State University of New York. They are to identify these wonderful tunes from in the process of restoring the building to long ago. It should be a lot of fun! • Dinner on your own its original glory. We have the unique • 7:00 - 8:00 pm Weiland Mandolin opportunity to have a guided tour of the Orchestra building and grounds before it is opened to the public later in the year. 8:30 - 9:30 pm Bob Berkman's Q.R,S,-capades. Back by popular • Lunch will be served during the day to demand (and a quick talking lawyer), all. • Dinner will be on your own at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. • 7:00 - 8:30 pm Pumper Contest • 8:30 - 9:00 pm "Name That Tune" is the regularly scheduled program for the evening. • 9:00 pm - ??? Casino Niagara

'. .J

A cablecar travels over a whirlpoool in the lower gorge.

128 AMICA 1998 Niagara Falls, Canada

Bob has reached into his Sommer. She will arrange bag of old push-up parts, all transportation from your and come up with a airport to the Skyline Brock superlative program of Hotel and return. If you are neverbeforeheard witti­ a senior citizen, please let cisms and entertaining her know, for additional musical snippets. discounts will probably be available to you. • 10:00 pm Fireworks­ •A Babysitting Service, Every Friday night dur­ "Conference Childcare ing the summer season, Services" will be available there are fireworks over for those attending the con­ Niagara Falls. The Falls vention with children. The The Skylon Tower offers a unique view of the Falls and are also lit up every night service will come to your surrounding area ifyou choose to dine there. during the summertime. hotel room to watch your children, or if there is a suffi­ Holly with a check in U.S. funds. The cient number of children being cared SATURDAY: form should be postmarked no later for, a specific room for all the children • Canadian Tours Day: Nothing is than June 15, 1998. will be set up by the hotel. To speak carved in stone as of yet, but there are with them directly, please call "Con­ plans to visit the Butterfly Conserva­ ference Childcare Services" toll free at tory, where thousands of butterflies 1-888-871-8152 or fax 1-905-871­ are flitting about, from flower to SUNDAY: 9262 and ask for Wendy Sturgeon, the flower, in a very natural setting; a stop • Farewell Breakfast and Business Service advisor. at Niagara on the Lake, a period town Meeting filled with wonderful shops and things • We will be offering t-shirts for sale at • Checkout - 11 :00 am to see and do; and a stop at a winery the convention. They will have a (there are a number of them in the • 12:00 -? Open House slightly modified version -of the cover area, so you may have a choice of • For those who will be traveling by air, of "A Trip to Niagara" sheet music. which winery you choose). Delta is the official airline for the Please refer to the registration form AMICA Convention. They have for more information. • Lunch at the "Pillar and Post" given us discount rates from July 3rd More information will be forthcom­ • Tour: Choice of three winery's through July 15th. To make reserva­ ing in the future. If you have any ques­ tions, please call A & B Travel at tions, please call us at 716-656-9583 or • 6:00 - 10:00 pm Banquet with 1-800-992-5868, and ask for Diane E-mail [email protected]. entertainment, Max Morath. We will be selling tickets to the Thanks very much! Banquet/Concert on Saturday night for Mike & Holly Walter those who can only get in at that time. Convention They will be $40.00 Coordinators each. Anyone who wants a ticket, please fill out the registration form (name, address, etc.) with meal choice, and send it to A map ofthe extensive gardens throughout Niagara Falls. Canada

129 An Original 81-Note Duo-Art Stack By Art Reblitz

The front range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado is an Serial number 268,903, made in 1929, this superb reproduc­ area well known for its superbly preserved pianos. The climate ing piano was originally located in the O'Connor mansion in is just dry enough that rust and corrosion are virtually non-exis­ Denver, where it was connected to an Aeolian Duo-Art repro­ tent, just humid enough that old hot glue usually keeps parts ducing pipe organ. It could be played four ways: by hand, stuck together, and so stable that wooden parts don't expand from its own spoolbox, from the organ console, and from a and contract much, preserving varnish and lacquer finishes Duo-Art pipe organ roll player. exceptionally well. Although the lowest note played by the Duo-Art reproduc­ In the last thirty years; I've worked on nearly 1,000 player, ing piano mechanism is low C#, it was necessary to play low C reproducing and coin-operated pianos owned by Colorado resi­ on the piano from the organ console and the Duo-Art organ roll dents, with work ranging from a simple tuning to complete player. The following photos illustrate the elegantly simple restorations. Of all these pianos, none was in a finer state of method by which Aeolian added low C to the ordinary 80-note preservation than the Steinway Italian Renaissance Model AR late-style Steinway AR piano stack. Duo-Art owned by AMICAn Larry Kerecman of Denver, for which my shop restored the player mechanism in 1996.

The bass end plate, showing the large notch to accommodate the low C pneumatic.

The lower deck board ofthe original 8}-note stack. To enable low C to be playedfrom the organ console and organ roll play­ er, Aeolian added an extra pneumatic which overhangs the bass end of the deck board. As there is no room for an extra valve and pouch, the deck has a hole bored through into the pneu­ matic, with an elbow shellacked in place. This elbow is con­ nected to a separate unit valve made from an ordinary crash valve.

The end plate attached to the lower deck, with the custom made pushrod guide for low C. The tube goes through the end plate to the unit valve block mounted outside of the stack. The modification was perfonned neatly with factory-made parts, but it is unknown whether it was perfonned at the fac­ tory or on site by the organ installation crew. (From the collection ofLarry Kerecman)

130 Dr. Robert Waugh June 16,1933 - August 1, 1997

Dr. Robert E. Waugh, 64, of Eu:mington, Connecticut, died on August 1, 1997 after a long illness. Born June 16, 1933 in WiHimantic, he was the son of Edith S. Wa\,lgh 'and the late Albert E. Wailgh of Storrs. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale UniversitySchool of Medicine, he served as a medicaJ intern at UCLA followed byaresidency in anesthesiology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He then served two years in the U.S. Navy as an anesthesiolo­ gist at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. He joined the staff of New Britain General Hospital in 1964, and at the time of his retirement in 1991, he w'as the medical director of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit. He was a member ofthe Connecticut State Medical Society, The American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists. He was a charter member of the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia and a founding, member of the American Board of Ambulatory Anesthesia and the Society of Ophthalmologic Anesthesiologists.. Dr. Waugh had many interests and hobbies: He was a life member of the American Orchid Society, Connecticut Horticultural Society and the American Clock arid Watch Museum.. His other memberships include the Hardy Plant Society of New England, the Connecticut Orchid Society, Connecticut Rhododendron Society, Connecticut Association of Extension Master Gardeners, National Association of Watch ahd Clock Collectors, and AMICA International. He was also an Amateur Radio Operator. Besides hisinother, he leaves his wife of 39 years,Elizabeth Kinsey Waugh; his son and daughter-in-law David S. and Elizabeth B. Waugh of Walkersville, MD; his son Steven W. Waugh ofAlexandria, VA; two grandsons, Alexander and Christopher Waugh of Walkersville, MD; his brother and sister-in-hiw John S. and SilsanWaugh of Lincoln, MA;' and a very special family friehd Manfred J. Witecy of Burlington, CT. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathetine Ann Waugh, and his brother Dan H.Waugh. Memorial donations may be made to Fidelco .Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Old Iron Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or to the Salvation Army. . .._. .

MarshL. Royster August la, 1928 -March 20, 1998

Marsh Royster of Northville, Michiga~, passed away in BlITlhead City, Arizona, where he spent the winters..He and his wife Joyce joined AMICkin the early 1980's and was. a mem- . bel' of the Mid-West Chapter. Joyce passed away in 1994. He loved going to garage sales and finding piano rolls, records, sheet music, and all milsic related things. He said that repairing piano rolls was the best therapy. He enjoyed playing his pianos.and sharing them with friends. He was a good friend who willcbe missed by uS and his many AMICA friends.

Sent in by)ohn and Nan Flint AMICA People

r'" Robert Armbruster: The Fulfillment of a Prodigy From AMICA Bulletin June 1970

Robert Summers Armbruster was subsequent tours took him throughout utation did not extend to New York, but born in Philadelphia in 1896. "I was an Europe, Asia, Egypt, and finally, to that didn't prevent him from presenting only child. My mother played a little America as concert soloist and conductor himself at the Aeolian Company while in piano. I can only remember one piece in in 1880. He established the Sternberg town visiting a cousin, and wearing his E-flat. It was called "The Maiden's School of Music in Philadelphia in 1890, first pair of long trousers. Confronting Prayer" and I disliked it in infancy and and remained there until his death in W. Creary Woods, Head of the Duo-Art still do. She was a great mother (except 1924. Recording Department, the high school for the above opus), teaching me to read, Among Sternberg's many accom­ student announced that he would like to record for the Duo-Art (which he had write and do my sums so that I made my plishments was the comprehension of never heard, but had seen advertised). He debut in the Philadelphia school system at nine languages, seven of which he spoke recalls the kindness and courtesy of Mr. the second grade and, after being careful­ fluently. He would retain this knowledge ly evaluated by the local pedagogues was by reading such literature as Voltaire's Woods, who asked to hear him play. moved up to the third. All the details "Philosophical Dictionary" and translat­ They then recorded the six salon pieces escape me." ing it aloud to young Robert Armbruster, young Robert had prepared, the first of which was Dreyshock's "Petite Ronde" Before settling down to run a small with appropriate and instructive com­ (#5612). The teenager was paid $10 grocery store in Philadelphia, Robert's ments. apiece for these performances, and father had been a cowboy in the Wild Sternberg was Josef Hofmann's clos­ returned to Philadelphia the richest kid in West. Many years later, "the moving men est friend, so at age nine Robert met this his block. He doesn't remember the date, absconded with my father's two Colt great pianist. He remembers one occa­ but it must have been before 1912, and 44's. They were the long octagonal-bar­ sion when Sternberg and Hofmann took might have been as early as 1909. reled jobs, side-loading with interchange­ him to the Musical Art Club in Philadel­ r". "I had graduated from the Samuel B. able chambers. One was for cartridges phia for lunch. Afterwards the two virtu­ Huey Grammar School in West Philadel­ and the other for the earlier bullet with osi played billiards, at which both were phia. At the West Philadelphia High the paper container of powder and the experts. Looking at his watch, Hofmann (I School I found an amazingly understand­ fulminate of mercury caps hope my commented, "I think it's almost intermis­ ing Principal and faculty. They promoted Chemistry is right)." Ex-cowboy Arm­ sion time - we'd better get to the Acade­ bruster didn't take kindly to the idea of my of Music." He then asked the atten­ me along with my class for four years. At his son pursuing such an unmanly field as dant to leave the billiards and cues as Commencement I played piano solos, Music. Nonetheless, Robert showed tal­ they were, and the three took a cab to the sang in the Glee club (I was President and they were forced to let me sing), conduct­ ent at quite an early age, and at nine he Academy. Backstage, Hofmann declined ed the orchestra and did not receive a was studying with the great pianist, com­ the use of a dressing room, handed his fur diploma. Instead I was given a school poser and teacher, Constantin Sternberg, coat to Sternberg, rubbed his hands (it among whose students were John Thomp­ was winter), and walked onstage after the pin in gold and two handsomely-bound volumes of Charles Brockton Brown, all son and George Antheil. The greatest sin­ orchestra had seated itself. After giving a of which I still cherish. I forgot to add gle influence in his life, Sternberg was brilliant performance of Beethoven's like a father to young Robert, who spent a "Emperor Concerto," he and the others that I formed a small (in every sense of the word) orchestra in grammar school, great deal of time in the cultured Euro­ cabbed back to resume the billiards game. pean atmosphere of the Sternberg home. Armbruster says Hofmann had "nerves of the sound of which I dare not contem­ plate even at this late date." Born Baron Constantin Ivanovich iron." He continued to make Duo-Art von Sternberg in St. Petersburg in 1852, Sternberg dedicated his first book, recordings before and after high school his father had also taken a dim view of "Ethics and Aesthetics of Piano Playing," graduation, whenever he needed money the pursuit of Music. In addition to being to Hofmann, and his second book, and wrote to tell Woods what he had unmanly, music was also apparently igno­ "Tempo Rubato and Other Essays," to ble. But despite his high-born family's Armbruster. The latter book is quoted in ready. The $10 fee increased as time went on. He even made some recordings objections, Constantin studied with Schonberg's "Great Pianists." Sternberg while on leave from the Naval Reserve, Moscheles and Hauptmann at the Leipzig also dedicated his "Prelude in C-sharp Conservatory, and later with Kullak and Minor" to Armbruster. and is pictured in uniform on some of the 1"". the great Franz Liszt. He had left home roll leaders ("Good Lord, a sailor suit!"- to become the accompanist of soprano Robert developed a reputation as a he exclaimed when I showed him one of Desiree Artot. Through this connection prodigy in Philadelphia, performing a these leaders). After the war he was cho- he met Tschaikowsky, who was hopeless­ Schumann concerto under the baton of sen to perform for a big diplomatic dinner ly in love with the soprano. Sternberg's Leopold Stokowski. At that time his rep-

132 at the White House, and received a gold Mr. Armbruster was unaware that his medal from President Woodrow Wilson. mentor, Constantin Sternberg, had made ~. He left New York in Duo-Art recordings. As these were num­ Impressed by his understanding of the bered in the 6100's, I assume they were unique requirements of reproducer 1937 to complete the last recorded after Armbruster began his recordings, Aeolian offered him an attrac­ career - perhaps while the latter was in tive contract, at which time he married eight weeks of conducting the Naval Reserve and somewhat out of his Swedish sweetheart, Gerta Bergman, touch with the studio. Sternberg was and moved to New York. He thinks the for the Chase & Sanborn beyond his prime, and probably didn't date might have been around 1922. He boast of the recordings, especially as they was placed in charge of operatic, semi­ Hour, which featured show little of the marvelous technique he classical and salon music under Woods, had passed on to his pupils. and remained one of Duo-Art's most pop­ Edgar Bergen, Dorothy ular and prolific artists for many years. Another of Armbruster's duties was When his name threatened to appear too Lamouf, Don An1eche and recording the violin accompaniment rolls often in the monthly bulletins, the lesser which were specifically commissioned by compositions were attributed to the ficti­ Nelson Eddy. (W.C. Fields Italy's Mussolini. "Nobody ever said tious names "Henri Bergman," "Robert whether he was a good or bad violinist, Summers" and "Gene Waldron." but he must have had certain misgivings, and Charlie McCrathy - Ed.) because he always wanted to play alone. One of his early triumphs was the dis­ Thomas Jefferson's violin playing is men­ covery that a salesclerk could sell an tioned in many of his and his friends' let­ operatic roll much faster if the arrange­ Mr. Armbruster learned a great deal ters, but with no comment. Too bad we ment began with the opera's most famil­ about Music from the many great virtuosi have no records of either." iar air. Until that time the anoangements who recorded for Duo-Art, most of whom took the selections in sequence, and the welcomed observers in the recording stu­ Mr. Armbruster remembers the unsophisticated customer would have to dio. However, he wasn't able to learn appearance in the Duo-Art studio of a listen to most of the roll before the famil­ much from Igor Stravinsky, who spoke no curious recording labeled Loof Lirpa. jar aria assured him he bad chosen the English, but as he was the only one None of the personnel could identify it, >--!"right opera. When the Armbruster pot­ besides Woods able to follow Stravin­ but agreed it sounded like a Brahms inter­ pourris proved so popular, they gradually sky's music ("in the days when he wrote mezzo. They finally discovered that the replaced all the prior recordings of the like Bach"), he was chosen to tum the title was "April Fool" spelled backwards, same operas. pages for several days while the compos­ and the "Brahms" was "Peas Porridge er recorded his concerto and sonata. Hot" attached to the spool backwards! It

133 had been planted by an irascible techni­ turned out to be a four-year job. He also suggest that the Duo-Art catalogue lies cian who had himself been the frequent conducted "The Cavalcade of America," about the birth year 1896, were it not that butt of the practical jokes abounding in "The Kraft Program,' "Cresta Blanca," I believe everything in that worthy tome. the studio. and many others, incl~ing all of Nelson He usually wears his hair crew-cut, which r" Eddy's radio programs. His home is still he says makes him look like a "poor ;. Other facets of the Aeolian pranks graced by some fine sculptures done by were perpetrated by Armbruster and his man's Rachmaninov," but when I saw Mr. Eddy, who also gave him two letters good friend and fellow recording artist, him his full, almost-white hair was of a that had been written by Gilbert and Sul­ Anis Fuleihan (AH niece FEW Ie hahn). handsome mod-ish length, which his wife At cocktail parties, Robert would some­ livan. Armbruster had recorded selec­ says resembles a "poor man's Carl Sand­ times introduce his Syrian friend with the tions from several ofthe Savoy operas for burg." When weather permits him to use Duo-Art, as well as accompany Nelson their swimming pool, he intends to return British dialect as the "Prince Haha Houdeen." The masquerade was on shaky Eddy's very successful phonograph to the crew-cut so he won't have to comb recordings ofthe major patter songs. his hair after a dip. If I were to select a grounds until the doubters questioned look-alike of Mrs. Armbruster's, I would Fuleihan, after which his familiarity with Armbruster has accompanied practi­ have to describe her as a fortunate man's Eastern cities convinced them. The elfin cally everybody in the business, from Glynis Johns. pair would also stage elaborate musical Durante to Heifitz. Although he didn't put-ons at these gatherings, performing work with Jeannette MacDonald in films, Alice Armbruster had not been aware four-hand improvisations of such notable he conducted numerous of her phono­ of her husband's Duo-Art recordings, or works as ''The March of the Gonads," by graph records. After her death he learned of reproducers in general. However, she some fictitious composer. Mr. Fuleihan that she had willed to her "dear friend became enthusiastic after hearing some also sang equally fictitious recital pieces Robert Armbruster" a beautiful antique very bad tape cassette transcriptions I'd while Armbruster solemnly sounded a spinet he'd often admired in her home. It made of several Armbruster and Stern- progression of utility chords. The was made in London by Longman & berg recordings, and is eagerly anticipat- matrons were utterly delighted by these Broderip between 1779 and '95, and is of ing the day when she can hear such masterly performances and happily amazingly simple construction. The dou­ recordings "live" on an AMICA mem­ sopped up all the free culture - unless they ble strings are separated from the sound­ ber's well-adjusted Duo-Art. From my happened to understand French and knew ing board only by two wooden bridges ­ limited knowledge of the local collec­ the handsome young Syrian was singing there is no harp at all! tions, I suggested either Clare Spencer's "Mama, the toilet paper is all gone, and Mr. Armbruster was Head of Music or Phil Hill's Steinways. Mr. Armbruster you sent me to the A & P and look at the for N.B.C's Western Division for six seemed pleased by the choices, being a J"'. quality of the stuff they sold me." years, two of which involved live televi­ Steinway man himself. His own is a style As Mr. Armbruster's hands are quite sion as well as radio. He conducted the "B" non-reproducer. He feels that in longer models the bass overpowers the small, it became apparent that he could Hollywood Bowl Concerts for five years, treble. never become a concert pianist, for many and was the Head of M.G.M.'s Music major works were simply beyond his Department for eight years, until the Of the contemporary performers, Mr. physical capabilities. He therefore turned severe cutback last year. He was nomi­ Armbruster displays none of the disdain to conducting. He doesn't remember nated for an Academy Award for "The typical of those of his romantic school. when he quit the full-time employ of Unsinkable Molly Brown" (the year "My He marvels at the strength of Liberace, Aeolian, but until the Depression he Fair Lady" walked away with most of the and says he has heard no finer perfor­ retained a contract to make two Duo-Art awards), but he considers the remake of mance of the Schumann concerto (which recordings a month. "Mutiny on the Bounty" (with Marlon he himself had performed as a child Brando) as his greatest film experience. under Stokowski's baton) than that per­ "I tried my hand at conducting (a The orchestra was a conductor's delight, formed by Van Cliburn. He is even able couple of obscure shows on Broadway) comprised of top musicians from to admire many of the contributions of and found out two things: first, that I M.G.M., Paramount & Fox Studios, and such groups as The Fifth Dimension, liked conducting and could do it; and sec­ ond, that I could not stand the monotony the Los Angeles Philharmonic. although he by no means endorses all of the current rock output. Asked about his of repeated performances. I quit after His first wife died thirteen years ago. own personal favorite virtuosi, he will five weeks, if I remember. His second wife, Alice, is an extremely name Rachmaninov ("for sheer interest"), attractive and charming woman he'd met "From there it was a fairly easy at N.B.C., where she was first his secre­ Hofmann and Horowitz. It's ironic that switch to Radio. I did a lot of programs tary, then a Research Assistant for Ralph his first choice should be one of Ampi­ which would only be remembered by Edwards' "This Is Your Life." Mrs. Arm­ co's exclusive artists, while Edgar senile memory-experts, except for one: I bruster left N.B.C. after a serious eye Fairchild regards Duo-Art's and Welte's did do the music for the Lux Radio The­ problem impaired her vision. Completing Hofmann as the greatest virtuoso of the atre until it moved to Hollywood after a the family in the comfortable and beauti­ century. Perhaps, just as no man is a hero few years." fully-decorated Brentwood home is to his valet, no pianist can come out on I"'< He left New York in 1937 to com­ "Funny Face," the audacious cat who top with those who have seen him record. _ plete the last eight weeks of conducting walked in and took over a few years ago. Mr. Armbruster is refreshingly unpre­ for the Chase & Sanborn Hour, which tentious and honest with himself and oth­ Mr. Armbruster is a vital man whose featured Edgar Bergen, Dorothy Lamour, appearance, attitude and bearing would ers. Asked about his efforts as a compos­ Don Ameche and Nelson Eddy. This er, he will appraise his music as "ade-

134 quate for its purpose, but not earth-shak­ One of his own favorite Duo-Art but I wonder if Mr. Armbruster will think ing." Having known too many com­ recordings was the "Boris Goudonov" it reads like the Art Section of the L.A. posers who have sunk into oblivion after Selections, which he says no one else Times?) one public hearing, he doesn't feel this would record. He especially likes the Constantin Sternberg once told ~ . field should be pursued unless the com­ opera, and had an interesting experience Robert Armbruster, "When you start liv­ poser is convinced he has a lasting contri­ concerning it. He first saw it from stand­ ing in the past, you're finished." Mr. bution to make. He has never published ing room as a boy, while waiting for his Armbruster's vitality and interest in the any of his works, nor recorded them for cousin, who was employed as a $2 spear­ contemporary scene testify that he's the Duo-Art. carrier. Several weeks after that first hear­ nowhere near finished, and his elusive Mr. Armbruster probably doesn't con­ ing he dreamt of the opera and heard the grasp on the past further verifies this. music so vividly that he awoke and was sider himself retired, but he has turned What he remembers, he remembers in able to play the "Forest of Krony" scene down numerous offers of nerve-racking detail, but this does not include dates nor and the Dmitri Theme on the piano - the responsibilities, and after a year still events which we, in retrospect, regard as only evidence of a sub-conscious mind in enjoys looking at the clock in the morn­ quite important. No doubt they were his experience. ing and deciding "I think I'll stay in bed viewed in a different light at the time. another half hour." One of the hobbies One of my own favorites is his Inasmuch as I can't remember things that occupying his time is painting. He's "Babes in Toyland" Selections. Although happened only a few months ago, I prefer presently working on a striking yellow I don't feel a pianist should attempt to to think this is not just poor memory, but composition which he defies anyone to sound like an orchestra, Mr. Armbruster's according to Sternberg, a healthy preoc­ accuse of representing something. He arrangements had the uncanny ability to cupation with the present and future. collects the L.A. Times' Art Section, convey orchestral effects while remaining Such is certainly the case with Robert which he finds hilariously funny, saying happily within a Lisztian pianistic con­ Armbruster. much and communicating little. text. (Hmmm. That makes sense to me, AMICA People Rita Strohl When a person looks through a roll It has been suspected Strohl was 2725. The last is labeled, "Theme et Vari­ catalog, often you see the name of a com­ French due to the titles of her composi­ ations in F-sharp minor." poser but no mention of them making tions. She and her compositions are dis­ There are sources of information piano rolls of their compositions. Usual­ cussed by Carlos Larronde in "L'Art Cos­ regarding Strohl of the Welte rolls trans­ ly a pianist does the recording. mique et L' oeure Musical de Rita Strohl" ferred to LP recordings by Mr. Walter An example is seeing the name Rita (Publisher Denoel & Steele, 19 Rue Heebner, Recorded Treasures, Inc., P.O. Strohl in the Welte-Mignon listing. The Amelie, Paris, VII, France). Box 1278, North Hollywood, CA 91604. pianist who made the roll was R. Most of her compositions were tran­ No obituary notice has been found, Burgstahl. (Mr. Smith and Mr. Howe's scribed by R. Burgstahl for piano which but Rita Strohl was alive in 1930. large interesting book regarding Music he put "Musiques sur L' eau" (Musical Emmett M. Ford and Musicians of the Welte-Mignon Era Entertainment on the Water). His perfor­ lists under R. Burgstahl, "A Friedburg mance is on three Welte rolls, listed Part T=lOO name appearing on issues from 1 No. 2723, Part 2 No. 2724, Part 3 No. about 1912.")

AMICA RECIPE Mary Clegg's Barbecued Beans • 1/2 lb. bacon, browned and chopped • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1 onion, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 lb. ground round, browned and crumbled • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard • 1/4 cup catsup • 2 tablespoons molasses • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce • 2 cans pinto beans • 1/3 cup sugar (optional if too sweet) • 1 can kidney beans • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1 can butter beans Brown bacon and chop. Saute onion in bacon fat (optional). Mix sauce ingredients. Then blend in meat, bacon and onions. Add beans'to above mixture, juice and all. Bake at 375 for 1 hour or until bubbly (or crock pot for 2-3 hours) Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 578 Calories; 20g Fat; 31% Calories from fat; 32 g Protein; 69 g Carbohydrate; 46 mg. Cholesterol; 857 mg. Sodium .

135 THE MUSICAL CROSS WORD PUZZLE BOOK •...... ---..------.---.------.--..---.3F.---..---_._------._-----._...-._.---._.....-----_.------...-_.__....~ ~

PUZZLE NUMBER EIGHT

There are many musicians whose names we wished to mention in this hook. We found it impossihle to include the full names of many of them, so we frequently used the initials only. The information given is sufficiently definite to help you work out the names, and of course, when you have the names you have the initials.

~

.,,-...

136 I'HE MUSICAL CROSS WORD PUZZLE BOOK .•...... •••._...... •...... ------_ ------_ __..- _ --_ -_ _...... •......

HORIZONTAL

1. Less. (abbr.) 44. Initials of modem French composer; composer 3. Composer of the opera "Pelleas et Melisande." of symphonic poem "L'Apprentis Sorcier." Born (See page 97.) 1865. 8. Initials of a distinguished prima donna; born in 45. A French numeral. Chambly, Quebec 1852. 47. Initials of the composer of the well known hymn ll. Initials of the composer of "Humoresque." (See tune "Coronation." page 93.) 48. Gradually louder. 13. First two letters of an Italian word meaning 52. But. "relaxing in time." 53. An interval comprising three diatonic degrees. 14. First two letters of the name of a very ancient 54. High, in reference to pitch. stringed instrument which came from the Orient. 56. From the beginning. (abbr.) 16. Initials of the composer of the opera "L'Africaine." 57. Initial letters of both parts of a hyphenated 17. Stolen time. German word meaning "an auxiliary note." 21. Two or more tones sounded together har­ 58. The. monically. 59. Initials of celebrated American organist and 23. The name given to lines placed above or below composer of sacred music, born 1839. (See the statl. page 99.) 25. Initials of the composer of the opera "Mefisto- 61. First two letters of a word meaning "the text of fele.", Died 1918. an opera or other extended piece of music." 27. Seventh note of the scale. (French.) 62. First four letters of an Italian word meaning 28. Always. (abbr.). "lightness." 29. A sign. (abbr.) 63.. First four letters of an Italian word meaning 31. Open. (Poetical.) "master." 33. To leave out. 65. Initials of an American composer, who has written many compositions based on Indian 35. Arrangement of poetical feet. themes; now living in Pasadena, California. 37. Classical name of mountain overlooking the Gulf 67. To praise; used generally with reference to the of Salonica. Deity. 39. Into. 69. A dance. (German.) 40. The highest part in vocal music. 71. Ready, quick. 42. And. (Latin.) 72. Composer of the opera "Jocelyn;" born 1849.

VERTICAL

1. Marked. 34. Third note of the scale. 2. And. 35. A composer using the latest principles in com- 4. With expression. (abbr.) position. 5. Noted English organist and composer. (1648­ 36. Enunciated. 1708.) 38. Without regard to time. (abbr.) 6. A curved line over two or more notes to show 40. A German embellishment similar to the Italian that they are to be played connectedly. mordent. 7. Under; below. (Latin.) 41. Waving; trembling. (French.) 9. Initials of modem English composer and con­ 43. Voice. (Latin.) ductor; composer of "Chinese Variations," for 46. Full initials of the composer of "Woodlami orchestra, and symphonic poem "Perseus." (See Sketches." (See page 98.) page 96.) 48. First two letters of a word meaning "the part of 10. Patriotic hYjlDn, written by Samuel F. Smith. a church set apart for the singers." 12. A triplet. (French.) 49. A double har. (Initial letters.) 15. In time. 50. Fifth and' first letters of the musical alphabet. 17. Into. 51. A musical character without beginning or end. 18. The right hand. (abbr.) 53. Three strings. (abbr.) 19. To the; in the style of. 55. And. 20. A king of Bashan. 56. The whole octave. (abbr.) 22. Initials of the composer of "The Damnation of 60. A number of instrumental performers playing FausL" (1803·1869.) together. 24. The note "E fiat" (German.) 61. Initials of composer of the song cycle "In It 26. Pertaining to measure. Persian Garden." 28. To utter vocal sounds in a musical manner. 62. Very slow. (abbr.) 29. First three letters of a word meaning "a com­ 64. This, as it stands. position for seven voices or instruments." 66. Forced. (abbr.) 30. First three letters of an Italian word meaning "a 68. Last half of No. 6 vertical. degree or single step on the staff." 70. Initials of the composer of the "Ocean Sym­ 32. The note "E double fiat." (German.) phony." (See page 91.)

137 McClure's-The Marketplace of the World April, 1910 Are You Aware that the· Melodies of the Old Masters are Placed Within Your Reach by

The "CECILIAN" Piano CJJ Wouldn't you appreciate, at the close of a strenuous day, the rest that comes from enjoying music such as your mood would dictate? CJJ Perhaps all alone enjoying some familiar song or Hymn of your Childhood: or surrounded by your friends and neighbors, delight them with a "dreamy nocturne" from Chopin, or charm with the matchless majesty of Liszt-or possibly something from the latest opera. CJI That you have been denied the advantage of a musical education matters not at all, for this is a piano That Any One Can Play CJI Its metal mechanism, scient;tically constructed, so simple and easy to operate, yields to your every mood and enables you to produce music just as you would enjoy it. Won't you allow us to demonstrate its many superior qualities to you? CJI We will mail you free, a little book which fully illustrates and describes the Cecilian Piano. Won't you send for this book? The Farrand COlI'lpany, - Dept. B, - Detroit, Michigan

1°7 _J

138 News Front The Chapters

Our next stop, "The Little Theatre" which was used for plays, etc. It has not yet been restored. I felt like I had stepped back in time, the old wooden seats, our hats drying underneath as the faded velvet curtains parted for the play. I would have given anything to see a concert back in the 1920's.. .It was a great tour. * Side Note: On April 4 we invited the AMICA Group to FOUNDING CHAPTER tour with our Car Club... if you've never been to Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, California, it is quite "The Place." They SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA have the Alhambra Pipe Organ from the Alhambra Theatre in Reporter: John and Nadine Motto-Ros Sacramento which was TORN DOWN! They also have a museum with jewelry, a 44-pound crystalline gold specimen, r,' President: John Motto-Ros· Phone: 70T·642-8792 dinosaur eggs, etc. Hand blasted caverns house their wine barrels. I consider this a MUST SEE place. On April 5, the Founding Chapter met at Jack and Dianne Edwards' San Jose home. Lyle Merithew played the Mason and Hamlin Ampico A until we thought the drawer would fall off; but seriously, it is really a beautiful piano. The 1925 Conway foot pumper got a fair workout as well. In addition to the pianos and phonographs, Dianne has a gorgeous collection of crystal. Bill Chapman, International Membership Secretary announced the new International Membership Directory is very close to being complete. Thank you to Lyle Merithew for helping with computer input for this project. We had a short business meeting and talked about future events. No pictures ,.this time as your reporters forgot the camera. Thanks to the -'-...J. Edwards for an enjoyable afternoon.

Beautiful restored gold leafcolumns frame the stage.

SIERRA NEVADA CHAPTER . Reporter: Lori Deal· Presiderit: Becky Kane Phone: 916-448-9559

Our AMICA Group was invited on a private tour of the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium for our March 22nd meeting. 1926 Estey Concert Pipe Organ It was built in 1927 as a tribute to veterans and underwent a major ten-year renovation which was completed in 1996. Our tour guide, Rick Laudie, showed us the Stage Area where they have a 1926 four-manual Estey Concert Pipe Organ. It is installed on a lift which raises the console from under the stage. A blower room with a 20 hp. open frame motor on a four-foot air blower powers the organ. Members of ATOS and Friends of the Memorial Auditorium have been restoring it. Several guest Vorganists played the organ while we climbed the steps to the attic of the Auditorium. Above the suspended ceiling, a network .. of wire cables holds each tile suspended, reinforcing the ceiling. All that held them before was jute rope encased in plaster!

Lift which brings organ up from under the stage. 139 After a short visit with the cars, we went up the stairway, accompanied by the lilting tones of the reproducing piano, and to the Mezzanine, where another whole collection (or should I . -say collections) await our discovery. Just the collection of hood ornaments alone is enough to­ keep one occupied for hours. They are fascinating, and really bring back memories, as they are meant to do. The next step was up the winding staircase decorated with the music for "A Stairway to the Stars." As we reached the top, the next section was the Music Area, and what a treat awaits the collectors of automatic music there - everything from a wonder­ ful Monopol Gloria music box to all the best of the large orchestrions, and a theater organ that is just wonderful. One ofthe pipe chambers. The instruments were played in turn, with the Popper, the Pianorchestra, the reproducing pianos, the Mortier Cafe organ, the Hupfeld, and so many more, each playing it's own special music. One is more lovely than the last, and it always makes me wonder why, when we have groups through, so often people ask, "Which one is your favorite?" How, and why, should one have to choose a "favorite"? Each one is unique, and each one has it's own place in music and in history. They were all made to entertain, and that's what they do best. Just sit back and listen, don't try to judge. Leave that to the Olympic sports.

Forty-four pound Crystalline gold specimen at Ironstone Vineyards.

~ I SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Reporter: Shirley Nix Our hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Nethercutt, who have done so much for Ptesident:"Herb Mercer the hobby, and have introduced the public (in large numbers) to the world ofbeauty they have created.

February 28th found 48 AMICAns patiently waiting outside The Nethercutts have amassed their collection with an eye to the "Tower of Beauty" in San Sylmar, or at least as patiently as "functional beauty," and they have certainly remained true to AMICAns can wait. It was a beautiful southern California day, that. Everything in San Sylmar was made for a specific use, but and heaven knows we haven't had a whole lot of those this year. was made with a standard of absolute beauty that isn't often As we entered San Sylmar, we were taken first down the realized today. Their collection is wonderful, and we can only ramp to the lower floor where there were antique cars on dis­ be grateful that they are so generous and willing to share. play. Everyone was properly impressed, and then Byron, our From San Sylmar, some 28 of us proceded on to the 94th tour guide, who always does a superb job on the tours, led us Aero Squadron for dinner. This eatery is located right off the back outside, up the stairs and into the main part of the builcling. runway of the Van Nuys Airport, and is designed as a French We entered to the sweet tones of a 15Y2" Regina, and in truth farmhouse during the war, complete with bombed out sections, one enters a whole 'nother world. The main display area has old planes, guns, and all sorts of memorabilia. It is a fascinating antique cars that are just magnificent. Each one is fully restored place to visit, and during dinner one can don the headphones and to its former glory, and the room itself is a wonder of marble, listen to the conversations between the pilots and the air mirrors, gilt, and is fully designed to show off the cars. controllers. These cars are all used, but are never driven on the marble As usual, we all had a great time, and thanks to Herb floors. Instead they are moved on an airjack so they literally Mercer, our president, who arranged the whole thing. float over the floors.

140 Just afew ofthe wonderful instruments at San Sylmar. The Switzers admire a 1912 Franklin. Norman said he had a teacher in High School who drove one just like it. Wouldn't it be something ifit were the same car?

--'~ Herb Mercer picked out his car, but they wouldn't let him take it home.

Our next meeting will be at the home of Frank and Shirley Nix in Woodland Hills, and hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate. The Nix collection has grown some since the last meeting there, and they plan to highlight their Duwyn Cafe The 94th Aero Squadron - notice the hole in the roof at the left organ, which has been a long time in restoration, but is now ofthe building. playing its heart out. A special slide show is also planned. After that, our next band organ rally is now scheduled for June 13th in Sierra Madre. There is a city activity in the park for part of the day, and they are delighted to have us there to add to the festivities. Sierra Madre is a beautiful city, and are really nice to deal with. June 14th will see us at a meeting at the home of Jerry and Virginia Doring, which is always a treat. Jerry has such a wide range of instruments, and it is always fun to visit them. Of course, July will find a lot of us in Niagara Falls for the annual meeting. We are looking forward to that. It's such a gorgeous area, and there is so much history relating to our instruments there. Everyone should make an effort to go. In October we have planned a visit to the new Getty -vttu~eum her~ in L?s ~n~eles. The Getty has become a. real

? . tounst attractIon, WIth VISItors from all over the world makmg a point of visiting it while they are in the area. I think we are air looking forward to that. That pretty much rounds out our year, although we will have AMlCAns showing how much they have enjoyed the day. a meeting in December, but that isn't set yet as far as location. 141 ---

HEART OFAMERICA CHAPTER Reporter: Mary Jo Bopp President: Sandy Schoeppner Phone: 816-767-9766 Cynthia Craig, Ron Bopp, Mike Schoeppner and Gary Craig all Christmas on the Lake lending a hand in pre-parade decorating. Grand Lake of the Cherokees was the setting of the last Heart of America Chapter Meeting of 1997. Hosted by Ron 24 large cruisers) paraded in the lake with thousands of lights and Mary Jo Bopp at their log home on the lake in Grove, decorating each boat in conjunction with the "land parade." It Oklahoma, members braved the cold and traveled from Kansas was a beautiful display for the landlubbers. and Missouri for the Christmas parade and meeting. Early bird The members then caravanned to the Bopp home for hot food arrivals on Friday night, however, enjoyed all the seafood you (Ron's famous chili), hot coffee and the recipe. What does a doc­ could eat and then a Christmas presentation by the Kountry tor, a builder, a teacher and a nurse have in common? The answer Kuzins Jamboree Show. is that they will do anything for a laugh even if it means donning Saturday found members antiquing and eating at the many strange-looking costumes to do so. Ron Bopp and Gerold shops and restaurants in Grove. The evening was planned with Koehler gave their own rendition of a famous announcer's theme a parade across the Pensacola Dam in Langley, Oklahoma. song to the music of Winter Wonderland; and Cynthia Craig and Gerold Koehler's calliope and hearse, Ron Bopp's circus Mary Jo Bopp went bananas over apes. These people need help! trailer with calliope, Charlie Tyler's OGM "monkey organ," See accompanying photos for more of these antics. and Galen Bird's mechanical monkey riding a tricycle all participated in the parade. Grand Lake's lighted flotilla (about

Our peiformers ofthe evening included the two lady Gorillas, Cynthia Craig and Mary 10 Bopp flanking Gerold Koehler and Ron Bopp both wearing bras and other womanly garments.

Gerold Koehler decorating his Cadillac hearse/calliope unit for The evening came to a close with our traditional non-tradi­ the South Grand Lake Parade. tional gift exchange that saw gifts open, taken away, retaken and a whole lot of "whining" about how "my" grandson would love "this" gift. Sunday brunch and the business meeting conducted by chapter president Sandy Schoeppner ended a fun weekend. Great meetings are planned for 1998 with the first being in Manhattan, Kansas, at the business of Blaine and Armeda Thomas on March 28 and 29. They have an extensive collec­ tion of musical instruments, housed in a newly .erected music building. Houston, Missouri is the site of the next meeting on May 3 to 5, 1998, where Ron and Mary Jo Bopp have organized the first organ rally of the season in conjunction With, the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival. Our next meeting is in early September when we have another organ rally, this one hosted by Len and Billie Railsback in Hutchinson, Kansas. The event is the Kansas State Fair. Mike Schoeppner (left) helping Charlie Tyler (right) with the This chapter has great meetings, lots of fun, and if you're in OGM monkey organ - a nice one and one-halfmile walk! the neighborhood, you all come by, now, you hear? 142 AMICA president, Linda Bird, reaching for a gift in our traditional Sandy Schoeppner (standing) leads the group with the usual and non-traditional gift exchange. In the background is our newest unusual business. member Joyce Brite on the left and Tom McAuley on the right.

The whole gang ofthe Heart ofAmerica, AMICA, poses after the business meeting.

player, an Aeolian Orchestrelle Style V player reed organ, an Aeolian 58-65 note push-up player, their first reproducing piano, a Chickering Style 52 Ampico A grand and several disc and cylinder music boxes. Other attractions included large Hummel figurine and Frankoma pottery collections, numerous antique clocks, and an array of Lincoln automobiles restored by Maury. The unusual Tel-Electric generated much discussion and admira­ tion and Maury was proud to say that the Baldwin Welte was PACIFIC CAN-AM CHAPTER finally playing to his satisfaction. This piano has an unusual feature for an upright, a full sostenuto. Reporter: Dan Brown President: Ron Babb Phone: 253-759-1588

Forty-two members and guests attended the spring meeting at the home of Fran and Maury Willyard in Silverdale, Wash­ ington on March 21st. All AMICA members in the Pacific northwest were invited to attend and a number of guests were present: Norm and Sally Gibson of Federal Way, Washington, Burl Yates of Beaver Creek, Oregon, Don McLaughlin of Ore­ gon City, Oregon, Mary Jo Boarman of Seattle, Washington, .Renay and Rich Daniels of Olympia, Washington, and Sue and \...) Jim Worgull of Richland, Washington. . The Willyard's home contains many musical treasures including a Weber Duo-Art grand in a hand-painted Louis XV case, a Baldwin Welte-Mignon Licensee upright, a Knabe Tel­ Electric upright, a Radle upright Recordo, an HC Bay upright Hosts Fran and Maury Willyard at their Louis XV hand-painted Duo-Art 143 Most of a garage was filled with player rolls of various types available for sale at an unusually large Mart. Many of these quickly found new owners. Show-and-Tell included an illustrat­ ed nursery rhyme roll discovered by Halie Dodrill in a recentJy acquired collection, a very odd organ roll with flanges several inches wide shown by Carl Dodrill, which was made during a transition period for Aeolian Company. Fran Willyard shared a QRS roll "The Nash March," copyright 1920 by Nash Motors. This roll was particularly significant for Frank, as all the male members of her family worked for Nash in her hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin and she also worked there for a time. The roll had been discovered by Lorna and Bill Ullstrom and Fran presented this roll to Dan Brown, the owner of a 1931 Nash sedan. Myra and Larry Karp told the story of a recent antique show at which they were selling a variety of player rolls. Two elderly ladies examined the rolls and on picking up an Ampico Maury Willyard and Ward Folsom examine the brass roll, asked if they could play it on their piano. Myra told her Tel-Electric roll as it plays that it was a reproducing roll and one of the ladies told the other, "We can't use that, we have an original piano." AMICA Board Representative Fran Willyard lead a discussion of the upcoming meeting to be held in Niagara Falls, Canada and requested items to be included in the agenda. Dan Brown mentioned the submission of by-laws and petition by a newly forming chapter in Florida and that he had been in touch Halie Dodrill shares with members working to form' two additional chapters. The an illustrated next meeting will be held Saturday, July 18th in Redmond, nursery rhyme Washington at the home of Peg and Carl Kehret. roll - Aeolian Orchestrelle Style V in background, Radle Recordo to the right. ~r ,. i~~ --.....~ .. ,\ ~ \ ~~. ~ '-- . ~ " .?, . ~ ~. ,;0 , Mi, 1 ,_ President Ron Babb at the Willyard's Chickering Ampico A

Carl Dodrill shows an unusual Aeolian organ roll with very wide flanges.

Kurt Morrison and Gary Lacher examine the roll drive ofthe 19]] Knabe Tel-Electric Fran Willyard tells the interesting stOlY of "The Nash March. " 144 ADVERTISING FOR SALE LEONARD PLAYER PIANO w. bench, 22 rolls, needs work, $300; GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT EDISON DIAMOND DISC PHONOGRAPH, upright, 53 records, ALL ADVERTISING IN THE AMICA BULLETIN $300. or both for $500.00. Texas 409-690-0098 (4-98). All advertising should be directed to: 1925 AMPICO A, 5'2" HAINES BROS. grand, mahogany, match­ Robin Pratt ing bench, very good condition, must move out of my mother's house. 515 Scott Street $1795. Located in Cleveland area. Mike Kukral 740-594-3670 (4-98) Sandusky, Ohio 44870-3736 1920 (?) ART-ECHO LYON AND HEALY full size upright Phone (419) 626-1903 Fax (419) 624-9454 reproducing piano, virgin unrestored, mahogany, $575. Located in e-mail: [email protected] Cleveland area. Mike Kukral 470-594-3670 (4-98) Ad copy must contain text directly related to the product/service AEOLIAN Duo-Art lO-roll Concertola for pipe organ. Rebuilt in being offered. Extraneous text will be deleted at the Publisher's the 1970s and still playing when removed from service in 1996. discretion. All advertising must be accompanied by payment in Includes 153 rolls in poor to fair condition - $5,500. MOLLER U.S. funds. No telephone ads or written ads without payment will 4-manual organ player mostly rebuilt in mid 1980s. No vacuum be accepted. This policy was established by a unanimous vote of pump in case. Includes 50 rolls in mostly good condition - $1,800. the AMICA Board at the 1991 Board Meeting and reaffirmed at NICKELODEON rolls - Clark Roll (Eddie Fryer), AMRJPlay-Rite the 1992 meeting. AMICA reserves the right to edit or to reject any ad deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with recuts - 10 tune rolls. 16 G rolls, 4-4 X rolls, and 18 A rolls. Sell as AMICA's objectives. a set - $450. Contact Tom Beckett, 1111 Via Malibu, Aptos, CA 95003; (408) 662-1935. (3-98) The BULLETIN accepts advertising without endorsement, NICKELODEON - Automatic Musical Company (Parent to Link implied or otherwise, of the products or services being offered. piano). Rebuilt in the 80's, approximately 40 rolls by Eddie Fryer, Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA's plays piano and mandolin. Beautiful oak with beveled glass front ­ endorsement ofany commercial operation. $5500. Call 520-825-8000. (3-98) AMICA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT, REJECT, 1914 GEORGE STECK 5' Baby Grand Player Piano - $9000. Call OR EDIT ANY AND ALL SUBMITTED ARTICLES AND 415-435-3982. (3-98) ADVERTISING. 1929 STEINWAY Duo-Art, 6'1" Parlor Grand, PBN269615, All items for publication must be submitted directly to the mahogany case. In excellent unrestored condition with original fin­ Publisher for consideration. ish, ivory keys and bench. Two minor restorations of Duo-Art mech­ CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: $.20 per word, $5.00 mini­ anism since 1955; plays, but needs work to restore its well-remem­ mum for AMICA members. Non-members may advertise double bered beautiful sound quality. Includes 100+ rolls - $14,500. Unique the member rates ($10.00 minimum). Because of the low cost of Music Roll Cabinet, a beautifully recrafted 1920's VICTOR-RADIO advertising, we are unable to provide proof copies or "tear ELECTROLA case (45"h, hinged lid, double doors), $500. "DUO­ sheets". ART PIANO MUSIC," 1927 treatise, hardcover, 519 pages, from Aeolian Co.; detailed description of all recordings available, portraits DISPLAY ADVERTISING and biographies of composers and artists, and much more; rare collec­ Full Page - 7 1h" x 10" ...... $150.00 Half Page - 71h" x 43/4" $ 80.00 tors' item - $180. Mary Argus, Falls Church, Virginia; Phone Quarter Page -3'/8" x 4'/4" $ 45.00 703-820-6335, FAX 703-671-5828. (3-98) Business Card - 31h" x 2" ...... $ 30.00 STELLA disc music box, duplex music comb, quarter-sawn oak case, Non-member rates are double for all advertising. w/31 steel 17Y4" tune sheets, 1897 patent, custom stand, appraised Special 6 for 5 Ad Offer - Place any ad, with no changes, for a $10,500, sell $7,500. Call 512-869-8008. (6-98) full year (6 issues), and pay for only 5 issues. Payable in advance. 1926 BREWSTER MARQUE-AMPICO UPRIGHT, Serial 186871, Photographs or halftones $15.00 each complete, original, unrestored. Also over 500 rolls (Ampico and 88­ Loose Sheet or Insert Advertising: Inquire note), 18-shelf roll cabinet, restoration supplies, back issues AMICA Bulletin, manuals. Moving to smaller quarters - everything must go! We recommend that display advertisers supply camera-ready $1,500 takes all, or make an offer. Dave Malcolm, 565 East Mountain copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to Road, Peterborough, NH 03458; call (603) 924-3797. (3-98) correct size at your cost. We can prepare advertisements from your suggested layout at cost. 1925 FISHERIAMPICO Reproducer, Model A, Serial #151817. Operates, but reproducer needs rebuilt, strings and case very PAYMENT: U.S. funds must accompany ad order. Make check payable to AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Typesetting and good, with bench, $2500. Bagley, 505-821-8247, E-mail: dnaba­ layout size alterations charges will be billed. [email protected]. (3-98) DEADLINES: Submissions must be received no later than the REGINA SUBLIMA Piano and Mandolin Orchestra, coin operated, first of the odd months (January, March, May, July, September, oak case, model 304, restored, 4 rolls included, $6500; large November). The Bulletin will be mailed the first week of the GAVIOLI ORGAN 59 key, 7 registers, 2 bell ringers, conductor even months. good, supply of old and new book music, $60,000; WURLITZER (Rev. 6-98) I46B Band Organ with duplex roll system and bells, with rolls, ~"""""""'<=i~i8:~'~()~"'~l)~;;li~"""""""'~ $24,000; CHICKERING Ampico Parlor Grand Piano being restored, $5000; Build Up Piano ORCHESTROM 10, instruments including ; Here's a way to kill a good halfhour: : pipes and bells, coin operated, leaded glass with 0 rolls included, ~ $6500. Paul Cuoco, 113 Monument Ave., Wyoming, Pennsylvania jc 1. Place your car keys in your right hand. 18644; phone (717) 693-2764. (3-98) 2. With your left hand, call a friend and confirm a lunch - :- More than 200 Ampico Rolls, also Ampico cabinet which holds 120 or dinner date. : rolls. HAINES BROS. (New York) Ampico Player piano also 3. Hang up the phone. : available. Beatrice Thornton, 1305 Garden Street, Hancock, MI 4. Now look for your keys. ~ 49930; phone (906) 482-8466. (3-98) UNDER 50 you say? Just wait. .. : ••.•...... ••••...... ••...... 145 SEEBURG KT Special replica, good as the day it was made, TWO LYON and HEALY HARPS - concert models, need $16,000; "0" rolls, 15 for $450 (mixture of IO-tune and 15-tune, all complete rebuilding, fire damaged, $800 total; MARSHALL & recut); COINOLA CUPID Nickelodeon, walnut, restored, $12,000; WENDELL, cathedral oak, four legged ex-player upright, beautiful SEEBURG A Nickelodeon, restored, wlxyl., $7,500; STEINWAY panels, $600; STEINWAY XR 1926, completely original, all intact Duo-Art Grand Piano, 6'1", restored, $15,000; CHICKERING complete, $6200. We will trade for standard grand pianos, any size. r'" Ampico Grand Piano, 5'8", restored, $8,500; WEBER Duo-Art Also, odd sets of legs for: Steinway, Knabe, Chickering players. '- Grand Piano, 6'1", restored, $12,000. Wayne Edmonston, 2177 ._ Jay-Mart Piano Wholesalers, call 1-800-411-2363, P.O. Box 21148, Bishop Estates Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32259. FAX (904) 287-4131, Cleveland, Ohio 44121. "The piano store for piano stores"... phone (904) 287-5996. (3-98) "still under old management!" (4-98) 1927 STEINWAY Duo-Art upright, mag. finish, excellent condition, Move'em out sale! Bring a truck and some cash. We bought by the with approx. 200 rolls. Has late earless tracker bar, and is thought to mile so you can save by the yard! 1912 MELVILLE CLARK have been purchased originally by the Russian Embassy in San APOLLOPHONE (crank phonograph model) red mahogany, bench, Francisco. $8,000 finn. Chad Knickerbocker, 27905 Palomares Road, orig. ivory, complete and in good condition, $1500; KIMBALL Castro Valley, CA 94552; Fax and home phone (510) 537-5929. (3­ player organ, good condition, $600; remanufactured make-shift APOLLO player piano that plays 65 and 58-note rolls, best offer; 98) STROUD Duo-Art upright, all orig. and still plays some, best offer; AMPICHRON clock for the Ampico "B" grand player piano or the reconditioned 1950's HARDMAN-DUO console, shaded mahogany Ampico "A" with the B drawer. Includes chime roll and installation case, bench, rolls and cabinet, best offer; pumps and electric motors, instruction. Phone (360) 435-1777 or Fax (360) 435-9444. actions, parts, parts, parts; JUNIOR SEEBURG pump, recovered in F. Adams. (5-99) leather, $250; 15 mandolin rails, make offer; 25 good old player 1906 MELVILLE CLARK Apollo upright, 88-65-58 tracker; dark pianos, $250 and up; PADEREWSKI piano, gift to the Paderewski mahogany with round fluted legs in very good condition, mechanism Club of Chicago 1907, plaque and autograph of Paderewski on plate needs work; also 12 (+/-) 15Y4" Apollo concert grand rolls, any and story of instrument on inside of lid, single valve Standard player reasonable offer will be considered. Howard Stevens, RR#1 action, clean original condition, pictures available; need benches? Box 1679, Moscow, PA 18444; (717) 842-8528. (3-98) We got'em! Frank Trotta (Chicago) 773-581-0684 eves. (3-98) STEINWAY Duo-Art Model XR, 6'1" Baby Grand piano serial # 222140/Circa 1923-1924. This beautiful piano has been refinished in WANTED Ebony/Satin, has been restrung and the player mechanism totally ARTRIO-ANGELUS REPRODUCING ROLLS and CATALOGS rebuilt and re-tubed in 1978 by Carty Piano Service, Redondo Beach, WANTED. David Krall, 4218 Torrence Ave., Hammond, IN 46327; California. The action is all original but has had regulation and some (219) 932-2322. (4-98) work done to it. This piano comes with several boxes of rolls, many of them are original classics. The piano is located in the San ANNOUNCEMENT Francisco Bay Area and sounds and plays great. This piano is without a doubt collectable. For pictures or a video of this piano NEW CHAPTER In Southwestern Pennsylvania including: Penn­ taken while it is playing, please call (415) 456-9280 and ask for sylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and, of course, anyone.r.. Mark, or E-mail [email protected]. We are asking $16,800 for else who wants to be in the new Chapter from the ground up! Please ­ the piano and artist bench. (3-98) contact: Mamie Lauffer, P.O. Box 205, Ruffs Dale, PA 15679 or In moving I discovered a box of 98 Duo-Art rolls - not culls or telephone her at: (412) 696-3949. "picked over". 41 are large re-cuts, 5 are Jumbo Program rolls; NEW CHAPTER (Southern Skies Chapter) In Sunny Florida! 54 original-mixed sizes; and 3 PianoRecord small rolls. All rolls are All AMICA members from the neighboring Southeastern States (as in excellent condition; 3 or 4 boxes are damaged. Take all for well as anyone else) are welcome. Please contact: Debra Legg, $1,000. Gil Kuykendall (512) 328-4430 or (512) 422-2220. (3-98) 327 Rowena Lane, Dunedin, FL 34698, (813) 734-3353 or E-mail 1921 WEBER Duo-Art baby grand player piano, oak color with her at: [email protected]. bench, plays great, excellent condition; II Duo-Art rolls included. NEW CHAPTER In Merry Old England! Brian Chesters says San Diego estate sale, must sell, make offer. Paid $10,000. Phone people in England and Europe are tired of seeing all of us having fun (760) 471-9977 or (626) 432-6884. over here so they want to form a Chapter to have fun too. He is New QRS ROLLS: 20% off catalogue price for orders over $100, tentatively planning a meeting to get organized in August of 1998. or 5% off all orders less than $100. Refurbished Player Rolls (with Please contact: Brian Chesters, 43 Raikes Parade, B1ackpool, new tabs, leaders, and labels) starting at $4.00 each. Good to excel­ FYI 4EY, United Kingdom or E-mail himat:[email protected]. lent used rolls starting at $4.50. Royce Rolls, Hesperia, CA. www.roycerolls.com (760) 244-Roll. (4-98) PIANO ROLL AUCTIONS, reproducing, 88-Note, and literature by mail auction. Serving collectors since 1970. Bennet Leedy Rolls - The Piano Roll Center, 4660 Hagar Shore Road, Coloma, Qe~S p\oye1" Piano S MI 49038; phone 616-468-5986, Fax 616-468-0019. (1-99) \) e-r>VIC. ~ AEOLIAN THEMODIST VORSETZER, 88/65 note (logo inside lid, "CSK"?), original black finish, unrestored, best offer over A pneumatic restoration service for reproducing $500.00 plus shipping. Dean Sum, Tucson, (520) 825-9244. (3-98) 1920 GEORGE STECK upright Duo-Art, newly restored and pianos, nickelodeons and player pianos. Factory refinished, $12,000. Carl 440-593-2155 OH. (4-98) new restoration techniques will insure many years AMPICO ROLLS, 85 big rolls, 20 small rolls; DUO-ART ROLLS, of trouble free operation. UPS shipping cartons 24 big, 14 small, and 13 Henderson rolls. Carl 440-593-2155 OH. (4-98) furnished for any style action. 1.1"'" 88-NOTE PIANO ROLLS. Hundreds of used rolls, fox trots, 464 Dugan Rd.• Richfield Springs, NY 13439 waltzes, marches, hymns, song ballads, classicals - $3.00 each plus shipping. Nice clean playable rolls. Will furnish lists on request. 0-99) Dave Caldwell, 400 Lincoln Lk. Rd., Lowell, MI 49331; Phone 315-858-2164 616-897-5609. (3-98)

146 .. REVOLUTIONARY.. NEW ELECTRIC MUSIC ROLL! for REPRODUCING PIANOS, PLAYER PIANOS, PLAYER ORGANS, ORCHESTRIONS and BAND ORGANS ~POWERRoLL~N :t;r~ Now you can LISTEN & ENJOY your player piano for hours...without changing a ROLL! Create libraries of music Requires NO favorites for continuous Modification or Alteration play and enjoyment! to your instrument! .# Enjoy your guests, your music and ~ Is installed and can be removed your piano, without distraction or from your piano's spool box in inconvenience seconds, just like a roll! .A" Hundreds of music rolls may be ~ Transform your piano into a home stored on a single disk entertainment center in minutes SPECIAL LIMITED INTRODUCTORY OFFER ONLY The l'POWERROLL~TManda Digital Music Library of E,Rolls $1495.00

f::'..

147 FOR SALE -/ 1) Steinway Duo-Art AR 7' Custom made "William & Mary" Art Case with inlay. Complete and unrestored. Make Offer. 2) Steinway Duo-ArtAR 7', African Mottled Mahogany. Complete and unrestored, $12,500. 3) Steinway Duo-Art OR6Yz', Walnut. Completely restored as good as new, $19,900. 4) 6'9" Hardman Peck Welte Grand. Complete and unrestored, this is NOT an extended case. Make Offer. 5) George Steck 6' Foot-Pump Grand. Complete and Unrestored. Make Offer. 6) Steinway Victorian Upright, Rosewood. Rebuilt and Refinished, $7500.

RANDOLPH HERR 111-07 77th Avenue Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 520-1443 (3-98)

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r WANTED TO BUY l1

MUSIO BOXES MUSIOAL OLOOKS MEOIliNIOAL ORGANS

Always in the market for better quality disc and cylin­ der music boxes, musical clocks, singing birds, band organs, player organs, monkey organs, Wurlitzer 78 rpm jukeboxes, slot machines. Any condition. MARTIN ROENIGK 26 Barton Hill "'\.. -­ East Hampton, Connecticut 06424 I " (800) 671-6333 • Fax (860) 267-1120 I IW'Ccq [email protected] JJ ~ (4-98) 148 Music At Its Best The Jerry Carnes Collection of Cumming, Georgia to be sold June 26, and June 27. Preview June 26, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Sale 12:00 p.m. June 27 - Sale 9:00 a.m.

Opportunities Auction, Atlanta, Georgia (By Preston Evans, GAL-1287)

Directions: Atlanta Loop (285), then North on Hwy. 400 (approx. 40 miles) to 1/2 mile past Settendown Road. See large display ofjungle animals on right - Cherokee Music Co. - on hwy. Phone 770-483-0000 or 770-889-8000.

Double Violano Virtuoso with Original Band Box (Great condition-Restored in 1980's) 241/2" Upright Polyphone 191/2" Symphonion Lots of Quality Musical Devices Nickelodeons: Music Boxes: Juke Boxes, Phonographs, etc. Seeburg KT Mira 18 1/2" (lots of discs) Many 78 play Wurlitzers Seeburg L 15 1/2" Regina (coin-operated) Phonographs with outside horns Several varieties of Reginas Musical birds in cage High Relief Regina Cylinder Mods. Including Large Cylinder Palliard 18" Stella with matching stand Other Items Great Collection of Lamps, Clocks, etc.

Brochure available Mid-May, Preston Evans, 5058 Kurt Lane, Conyers, GA 30094 General admission, $10.00; Seating as availal:!le, $25.00; Reserved front section seating, $50.00 (all options apply to purchase). 10% premium. Motel information in brochure. Information 1-770-483-0000 or 770-889-8000 (15 days prior to auction). View our Web site at www.auctiondirectory.com.

149 ~., /" ' ... JlJtlllil111UlI SETTLING ~ "/ , "-~ •.~: ~r ESTATE! ' '" ·"'r' ol- t••.,.,

0-- ::;;;" ~ Call _.__.---~i -_.__ ... 516-671-6515 9-5 weekdays WURLITZER STYLE I AEOLIAN ORCHESTRELLE oak:, 9 instruments & fabulous stained glass fully restored including (p. 671 Encyc.) fully restored with additional magnificent cabinet with rolls, instruments & pipes installed on top in asking only $14,500 matching oak: cabinet - $15,000

Onceina~ifetiDle'()ppo:rtunity!' Must vacate building! ,,',Entire'collection mustbe sold at any price by June 30,19981

BALDWn'l Welte-Mignon, 6'3", French leg, mahogany; very rare $7500 ' STEINWAY XR,i924, mahogany,unrestored $9500 . STEINWAY OR, 1928, willnut, mintbriginill $12,500 FISCHER Ampico "B", French leg '$3500 CmCKERING, Ampico "B", French leg, Rare,! $6500 ' KNABE Anlpi~o "B'~, 5'4"; Queen Anne, fancy walnut, beautiful, rare $8500. MASON & HAMLiN AmpicQ "A", 1928, mint original, "Siamese"legs $7500 HAINES Ampico "AlB", Art Deco double leg, very clean original .$3100 STROUD Duo"A1t: late modeU934 Art Deco $2750 KNABE AmpiCo "A", 5'8",1926 mahOgany with'maiehing bench $3500 WEBER Duo~Artupright,mahogany, factory electric $900 WILCOX & WHITE player upright $300 STANDARD player,- fancywa,!nut, "Jumbo" $800 MARSHALL & WENDELL Ampico "B", art case $2500 KNABE Ampico "A''; 5'4" $2900 WEBER .Duo-Art,S8" walnutart case $5750 , WaEELpCK Ampico "B", 5', drawer alone wO!th $2250 WESERpiayer upright "Standard," fancy case $500 STEINWAY Duo"Art uprig~t, 1916, restored, foot pump & electrified $5800 PIANORO~L GRAB BOX - 30 88-note rolls assorted, $49.50 postpaid All pianos, unless otherwise no!ed, purchaseg from original owners. " , "Mosthave original matching benches and ivory keys. , All these are very farrly priced, but will be sold regardless ofprice by June 30,'1998, so don't miss out! Deliveryarranged a.nywhere, Many qther non~playerpianos available. Call516-671-6515,7 days

THE PIANO EXCHANGE 150 School Street Gien Cove, New York '11542

150