eA CA News Builetin of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association
MME. OLGA SAMAROFF and her husband, Leopold Stokowski
March 1984 Volume 21 Number 2 I! I
AMICA MEMBERSHIP RATES: AMICA International Continuing Members: $22 Annual Dues Overseas Members: $28 Dues New Members, add $5 processing fee NEWS BULLETIN (Write to Membership Secretary, PUBliSHER see address below)
Dorothy Brornage Single back issues at the News Bulletin are P.O. Box 387 available from the Publisher for $2,00 each. La Habra, CA g063 Hl387 Change of Address: If you move, send the USA new address and phone number to tht' Membership Secretary, Will Wild and Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collector'; Valerie Anderson AssoCiation, a non-profit club devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment ol musical instruments using INTERNATIONAL OffiCERS perforated paper music rolls. AMICA was founded In San Francisco in 1'163. PRESIDENT ferry Smvthe (204) 452-2180 ' Contributions: All sublects of interest to readers of the 547 Waterloo St., Winnipeg, Manitoba Bulletin are encouraged and invited by the publisher. ,>\11 Canada R.3N 012 articles must be received by the 10th of the preceding PAST PRESIDENT Robert .'\-1. Taylor month, Everv attempt will be made to publish all articles 01 (215) 735-2662 general interest to AMICA members at the earliest possible 1326 Spruce St. #3004, Phildelphia. PA 19107 time and at the discretion of the publisher VICE PRESIDENT Mollv Yeckley (419\ 684-5742 ' Original Bulletin articles, or material for (epnnt that is of 612 Main St .. Castalia, OH 44824 significant historical quality and mteres!. are encouraged and will be rewarded in the form of ,AMICA membership SECRETARY Richard Reutlinger (415) 346-8669 dues discounts. (Chapter reports and Forum inquiries are 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117 pxcluded.) PUBLISHER Dorothv Bromage ADVERTISING (..'Il) 697 -1545 Classified: 101t per word, $'1.50 minimum. PO. Box ;87, La Habra, CA 90b.B-03B7 • All copy must reac h the publisher by the 10th ot the MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY preceding month. Payment must accompanv order. INew memberships and mailing problems I Make checks payable 10: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Will Wild and Valerie Anderson (803) 758-8846 • Checb or money order, trom advertiser, In toreign P,O, Box 172. Columbia, SC 29202 countnes must be drawn on a U.S. bank. TREASURER Mike & Liz Barnhart Display advertising (5131254-5580 919 Lantern Glow Trail, Dayton, OH 4.5431 ~ull pagE' 7'!1"X 10" $100.00 Half page 7"1'x4',;' 50.01l BOARD REPRESENTATIVES Qu,uterpage \;',,"x4'/., 25.00 Founding Chapter: Howie Koft Southern California: Dick Rigg • Each photograph or half-tonE' $7,00 Texas: Haden Vandiver • See Bulletin deadlines on iirq page oi th" Issue. Midwest: Vincent Ri( ca Philadelphia Area' Len Wert • We rpcommend display advertiser., supply camera SOWNY: Rick Drpwnlak ready copy. Copy that IS oversized or underSized Rocky Mountain. Dick Kroeckel will be changed to correct size at your (ost. We can New ler,ey: lohn De Paris prepare your advprtlSement tram your suggested iowa: "'Ivirl lohnson Boston Area: Santord Libman layout at (ost. Northern Lights: Lowell Boehland • All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the Sierra-Nevada: Bob Moore preceding month. Chicago Area: Jerry Blasella Heart of America: Ron Bopp • Payment must accompany order, Typesetting, layout Southeast ArPd: lohn O'Loughlin or size alteration charges will be billed separately. Make checks payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. COMMITTEES TECHNICAL, Mel Luchetti • Checks or money orders irom advertisers in toreign 3449 Mauricia Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051 countries must be drawn on a U,S. bank. HONORARY MEMBERS, Alf E. Werolin • All ads will appear on the last pages at the Bulletin 2230 Oakdale Rd., Hillsborough, CA 9401 at the discretion of the publisher. ARCHIVES, Jim Weisenborne Publication of business advertising in no way implies 73 Nevada St., Rochester, MI48063 AMICA's endorsement of any commercial operation. AUDIO-VISUAL, Howie Koft However, AMICA reserves the right to refuse any ad that 4271 No. First St., #1, San Jose, CA 9.5134 is not in keeping with AMICA's general standards or If PUBLICATION, Dorothy Bromage complaints are received indicating that said business P,O. Box 387, La Habra, CA 90633-0387 does not serve the best interests of the members of AMICA according to its goals and bylaws.
I ! flMICfllnternational CHAPTER OffiCERS AMICA International News Bulletin Volume 21 Number 2 March 1984 FOUNDING CHAPTER NEW JERSEY Pres: Phil McCoy Pres: Oliver Vitakis CONTENTS Vice Pres: Isadora Koff Vice Pres: Lenny Finkel AMICA International 25 Treas: Bob Wilcox Rec Sec: Millie Freyer Sec/Reporter: Jack & Dianne Corr Sec: Margery Vitakis Book Review 26 Edwards Treas: John Ellems Reporter: Richard Groman People ... 27 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IOWA Instruments Pres: Warren & Rosemary Deasy 30 Pres: AI Johnson Technicalities 31 Vice Pres: Jerry Pell Sec: Holly & Peggy Hollingsworth Vice Pres: George Apland Rolls and Music 34 Treas: Larry Norman Sec/Treas: Bob Shimp Reporter: Jack Niewoehner News from the Chapters 35 Reporter: Bill Toeppe BOSTON AREA TEXAS Pres: Barry Kasi ndorf Pres: Bob Smith The Cover: And yet another book about Stokowski. Vice Pres: Judy Welsh Vice Pres: John Morris Sec: Bill Koenigsberg See review on page 26 by Emmett Ford, who also SeclTreas: Carole Beckett contributed the rare photograph of Stokowski and Treas: Philip Konop Reporter: Wade Newton Reporter: Donald Brown wife Olga Samaroff. a famous musician in her own MIDWEST right. Pres: Edwin Ward NORTHERN LIGHTS Vice Pres: Ruth Owen Pres: Steve Leppa Vice Pres: Terry Goepel • 1984 Convention Greater kansas City Area June 21·24 • Sec: Lawrence & Margaret Frazer Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl Sec/Reporter: Barbara Leppa Reporter: Sue Ricca Treas: Robert & Katheryn Dumas AFFILIATED SOCIETIES PHILADELPHIA AREA SIERRA·NEVADA The Player Piano Group (England) Pres: Bob Taylor Pres: Bob Patton The North West Player Piano Vice Pres: Doug Mahr Association (England) Vice Pres: Frank Diamond Sec: Frank Basil Sec/Treas: Audrey Winters Netherlands Mechanical Organ Reporter: Rick Simms Society - KDV Treas: Len Wert CHICAGO AREA Australian Collectors of Mechanical Reporter: Bob Rosencrans Musical Instruments SOWNY (SOUTHERN ONTARIO, Pres: Jim Edwards WESTERN NY) Vice Pres: Carol Dayton Dutch Pianola Association & Mabel Zivin Pres: Jim Brewer Society of Friends of Mechanical Sec: Bob & Gloria Taylor Vice Pres: Janet Drewniak Musical Instruments (Germany) Treas: Bill & Dee Kavouras Sec: Alice Guhlow Reporter: Mike Ehart Treas: Jim & Chris Barley Reporter: Fred Buchwald HEART OF AMERICA BULLETIN DFADLINES FOR 1984 Pres: Ron Connor ROCkY MOUNTAIN Marcrl10 for April issue Vice Pres: Tom Hellstein Pres: Jere De Backer Sec: Leonard Railsback May 10 for May/J une issue Vice Pres: Bill Arthur June 10 for July issue Treas: Margaret Taylor Sec: Rae Burdetter Reporter: Katie Hellstein July 10 for August issue Treas: Art Tarr September 10 for September/October issue Reporter: Deane & Patty SOUTHEAST AREA: October 10 for November issue Pres: John O'Loughlin Fehrman November 10 for December issue Vice Pres: Norman Arnold SeclTreas: David Burke Reporter: David Burke )I II,U "::11 'EU 'lUI liEn 1I11! ir::J! 'Ill! !a~IlIIIlII '1,1' !1lI! !1lI~1lI1 I 11II1I.mll.IIIII.;:III.III1I.IIII1.illlI.IIIH.liill.IIIII.IIIII.'lIn.llli1.iI.11I1I.!ilII.IIIII.IIW.llln.lIIll.~II.I_IIIII.:nIl.IIIII.rnll.IIIII.IIUI.1I111.1II11.U1nl.'IIJI.~m.I_lml.IIII1.J1I11.II!!.III.IIIJ1.IIIiI.mJl.IIiIJ.I!II1
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
The Board of AMICA has selected a Nominating Commit tee to present candidates for the International offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary and Publisher. AMICA '84 Convention The Chairman of the Committee is Jeff Depp. Other mem bers are Bob Taylor (Philadelphia), Dick Rigg, Liz Barnhart, Available to all AMICA Chapters for free use is a Ken Long, Larry Kerecman, and Bob Taylor (Chicago). short slide sound presentation, which was given at the Ifany members wish to nominate candidates, they may do Annual Business Meeting in Chicago, in July. Any so in accordance with Section 4(b) of AMICA International Chapter having available for its use a Singer Caramate By-Laws. Projector or a Kodak Ektagraphic Audio Viewer Pro Contact for the Nominating Committee is the Chairman, jector, may obtain the slide/sound set from Ron Bopp, Jeff Depp. His address is 5700 W. Glen Dale Dr., Lockport, NY Rt. 6, Box 676, Joplin, MO. 64801, for use at any Chapter 14094. Meetings.
<) 25 <) 1984 AMICA CONVENTION IMPORTANT CONVENTION ADDRESSES HIGHLIGHTS Convention registration by Ron Bopp, Convention Chairman Charles Tyler 1630 Topping By now we are all aware of the annual AMICA meeting in Kansas City, MO 64126 the Kansas Cityarea, June 21 to June 24, 1984. The committe is busily working so that all will have a fun-filled weekend. Mart Our workshop schedule is filling up and will allow every AMICAn something of interest. Jerry Biasella will present a Gerold Koehler fascinating session on nickelodeon art glass. Jerry has had 1002 Forest years of experience in rebuilding coin-operated machines and Joplin, MO 64801 has the advantage of living in a city where a lot of the original art glass was made. We will hear Charles Tyler talk about his Hotel experiences with the Edison phonograph. Charles has col Regency Park Resort lected almost every model and his collection is endless so we Suburban Kansas City can expect a lot of information from him. Overland Park, KS 66212 Mel Septon will give an interesting and enlighting talk about piano actions. Mel is a piano rebuilder and has excel lantly restored reproducing pianos. Those of you that have a Mills Violino will have a chance to pick up some tips as Chuck Pfeiffer will discuss different aspects of the Violino. Chuck's involvement with the Mills has afforded him an in-depth knowledge of the subject. Another way to be involved with // AMICA 84//? Wear an AMICA 84 T-shirt. These will be available at the registration desk or order one ahead so that you can be prepared for the .!~.I' , convention. T-shirts are $6.00 each [S, M, L, or XL), blue and i~ Ul Book Review Q) contain the // AMICA 84// logo. Just include your order and i' extra $6.00 for each T-shirt and these will be in your registra tion package on your arrival in Kansas City. Don't forget - this will be the premier meeting with the Organ Rally &. Barbeque. We already have several members STOKOWSKI: A COUNTERPOINT OF VIEW, with organs preparing for this fun-filled event. Our organ rally Oliver Daniel, Dodd Mead, 1983, $24.95 will be held on the Morgonroth estate on Friday evening, June 22, 1984. Settled around the lake with the Kansas sunrise p-eviewed by Emmett M. Ford behind us, along with the delicious barbeque dinner, promises an interesting evening. Why don't you plan to bring your There are no known piano rolls by Leopold Stokowski, but organ? Contact Bill PoW [417-782-5511) or write 2509 Illinois, he is listed as a pipe organ roll artist in the 1925 -1928 Duo-Art Aeolian catalog. He is listed as conductor of the Philadelphia Joplin, Mo. 64801 for details. "AMICA 84// - the place is Kansas City! The price is cheap Philharmonic Orchestra and former organist of St. Barth - $115 for early registration. The Regency Park Resort is olomew's Church in New York. Some of the roll reviews evidence Stokowski's preference for "lush// and full-orchestra reasonable - $43/$50. PLAN TO ATTEND! stops. Oliver Daniel's thirty-year acquaintance with the "maes tro// and his position as music producer and director for CBS, and former vice president of Broadcast Music Incorporated makes him an authority on Stokowski's life, his personality and myths. He was the second husband of the piano roll artist, Heart of America Olga Samaroff. (Divorced 1923) Chapter Daniel deals with the controversy of Stokowski changing the orchestra's seating arrangement, the changing of in strumentation of the music [he thought he improved it) and his discouraging of candid photographs. Stokowski's relationship with his five children was that of a devoted parent, but his relationship with audiences and radio listeners was, to term it mildly, full of ups and downs. His interest in new music, placing it in his concerts, created contention between the conductor and audience. A KANSAS CITY result of this was his creation of youth concerts to educate the new generation of listeners. The book deals with Stokowski's world premiers, with him as a champion of modern music, and with the books and phonograph recordings. 026 0 DonTeach, Shreveport's MusicMan
uring working hours, Don Teach deals in guitars, sound systems and amplifiers. D The rest of his life is devoted to restoring old player pianos and nickelodeons. Ten years ago, the Journal featured Teach, who was 19 at the time, and his passion for player pianos and various intricate music-making mechanical machines that were popular in the early 1900s. Not a whole lot has changed. Don is now 29, has.gained a few pounds and lost a little hair. But - if anything - his mania for music-making instruments \If a past era has intensified. In 1972, Don was a student at Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe...Now he has a degree in marketing. He also has enlarged his collection of Vintage Americana A 1928 Mills Violano Virtuoso to include nine nickelodeon pianos, six juke boxes, two player grands, six player pianos and an organ off of a merry-go-round. . This number includes'a Seeburg Junior, a 54-note player piano with mandolin, a Coinola Midget orchestrion (piano, some even were invofved in shootings iii downtown mandolin, xylophone, tamborine, triangle and castanets), Shreveport, for instance. They saw some exciting happen a Wurlitzer IX, a coin-operated player piano - "It can ings, things I'll never see. 'play six rolls and changes its own rolls .;. very few can do Being the son of Jack Teach, owner of Shreveport Music that," said Don. "It dates back to 1916-20 ... it's one of the Co., mayor may not have had an influence on Don's hobby. early ones." But being around a music store much of his life and having Then there's a 1928 Mills Violano Virtuoso, a piano and access to the workshop and variouS tools have come in self-playing violin that plays from amusic roll. "The one I handy. "I had some player pianos around the store when own is one of the last ones made," he said. Don was growing up," said Jack. "He became fascinated What does a bit of pre-radio-television nostalgia add up with them." to in dollars and cents? "The cheapest one I have is Don said he rebuilt his first player piano when he was probably worth around $4,000," said th~ fellow who'd 12. He's been at it ever since. rather tinker with tubes, hoses, valves, bellows, sound "There aren't too many people around who know how to boards, hammers and strings than anything you could make these things work," said his dad. "I know I don't." possibly dream up. After Don graduated from college, he was employed by a museum in Manly,Iowa, that boasts a huge collection of nickelodeons. "I worked on nickelodeons and traveled hat we know as the juke box came along to around some. Then I returned to Shreveport," Said Don. kill the player piano, said Don. "I've started Most recently, Shreveport Music Co. moved to new, to collect a few of the first ones (circa 1940) enlarged quarters on the corner of Highland and Kings . and have six of 'em tucked away. In April Highway. "For now, I'm keeping my collection in the old oneWof these brightly lighted juke boxes was on loan to store," said Don. " But I'm remodeling an old church Shreveport Little Theatre for its production of "Who's building for my living quarters and as a workshop." Happy Now?" At one time. there were 200 or so of the vintage nickelodeon player pianos in Shreveport, said Don. "Now ny way you approaclt Don, the conversation , you can't find a one." (Unless you talk Don into showing off invariably wanders back to his favorite subject his private collection, and that's easy to do.) and after-hours hobby, spelled n-i-e-k-e-l-o-d-e Don Teach describes his musical mania succinctly: "I'm o-n. (To a collector, a nickelodeon is a coin dyed-in~th~-wool A a fanatic. Nobody else in the family likes operated player piano, a factory original -this means the 'em. I'm just like the fellow whQ goes in for old trains or coin slot was built into the piano at the factory.) "During old cars; we're just fanatics." that interview 10 years ago I was working on an Ampico The lure - the unceasing attraction - for Don has Player Grand," said Don. "I like to tell people I never sell something to do with what he calls the romantic past. anything, but I have sold a few. I sold that Ampico to buy "These instruments - nickelode~n pianos - saw more a handcarved Ampieo-Knabe of burled walnut. It's at my good times; Many were in brothels ~nd gambling places ... mother's house right now."
<> 27 <> "My two favorites," says Don Teach - the Coinola C-2 (left) with xylophone, cymbal, drums, tri This hobby requires hours of painstaking work and angle and the Coinola C-X, dated May detailed handcraft - but Don does it for the pure love of it, 20, 1920 (day of completion). after regular work hours and on weekends. Or, as he says, "I play with 'em when I can. I'm going to Vo-Tech on Monday and Tuesday nights to learn to be a machinist. I've joined a couple of player piano clubs; we trade ex periences." Don is also a member of AMICA (the Auto matic Musical Instrument Collectors Association) and The Musical Box Society. "If you have something of value, get someone with credentials to do the work or leave it unrestored. A purist wants it done right. This means: No Elmer's glue." ,, Isuppose you'd say my specialty is piano How does Don see his infatuation with nickelodeons renovation. I'm better known outside of the developing in the next 10 years? "I have enough restoring state than inside the city," he said with a ....ork lined up right now to keep me busy for 10 years," grin. "Any piano tuner can tune a piano; that's where they said Don. stop and I begin. I repair the sound board, install new Next on the list: a bigger collection, of course. "I'll take hammers, replace strings and I re-gild the piano plates, 'em from anywhere in any condition. That goes for juke using a bronzing powder. That powder's getting harder boxes, too." and harder to find. I do stuff the piano tuner can't do, and All coin operated instruments were five-cent machines it's been only in the past couple of years that I'm getting until 1948, said Don. "Nickelodeons were introduced in fairly decent. There's a fellow in Jefferson, Texas, John 1895, so from that date until 1948, you could get a song for Kelsey, and a man in Monroe, Max Kulcke, who are very a nickel." good. Kulcke is considered one of the masters of the How's that for nostalgia? trade." Don says he's always on the look out for more instru Shreveport Journal. FrI.• Mav 28. 1982 ments. "I've found them stored in barns, under water, in all kinds of disrepair." Most of his acquisitions he gets through ads in trade papers. "You pay premium prices these days. People are either too knowledgeable and know what they have or they're too busy destroying them. They'll take a nice antique and tear it apart. The more original a machine is, the more it's worth. If someone gets in there and replaces parts or substitutes parts that aren't authentic, it's no longer worth as much. An unrestored piano at auctions often will bring more than a restored, cobbled up one.A true collector wants a piano restored to specifications," said the true collector.
<> 28 <> Electricity makes the wheels go round and the music in Coinola piano C-2 (above, left); view of Teach's stock of player piano rolls (above) and an inside view of six-roll Wurlitzer player piano.
Carved gargoyle on nickelodeon
/ Story by Marge Fischer Photos by Gus Gustovich
<> 29 <> ~
11: ~ Instruments "it '-J 1fO~.~ ~--=------,-,J-
The International 'fannla Festival 1984
Presented jointly by the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, and the Pianola Institute
From 10th to 24th July in London, England, the grandest series of player-piano concerts ever presented will take place at the Fairfield Hall in Croydon, an auditorium which seats over 2,000 people. There will be reproducing piano concerts, with Rachmaninov, Paderewski, George Gershwin and their many friends; foot-pedalled concerts of music from Stravinsky to jazz; and even the Fairfield Hall's three-manual concert organ will be letting its hair down and playing perforated paper foxtrots and marches.
The world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany Percy Grainger on the Duo-Art in Grieg's Piano Concerto, and for film buffs, a specially selected evening's programme of silent movies will be accom panied by pertinent pianola music of the period. During the whole two weeks a Pianola Bar and Festival Club will give everyone the opportun ity to try their foot at pedalling while drinking a pint of real English ale.
The International Pianola Festival will also see the launching of the first ever detailed exhibition on the history of the player-piano; not simply a collection of instruments, but a comprehensive and colourful display of photographs, rolls, drawings and working models from the 19th century to the present day.
For foreign visitors the Festival is organising a Congress during its sec ond week, with accommodation provided either privately or in local hotels. there will be trips around musical (and mechanical-musical) Lon don, visits to private collections, lectures on music and instruments, a player-piano market and, to finish it off, a pianola banquet and ball.
Members of AMICA will be made especially welcome, and will be able to meet British player- and reproducing piano enthusiasts, as well as members of the Dutch Pianola Society, who will be visiting the congress.
Denis Hall and Rex Lawson Joint Festival Directors
0300 Dries in minutes. Large areas such as grand lids may appear a little spotty or irregular, but may be easily corrected by washing the entire surface w1th a clean rag and clean methy'l hydrate. Total surface 1S instantly Technicalities blended throughout. Black wood filler .ay be applied immed1ately. If by chance you feel you've overdone it with a color too dark, excess dye may be relDved by repeated washings with clean methyl hydrate. or Process is slow, uses a lot of methyl hydrate, (To Strip Or Not To Strip) but is effective. The high cost of analine dyes prometed Richard Gurevich to try common household fabric dyes, by Terry Snlythe and his experiments thus far have been encour asing. As a water base will lift the wood Second Instalaent f1bres, he dissolves the powder in methyl hydrate warmed in a double boiler. He cautions In my first instalment, you may recall I that the dye is very powerful and only a few reviewed Critical Ingredients, TypIcal Materi grains are needed for a two cup batch. als and Tools, Disassembly, Stripping, and The selection of colors is truly infinite and Veneer Repairs. In this second instalment will any tone can be mixed to suit the need at hand. be reviewed Staining, Wood Filler, Decal The solution in the container appears darker Replacement, Key Tops, and Sound Board. than finished result, but upon the instant of application, color is reasonably close to fin ished dry color. If there 1S anybody else using these dyes, a note about their experi ences will be appreciated. A few years ago, during a casual conversation with Bill Maier of Minneapolis, he speculated of the results of reversing the traditional sequence of filling and then staining<- Shortly thereafter, I had an occasion to test his idea and the results were beautiful! Basically, his idea was: Mohawk's black paste type wood filler comes far too thick to apply directly. With a new can, 1. After stripping, use an alcohol based ani I spoon out about 2 1 into a jam can for later line dye mixe6 a little lighter than you use, and then top up the new can with varsol to would ordinarily choose. obtain a mixture about the consistency of heavy maple syrup, that can be brushed out without 2. Follow it with black paste type wood fil too much difficulty. ler. (More about this later.) Faith and trust are required here, as all your I've been using powdered aniline dyes available instincts will cry out in oprosition. Be11eve from Mohawk, and have found them to be conven me, Bill Maier's original 1dea is valid and ient, forgiVing, effective, and as they are results are stunning! Simply brush on this truly transparent, do not hide any of the grain filler roughly and sloppy, generally at right pattern. As there are oodles of colors, cnoice angles to the grain, let stand for about 20-30 is a little difficult, but a few carefully cho minutes, and Wipe off. sen colors can be mixed to achieve desired tint and strength. The Iwipe-off l is the critical task. I use about 3 rolls of paper towelling for 1 piano, a Generally, I mix ue more than I need and keep single piece at a time. This seems to be best the leftovers for future touch-ups. For con to 50th remove the excess filler and squeeze venience, I use empty clear glass liquor bot the remainder into the pores of the wood. Bas tles. Their caps are a good tight fit, and at ically, the filler settles into the soft wood a glance I can see and cnoose tne color I want pores, but does not stick to the hard wood from the line-up. Add the powder to the alco between the pores. It's black color also hol starting with a weak mixture, say about a slightly darkens and mellows the preViously teaspoonful for starters. It goes Into sol dyed wood surface. ution almost immediately. Each piece of paper quickly clogs up and your Initially test for color on scrap lumber until nearby garbage box will quickly fill up with you feel you're close. Then select an obscure the Ira1nl of dirty pap-er. Keep at it contin part of your piano for a test. Assuming you uously until no more filler comes off on the like the color (A healthy dose of trust and paper. This is a large Igruntl, tiring task, faith will help here), do one small part of the and when finished you may be a little dismayed piano. The color test must be completed using at the dull, rather dark result you see. Have the black wood filler, so see the section fol faith! I've learned that the dye, filler, and lowing on Wood Filler for details. final finish are specifically formulated to work in concert with each other. Let stand to Assuming color satisfaction, the dye may be dry for about 24 hours (Longer if you've used applied everywhere. Very easy and quick. (En turpentine instead of varsol to thin out the sure surgical gloves, as otherwise your finger filler.) • tips will be deeply dyed for several weeks.)
<> 31 <> Q~~6b_B~~b6~~~~~I you can safely apply several normal coats of spray lac~uer over the entire fallboard to finally seal and protect the decal. Rub down I've ruined more $4 decals than I care to between each of these normal coats of lac~uer. remember before a method of installation that A final rubdown with Brasso will restore the is not defined on the decal instruction sheet fallboard's finish very similar to that on the emerged between my neighbor, Richard Gurevich, remainder of the piano. and I. Varnish decals are tricky to handle, particularly with Murphy and his laws hovering While this decal replacement process does work around ready to pounce when least expected. for us, it is terribly time consuming and labor However, here's a method that now seems to intensive. Yet it is sufficiently important work. that We've been rationalizing our efforts all along. If someone has developed a faster, sim Ensure fallboard is completely refinished. pler method, We would be delighted to hear Using a small scrap of cellulose sponge, apply about it and pass it on. Surely the profes a thln coat of varnish to both the back of the sionals do not do it this way! decal and its general location on the fall board. Let stand to get tacky for only 5-10 Where you are unable to obtain identical minutes, not 20-30 as directed, and then apply replacement decals, you have 3 options I'm the decal to its exact location, with both of aware of: its paper backings still attached. Do not remove the paper backing at this time as 1. Replace with simulated decal using a silk directed, but leave it sit undisturbed for at screen process. least 24 hours. 2. Replace the old one. It helps to apply a little pressure with a sui table weight, such as a small paint can or jar 3. Salvage the old one. of screws, etc. A piece of sponge rubber (neo prene gasket material is ideal> cut to size Silk-Screen will help to evenly distribute the pressure. An excellent replica can be had by taking the The 24 hour drying period is a minimum. With fallboard to a smaller advertising house that both backing papers and a piece of sponge rub has a modest silkscreen operatlon. (Large ber in place, air can really only get at the printing and advertising companies typically varnish to dry it through the pores of the don't want to be bothered with small jobs like wood. So, We often leave it for several days this.) Have them photograph the old decal onto to dry. high contrast film. Ensure they take several photos over a range of exposures. This is not When you feel its reasonably safe to remove the a routine job for them, and they could easily paper backings, do so with care. Dampening blow it. them with a Ilttle water will greatly aid their removal. The heavier paper will fight you only When you've confirmed a successful photo, you a little, but the flimsy will ~uickly wrinkle are then free t~ refinish the fallboard, up for easy removal. The varnisn under it will destroying the old decal in the process. From likely still be tacky, so remove excess water the photo they will make a king-size piece of with care. With a small lint free rag dipped art-work for retouching and clean-up. This in varsol, ever so carefully remove excess var will then be rephotographed back down to ori nish from around the edges, and then let stand ginal size, and a proper silk-screen will for another 24 hours for it to dry thoroughly. emerge, awaiting your return of the fully refinished fal150ard. When this neat moment For the first hour or so, keep a close watch on arrives, they will apply a simulated decal the decal. It's possible small corners or edg using gold palnt. es may not have adhered properly and, as lt begins to dry, these may start to curl up and Results are excellent but pricey. Furthermore, separate from the wood. At the first sign of if your original decal has an array of black this, apply a small amount of varnish under the lines within it, a second silk-screen will be offending part with an artist brush, reapply needed at additional cost. However, if you both the wet tissue and paper backing. Let consider the overall worth of ~our instrument, stand under light pressure for another 24 costs in the neighborhood of i1~O - i200 can be hours. Repeat process until you're satisfied rationalized through gritted teeth. that the decal is properly in place. Do not be concerned at this time about the somewhat Grand soundboard decals are a little more dif unsightly rectangular varnish patch surrounding ficult, as you must have ·house calls· for both the decal. the photographing and the silkscreening. The latter is unavoidable, but the former might be When you're certain the decal is properly in avoidable if you do rour own photography. High place and varnish is dry, lightly feather the contrast B & W fi m in a 35mm single lens edges of the varnish patch with 0000 steel reflex camera is best. Ensure film plane is wool, and then lightly rub down the entire parallel to soundboard, or distortion will fallboard with the same steel wool, simply to emerge. If available to you, an option here is provide a ·tooth· for the lac~uer that follows. an older 35.m planetary microfilm camera equipped with a wide angle lens. Here use a spray can of clear lacquer and very li~htly apply a thin dust coat. Don't overdo For picture taking, the piano can be on its itT Let dry for 30 minutes. Apply 3 or 4 more feet, or on its slde (which I prefer). Silk light dust coats similarly. Then with the 0000 screening should only be atteapted with the steel wool, gently rub down the lacquer just soundboard horizontal. the minimum to smooth it out and provide anoth er tooth. Apply 2 or 3 more of these light Substitute Lettering dust coats, rubbing down between each. By now ono If the high cost of silk-screening troubles In sheer frustration one day about a year ago, you, a very low cost, reasonably satisfactory with a totally undamaged but badly stained set option is available in the forffi of transfer on my hands, I tried medium steel wool. It lettering. I've used FORMATT Gold Old English worked liked ffiagic and the stains just melted and founa it quite satisfactory as a non-lden away with very little effort. I use a small tical substitute. Very easy to apply, and can ball of the steel wool with its grain at right be obtained froffi a variety of engineering angles to the length of the key, press fairly drafting, or art sup-ply houses. I would sug hard, and check results frequently. For me, -sest oroering in a fresh supply, as old stock sOffiething less than 5 mins. on each key produc tends to break-up and dlsintegrate during es nice clean results. application. Not norffially suitable for sound board decal replaceffient. Each strand of the steel wool seems to act much like a ffiicroscopic plane, and collectively skim Salvage off a very thin layer of the stained lvory, leaving behind a clean, smooth surface devold This is the least attractive option as results of scratches. The finish is dull at this are rarely satisfactory. Siffiply mask off the point, but a few mOffients with Brasso restores old decal under a ·baggle· or saran wrap before its original lustre. stripping. Following stripping, the old finish ffiUst now be feathereo as best as possible into I've tried this technique on 2 subsequent pia the new finish. Great patience and skill are nos and got siffiilar good results. If others needed here to touch up the old finish, repair try this technique, I would appreciate hearing the old decal, and blend the 2 finishes. I about their experiences and possibly enhance don't recoffimend it, but your best judgeffient on merits. the spot ffiust prevail. A friend and nearby AMICAn, Richard Gurevich, similarly had an undaffiaged, but severely stained keyboard to deal wlth recently, and he successfully tried a naffie brand automobile rub bing compound. He too was ~uite satisfied with his results. It appears that the magic ingre dient is an abrasive of some kind that will Assuming original ivory key tops have few chips quickly remove a very thin layer without and are baslcally salvageable, I've found an impartlng an array of minute scratches in the approach to clean-up that so far seeffiS to work. process. Over the years, when I've encountered instru ffients whose key tops are not salvageable, I remove thenl all, keep the retlseable ones, and replace all with new. Out of this process has eRlerged a large jar full of reuseable ivory key tops with an alffiost infinite array of colors, tints, patterns, and stains. With the dampers, strings and harp out of the piano during rebuild, you will never have a Like most collectors, I try very hard to keep better opportunity to do something with the ivory key tops on whatever lnstruffient 1'81 soundboard. First try Siffiply to clean it up a restoring, and this jar is a useful source of vacumn cleaner followed by a damp rag. When replaceffients for those few that on this piano you've done the best pOSSIble, decide to leave at this moment are chipped or broken. They It or try harder with diluted Fantastik house don't always fit perfect, and sOffietimes I must hold cleaner. When you've done the best possi do sORle flling and buffing, starting with a ble, decide to leave it alone or try harder by fine grindstone (gently), followed by fine proper refinishing. sandpaper, followed by mediuffi steel wool, fol lowed by 0000 steel wool, followed by Brasso. This clean-up- procedure only occasionally pro Usually, results are satisfactory. duces satisfactory results. all too often, it's obViously a waste of time as the sound Until recently, I was using contact ceRlent for board has been stained by spillage of coffee, glueing keytops. However, not long ago, I tea, soft drinks, martini, or even water out of tried P.P.C.'s 1320 plastic glue and it seems a flower vase tipped over by a passing curious to work rather well. I like it because I can cat. Parties, pets, and planas don't always move the ke~top around on a slippery surface mix too well. However, many manufacturers put for about 1~-30 secs, aRlple tiffie for correct beautiful decals on their soundboards, and I do positioning. It's quick set-up time is very feel that every effort should be made to sal advantageous. Apply sparingly. vage them if true replacements cannot be found. For those keytops not daffiaged, but stained, As soundboards must vibrate freely, they must I've tried R1any things over tne years with only be finished with a flexible product of some R10dest success. Several tuner friends sug kind. I find most have been finished with gested fine sandpaper glued to a piece of plate white shellac or clear lacquer. Shellac is glass, a very slow process that almost always easily removed with methyl hydrate which, with seemed to leave ffiinute scratches I couldn t a little luck, will also remove stains. reRlove easily. Others suggested javex or hyro gen peroxide, but neither worked very well. Deeply imbedded stains, soundboard cracks, rib Yet another suggested R10unting the keys on a separations, etc., are problems I've not been board and leave them out in tne sun every day able to deal with very well at all. Generally, for a few months to bleach them clean; with when encountering these kinds of problems ln only modest success and it took too long. any degree of severity, I tend to defer to the Toothpaste also surfaced as a solution, but professionals who are skilled and better with only limited success. e~uipped to deal with these requirements. There is a limit to what can be achieved with 033 0 .odest means and I believe this is one of them. surface, I refinish with clear lacquer from a For those more courageous, Art Reblitz has good spray can. Easy to do if your soundboard is advice in chapter 5 of his book. horizontal. If vertical, take care to apply very thin coats to avoid runs and sags. Soundboards should not be stained, nor treated in any way with fillers, etc. Flexibility must In my final instalment next, I will review not be impaired. When I'm satisfied that the Gildlng The Harp, Final Finish, Metal Finish soundboard is reduced to a clean, shellac-free ing, Enhancements, and Finishing Touches.
SCIENCE AND MUSIC SYMPOSIUM the first computer music languages. He also invented an elec tric violin, for experiments, which proved to have several by Fred Lipsett unexpected properties. F. Richard Moore (1944- ) collabo rated with Max Mathews on the MUSIC V and GROOVE A Symposium on "Science and Music: Musician computerprogramming languages for music, but is now work Inventors" will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27th, 1984 in ing on a sound system to be used for digital audio research, the Petit Trianon Room, of the New York Hilton Hotel, New music composition, performance, and education. He is also York City. Arranged by F. R. Lipsett (National Research Coun investigating the spatial aspects of sounds. cil, Ottawa, Canada), the Symposium will be part of the The speakers will relate how the technology of the day was Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Ad adapted to produce new forms of music and musical instru vancement of Science, and will include four speakers. ments. Recorded examples will be included. The Tuning System, Instruments and Music of Harry For further information contact the American Association Partch for the Advancement of Science, 1101 Vermont, Ave., N.W., DANLEE MITCHELL Washington, D.C. 20005 (phone 202-842-9530) or contact Fred (Music Dept., San Diego State University and Music Lipsett, National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada KIA Director, Harry Partch Ensemble) OR6 (phone 613-993-2244). New Instruments for a New Music: the Work of Hugh Le Caine ~ GALE YOUNG (Composer and Biographer, Grimsby, Ont., Canada) That Special Roll Dumb Ways to Play Intelligent Instruments MAX V. MATHEWS (Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, New Jersey) "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" Want A roll or 0 roll- or Music Science - Then and Now roll number for use in tracing. F. RICHARD MOORE Don Teach (Center for Music Experiment, University of Califor 10043 Stratmore Circle, Shreveport, LA 71115 nia, San Diego, La Jolla, California) Technological advances result from the work of talented Duo-Art #69349 individuals. In music, the individual must combine familiar "Red Mill Selections" ity with the latest technology with musical talent, and must Dennis Merritt understand the relations between materials, instruments, and 245 Cold Springs Rd, Angwin, CA 94508 the resulting music. The pace of technological development during this century has challenged musician-inventors. The Metrostyle-Themodist #T20819 work of four, whose lives span the 20th century, will be de "Variations on a Theme by Handel" (Brahms) scribed. Two are deceased and will be discussed by their biog Variations 16 - 25 and fugue raphers: the other two will describe their own work. All have (Second roll of two-roll set) in common the invention of instruments, and most have the John Phillips current availability of their compositions on records. 29 Channel Highway, Taroona Harry Partch (1901-1974) invented not only new string, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA 7006 keyboard and percussion instruments, but also a new system of music with its own scales. Hugh Le Caine [1914-1977) in vented electronic keyboard instruments, tape recorders and IS THERE A SPECIAL ROLL YOU WANT? synthesizers whose descendants are ubiquitous. One of his Send as much information as you can to Dorothy Bromage, compositions - Dripsody - was made from the sound of a Publisher, AMICA News Bulletin, P.O. Box 387, La Habra, CA falling drop of water. Max V. Mathews (1926- ) wrote one of 90633-0387.
<> 34 <> :RlCC~~C~ICIQCCCllJCffiCmCRl]CRlCRJC~C\}lcm:::lmC[CRllCmcmc~c"acm~ News from the Chapters
HEART OF AMERICA Reporter: Katie Hellstein Outside, icicles glistened on trees lining the country lane; inside, the vaulted ceilinged farmhouse of Linda and Larry Palmquist was filled with fresh greenery, Nativity figures and colorful reminders of the approaching Christmas season. Twenty-five members of the Heart of America chapter were present December 4 to enjoy the country setting of our winter meeting. The Palmquists' OR art case Steinway, 1929 vintage, was the star performer, providing holiday background music as we enjoyed a Bar B-Q second to none. The stone fireplace flanked by handsome phonographs served as the dais from which the business meeting was con-
Linda and Larry Palmquist received club members from their Louis XIV Steinway.
ducted. Our present officers, Ron Connor, Tom Hellstein, Leonard Railsback and Margaret Taylor "volunteered" to serve another year, amid plans for making the 1984 AMICA conven tion in Kansas City the best ever. Under the hand of convention chairman Ron Bopp, details from thumbtacks to tickets and mammoth tents; from badges to banners and band organs; from hospitality rooms to home tours and hotel accommodations were discussed, ironed out and "semi-finalized." The musical gift exchange confirmed the ingenuity of our membership, and we're counting on that ingenuity to provide AMICA with a memorable 1984 convention.
SEE YOU IN KANSAS CITY JUNE 21-24! Tom Hellstein, Martha and Ben Graves, Katie Hellstein, Mar- garet Taylor, Kay and Tom Bode, Billie and Bill Pohl and their son.
FOUNDING CHAPTER Reporter: lack Edwards
One of the best traditions we have in the Founding Chapter is going to Dick Reutlinger's home for our Christmas party and December meeting. As old time AMICAns know, Dick, one of the founding members as well as an International officer, has a beautifully restored Victorian home in San Francisco. Once a year, we put away our costumes and tacky clothes to meet on Grove Street for fun, food and a friendly get together and a lot of warm feelings. Dick's house, built in the late 1880's, almost prohibits Convention plans are serious business as evidenced by the anyone from not getting into a holiday mood. One wag wanted thoughtful expressions ofGerald Koehler, Leonard Railsback, to import snow so we could have a "real" Christmas. He was Ron Bopp, Linda Koehler, Billie Railsback. promptly informed that snow was one of the reasons many of
<> 35 <> us left Nebraska or New Mexico or wherever, and if he wanted a white Christmas, he should get a refill on his eggnog. Mel Luchetti worked away at one of the Reutlinger photo players as we enjoyed "Another Fine Mess," a Laurel and Hardy classic. Then we re-elected our officers, and Phil McCoy pro claimed Rob Thomas our chapter photographer. As he as been doing the job anyway, we may as well make it official. The Christmas party is special too because some people make it a point to be there when it is very difficult to go to other meetings during the year. We were all glad to see Bob and Sonja Lemon and Ray Haskins and Ray Bauer all from the Sacramento area. John Motto-Ros, Phil Newman, Doreen Kirkpatrick Winston and Reba Jones and others brightened the season just by being there. A small group of us fairly bounded across the room though to greet our hosts from the August meeting, David and Elaine Cherney. They traveled the farthest to join us, and reminded those of us who went north to McKinleyville of another great time with more great people. Some people brought children to the party. At a Christmas party, that was most appropriate. We hope the kids enjoyed the party as much as some of us old folks enjoyed them.
International President Terry Smythe chatting with Ruth and Warren Anderson.
NORTHERN LIGHTS Reporter: Barb Leppa The Northern Lights Chapter gathered at the lovely home of Louis and Marlys Petros on October 2, 1983 to enjoy an afternoon of music and friendship, in Robbinsdale, MN. The Haynes Brothers - AMPICO piano was restored by Marlys Petros, her son Don Petros and Gene Skarda. The music was enjoyed by all. We were entertained by close-up sleight-of-hand performed by Don Petros. Quite a few mem bers commented that this was the first time they had the opportunity to enjoy such entertainment!
Ron Olsen k.eeping up with the Haynes Ampico!
A business meeting was held. Discussion of proposed proj ects was the primary topic. A report was presented by Tom aIds on the board meeting held at the International Conven tion in July. International President Terry Smythe also spoke briefly on the convention. After the business meeting the group was very well fed by the Petros family, and enjoyed a nice variety at the buffet luncheon. Don Petros also worked his magic behind the bar most of the afternoon!
Host eV Hostess Louis and Marlys Petros.
o 36 0 TEXAS Reporter: Wade Newton Well, folks, it's been awhile since you've heard from us. I thought that I better catch you up on things. The Texas Chap ter hasn't been meeting as much as they use to, but none the less we still get together. We try to get four meetings in a year as a miI1 imum. Hopefully, we'll get back up to our usual six. Back in August we met at the Pate Museum of Transporta tion located on the premises of the Texas Oil Refinery Recre ational Ranch located southwest of Forth Worth. Perhaps some of you remember it from the 1973 Convention. The same instruments are still there, but unfortunately they have entered a state of great disrepair. The instruments have cur rently become home for wasps and the like. Due to the lack of any air conditioning or even an open window, we conducted our meeting outdoors on the front porch. The meeting con sisted of a discussion of the events and happenings at the Chicago Convention and plans were formulated for the De cember meeting. Following the bUSIness meeting members returned to the transportation museum for relief from the heat. Better yet, we sped back to the big cities for additional relief in each one's own favorite club or restaurant. Don Petros making magic before our eyes! We held our December meeting at the home of Carole and Tom Beckett in north Dallas. The business meeting portion of our gathering was relatively brief. The topics of discussion were mainly those concerning future meetings for 1984 and the annual election of officers. Becky and Wade Newton plan to host the next meeting in February and plans are being made for a joint meeting in East Texas consisting of the Texas AMICA chapter and the Sunbelt MBS chapter. The joint meet ing will feature a band organ rally and members of both groups are urged to participate in this late March, early April meeting.
Bill Flynt doing what he does so well!
After lunch a second round of entertainment was provided by guest Billy Flynt of Texas. He performed his sleight-of-hand on the keyboard! Late in the afternoon, the group began to break up and go their own ways, as many had a great distance to travel before Monday morning!
Texas Chapter of AMICA, meeting at Pate Museum of Trans portation, Cresson, Texas. The Allen Digital Computer Organ - collection of Tom and Carole Beckett. New members, Russell eiJ leanne Bloss with Alberta Favret at As far as the other topic of our business meeting goes, we Tim's. managed to come up with officers for 1984 (this is a difficult task for us). Our new officers are Bob Smith as President, John Morris as Vice-President, Carole Beckett as Secretary Next we visited the home of Joan and Jim Steichen which Treasurer, Haden Vandiver as International Board Representa was a pleasing blend of "new" (modern decor) with the "old" tive, and Wade Newton as Reporter. (antique instruments). Beginning with the main floor, we were The rest of our meeting focused on the outcome of a Dallas awed by the sight and sound of the 1920's Skinner (2 manual, 8 Cowboy game that was in progress at the time of our meeting. ranksl self-registering pipe organ which was moved from its Several members stayed near the tube which fortunately for original mansion in central Indiana. Behind the 1928 6'2" their sake was located near the tables of food. Carole was Mason & Hamlin Ampico you will see the glass swell shutters assisted in preparation of the goodies by Betty Plonien, Janet framed in oak with the pipes in the background. Also on the Tonnesen, and Becky Newton. For us members who don't main floor were a 19225'8" Knabe Ampico A and single Mills need football in our weekly diet, there was of course the Violano Virtuoso. The finished basement housed a 1927 West extensive collection of the Becketts. The newest attraction to ern Electric Nickelodeon - Mascot Model "C"; an Oak the collection was Tom's new Allen Digital Computer Organ Seeburg "X" upright reproducing piano; a 1015 Wurlitzer which he has modified to play from a Peterson digital tape jukebox; Music Box Symphonium; Polyphone Music box; and unit. Later this instrument will be controlled by a Duo-Art a Scopitone jukebox. A billard room with antique objects Concertola and a Moller Artiste player unit for organ rolls. The lining the walls and floor captured our attention as well. Allen organ utilizes three computers for generating the tonal charactertistics of organ pipes. The resulting sound is super. Consequently, there's a pipe organ in Dallas looking for a new home.
MIDWEST Reporter: Sue Ricca More than 35 AMICA members and guests revisited Tim Needler's beautiful home in Indianapolis, Indiana on De cember 10, 1983. We all enjoyed seeing and hearing Tim's fine collection: a 1928 Weber 5'8" Duo-Art Florentinej 1926 Baldwin 5'6" Welte-Mignon Lie., in a Louis XV Walnut art casej a Mason & Hamlin grand; an upright player and an The glass swell shutters framed in oak with pipes in the electric organ. background. <> 38 <> lim eY Marian Brady and their 1927 6'2" Mason eY Hamlin
Franklin Corya with his 1920 Paul Loosch Orchestrion and 1912 Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violin a in the "barn".
Later that evening we had the joy of yet another revisit. Marian and Jim Brady have a magnificent 192 7 6'2" Mason & Hamlin Ampico that was carved in Italy and is most ornate and unusual. One can only imagine the months of labor that went into carving that case! In their family room was another Mason & Hamlin (awaiting its drawer), a double Mills Vio The Mortier Baby To; Mahal. lano, and a J. P. Seeburg Orchestrion with the most beautiful glass! music boxes. Then we laughed ourselves silly as Ken, the Aiter all we saw on Saturday, could Sunday's trip to Mar restorer of the 1925 Morton Model 39 double roll organ, garet and Franklin Corya in Greensburg, Indiana exhilarate us entertained us with his manual playing to accompany "The further? YOU BET IT COULD! We arrived at their house and Cops," a Buster Keaton silent film classic. specially built "barn" decorated with red carpeting and red wallpaper which provided a royal background for his collec We thank all our hosts, for in spite of the rainy weekend we tion. Many of Franklin's musical instruments came from throughly enjoyed their hospitality and splendid collections. Germany and were masterfully restored. We were treated to: a We look forward to our Spring meeting in Dayton, Ohio. 1923 Steinway OR Duo-Art; a 1912 Hupfeld Phonoliszt Vio lina; two huge Belgium organs -1920; 84-key Baby Taj Mahal Mortier dance organ; and a WI-key Mortier dance or concert organ; a 1920 Paul Loosch Orchestrionj a Seeburg KT Special; a Wurlitzer Nickelodeon with 46 doppel flute pipes; and
<> 39 <> PHILADELPHIA AREA Reporter: Bob Rosencrans The Philadelphia Area Chapter went further out of its usual territory on Saturday, Dec. 17th., when we drove to Newark, Delaware to the home of Sandy and Mac Taylor. It was the first time we have met at their home, and the thirty or so attending really had a fine time. Before the pot luck dinner, Sandy and Mac had wine and cheese for us to enjoy as we were entertained by their two pianos. In the huge family room, with its large wood burning stove off the kitchen, we heard their 1922 Stround foot pump Duo-Art. This was the first time most of us had seen or heard such an instrument, and learned that only the accompani ment is reproduced. At one point it decided to get balky, but was soon back in shape, thanks to the joint efforts and collec tive expertise of Mike Naddeo, John Berry and Paul Dietz. Also Barbara Macartney and Paul Welsh. fascinating to watch was Mac's 1930 American Flyer standard
There's Mike (Mr. Fixit) Naddeo bringing the Stroud Duo-Art Frank Basil, Bob Rosencrans, Fay Cressman, John Lawrence, back to life, while Ed Doran holds flashlight. fo-Ann Lawrence.
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire (Fay Cressman and Bob Harriet and Lt. Col. Charles Pruski. Rosencrans). o 40 0 NEW MEMBERS
Stephens Piano Service, Orville and Vemeil Stephens: Bed ford, IA 50833, 712-523-2997. Referred by Roger A. Anderson. Piano Technician, R3.
John M. Runge: Route 3, Box 346, Hillsborough, NC 27278, 919-732-8368. 1921 Chickering 5'8" Ampico A, 1926 Bond (Packard) Upr Plr, 1850's Nicole Freres Cylinder Musical Box.
Fred and Roselyn Fey: 50 Lark Lane, New Braunfels, TX 78130, 512-625-0537, 512-625-6945. Wurlitzer 146-B Band Organ with duplex tracker frame for style 165 rolls, Kohler & Campbell Upr Plr.
Joseph and Marjorie Gibson: 14 Wedgemere Avenue, Win chester, MA 01890, 617-729-4042. Referred by Bill Koenigsberg. Misc. Music Boxes...... Gene and Rochelle Rosen: 16210 Matilija Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95030, 408-354-3020. Referred by Howard and Isadora Sonde, Mac and Elizabeth Taylor Koff. Steinway OR Duo-Art Art Case. gauge electric train, on its original wide track under the Clark and Zenaida Sallows: 2930 Colorado Boulevard No. Christmas tree. In the living room, besides the 19.30 Lincoln C-16, Santa Monica, CA 90404,213-828-6533,213-648-0626. upright player piano, Mac showed his collection of early Marx Designer, Southern California Chapter, 1969 Aeolian Upr 65 toy wind-up tanks and other spring-driven toys. note Plr. After everyone had eaten dinner, we had a brief Christmas carol sing-a-long to the accompaniment of the Duo-Art rolls, Kevin Merrigan: 8623 Middle Fork Road, Boulder, CO 80302, as well as John Lawrence's expert playing, and more Holiday 303-449-4975, 303-291-8472. Referred by Jere De Backer. cheer before departing to Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Landman: Independent Petroleum, Rocky Mountain Chapter. Chapter is looking forward to another good year, and join me in 1925 Hamilton Upr Plr. wishing all AMICAns across the land the best for 1984. Roger Miller: 141 Glen Alpine Road, Piedmont, CA 94611, 415-547-4123. Referred by Ed Sprankle. Income Property Owner, 1979 Universal Studio Plr.
Frederick R. Zahn, MD: 311 West Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63011, 314-394-6609. Referred by Del Sewell. Physician, Rl, Seeburg KT Orchestrion, Steinway XR Duo-Art Grand, Wurlitzer 125 Band Organ, Misc. Music Boxes, Juke Boxes, Phonos, Slot Machines, Antique Cars. Pete" s Almanac for Sept. 6, 1983 Clyde H. Climer: 2 Village Green, Longwood, FL 32779,305 By DR. LAURENCE J. PETER 321-4986, 305-322-5611. Referred by Gordon Belcher. Physi cian, 1930 Weber 5'8" Duo-Art Grand. PLAYER PIANO DAY -On Sept. 6. 1923, U.S. piano manufacturers an Gladys Denessen: 13391 Laramore Lane, Garden Grove, CA nounced that player pianos were in great demand all 92643. Referred by QRS. 1917 Waltham Upr Plr. OVf~r the United States. At least half the new pianos were player pianos operated by foot pedals turning Phillip and Mary Williams: 444 South First Street, Krum, TX J}erforated paper rolls. Americans bought nearly 350.000 that year. 76249. James and Barbara Atkinson: 1527 Rogers Road, Indianapolis, Contributed by Bob Burgan. IN 46227, 317-786-2160. Referred by Tim Needler. Retired, Midwest Chapter, Misc. Phono.
William and Marcella Ulmer: 14 West Street, Shelby, OH 44875, 419-342-2116, Hairdresser, R1. Referred by Liz Barn hart. Beckwith Upr PIr, 1928 Williamson Upr Plr, 1929 Angelus Upr Plr, Pioneer Upr Plr Simplex, Misc. Phonos, Reed Organs, Other Small Organs.
<> 41 <> L. Roy and Isobel Queen: 171 West Battle Street, Kamloops, Hazel M. Fox: 13208 Oval Drive, Whittier, CA 90602, 213 BC V2C IG8, Canada, 604-374-0955, 604-374-7131. Orthodon 698-3368. tist, 1928 Mason & Hamlin 5'4" Ampico Louis XV. Leon and Jean McKee: 2910 Curtis Lane, Shreveport, LA Mr. and Mrs. Felix Ganz: 1130 South Michigan Avenue, Apt. 71109, 318-631-5040. Referred by Don Teach. Real Estate In 3303, Chicago, IL 60605. Chicago Chapter. vestments.
Robert and BettyWheeler: 6566 West Hoover Place, Littleton, Gerry and Judith Weiner: 2335 Summit Drive, Hillsborough, CO 80123, 303-795-2651, 303-534-6241. Referred by William CA 94010, 415-342-4208, 415-342-4058. Referred by Dorothy Arthur. Engineer, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 1914 Knabe Upr Bromage. Electronic Parts Broker, R2. Stoddard Ampico, 1916 Steinway Upr Duo-Art. Dr. Ralph Manktelow: 49 Appledale Road, Islington, Ontario Mark Tuttle: 10646 Art Street, Sunland, CA 91040, 213-352 M9B 5H2, Canada, 416-231-5355. Referred by Terry Smythe. 6081. Referred by Wally Donoghue. Writer/Producer, Rl, 1927 Knabe 5'4" Ampico Louis XVI. Dr. Taoeusz and Grazyna Radomski: 200-2151 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3N8, Canada, 604-853-6042, 604 Rebecca Dora: 1760 West Decatur Street, Mesa, AZ 85201, 853-0121. Medical Doctor. 602-835-5504. Beckwith Upr Pir. James Turner: 691 Las Casas Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA John C. and Mona F. Klahn: 203 Cave Lane, San Antonio, TX 90272, 213-998-9333. Referred by Roy T. Shelso. Corporate 78209, 512-826-1540, 512-654-6352. Referred by Ruth B. Manager, Southern California Chapter. Smith. Physician, 1930 Victrola Phonograph - table-top Ex hibition VVIX. Jessie and Walter Moore: 9405 Dartcrest, Dallas, TX 75238, 214-348-1749. Retired, Rl, R2, 1925 Aeolian Upr Duo-Art, Roger and Karen High: P.O. Box 663, Nevada City, CA Wilcox and White Symphony Player Organ, Mandolina, 95959-0663, 916-265-6056. Referred by Ken Winters. Arch. Melodia, Amorette, Misc. Phonos, eight reed organs. Drafting, Sierra-Nevada, 1927 Stroud Reproducer Upright Standard Duo-Art. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Richard E. and Bettie Anne Dahlberg: 12613 Chanler Lane, Bowie, MD 20715,301-262-1664. Referred by John R. Grant. Piano-Organ Technician, Rl R3, 1928 Aeolian Reproducer Up right Standard Duo-Art, Misc. Alariona Table Organ.
Randall Stehle: 5886 West Q Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI49009, CLASSIFIED 616-375-5750. Referred by William Cahill. 1924 Marshall & Wendell 'Upright Reproducer (foot-pumpedl 5'2" marque Am picot 1920 Chickering Reproducer 6'5" standard Ampico A, FOR SALE Cir. 1880 Aeolian player organ 5'2" 46-note. PLAY-RITE: QRS and Klavier rolls: 35% discount for small minimum John S. and Joanne Lawrence: Route 2, Box 78, Landenberg, quantities. Catalogs 25¢ each for postage. For price list write Vintage PA 19350, 215-255-4145. Referred by Bob Rosencrans. Piano Workshop, 208 Dartmouth Dr., NE, Alburquerque, NM 87106. FREE LISTS: All types of rolls, cylinder records and machines. Discs, Donald F. and Catherine Zimmer: 3490 Ramona Drive, cobs, catalogs and literature. Mechanical music and much more. Riverside, CA 92506, 714-684-6399, 714-784-0500. Referred Our 24th year ... VI & 51's Antiques, 8970 Main St., Clarence, NY by Dorothy Bromage. Attorney at Law, Rl, 1924 Marshall & 14031. Wendell Reproducer '5' standard grand Ampico A, 1917 El lington Manualo player 4'6" upright standard Baldwin. NEW GERMAN MONKEY STREET ORGAN with 2 rolls $3,200.00. Marshall & Wendell Ampico B. William & Mary art case 100 percent W. Kendall and Beverly Wilke: 1723 Sunset Drive, Livermore, restored by Bill Ackman $8,000.00. New Xylophone A to A# $500.00. CA 94550,415-455-1014. Referred by Molly Yeckley. Timken Cob Roller organ $250.00. Call 216-593-2155. Ohio. K~abe Roller Bearings, Founding, Sierra-Nevada, 1923 repro PIANO RESTORERS DREAM COME TRUE Piano decals for ducing grand 5'4" plain Ampico A, Misc. pinball machine. fallboards and soundboards (some available for the first time) can now be applied by both professional restorer and novice alike! No Thomas Venturella: 87 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003, chemicals needed! No solvents to apply! No messy cleanup! And 212-260-1970,212-228-4252. Referred by Terry Smythe. Artist you can finish over immediately in lacquer or varnish! Decals are of - Stained glass designerlrestorer, 1928 Haines reproducer 5'4" the highest quality artwork and color. Call or write for brochure and Ampico A, Misc. Phonographs. sample. Decals Unlimited, 9333 96th St. No., Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (612) 429-4465. Alan S. Erb: 2318 Tahiti Street, Hayward, CA 94545,415-783 AMPICO PIANO ROLL auction. Over1000 rolls, including many rare 5068,415-768-6254. Referred by Dick Reutlinger. Mechanical "B" rolls. For list write: Dan Raymond 4670 Hollywood Blvd., #314, Los Engineer, Rl, Cable-Nelsonuprightplayer, Misc. Music Boxes. Angeles, CA 90027
<> 42 <> FOR SALE: 5'8" AB Chase Art-Echo with rolls, unrestored $1350. 1928 Merrill Artrio-Angelus with rolls choice un restored $950. 6'6" Ibach Red Welte with 140 rolls $4500, Shultz 5'1" Welte restored $5500. Western Electric "Mascot" nickelodeon restored $7000. 1941 Wur Proud of Your Instrument? litzer 850A jukebox restored $7000. 900 original 88-note rolls 85¢ Have it Restored by Experts. each/lot no. list. Charlie Poulton, 7002 Oakvista Circle, Tampa, FL 33614. 813-885-4153. Here is what the Piano Workshop Does:
FOR SALE: 1906 American Piano player- plays Wurlitzer 5 tune rolls Specialize in rebuilding all types of player pianos for a nickel. $4,000.00 any offer considered. Contact Gavin Chapin. and other automatic musical instruments Anytime a.m. or p.m. 503-726-2152 or 503-997-7540. Restring, rescale and repin instruments FOR SALE - Large collection of reproducing rolls - Ampico, Duo-Art, Telektra, Wurlitzer, Welte. Send SASE for list. F. Cabra, 19 Replace pin blocks, soundboards, hammers and other Keats Ct., Bethpage, NY 11714. action parts
FOR SALE: 1925 Haines Bros. 5'1" grand. Mahogany, refinished, Am Regulate piano action to proper specifications pico restored to perfection, new strings and hammers, $7500. Vince Hand rubbed refinishing Ricca, Columbus, Ohio, 614-488-4208. Restore antiques 5' LINGARD (Wurlitzer) grand piano, mahogany case, rebuilt Recordo A, expression player mechanism. Needs some adjustment and some Over 20 years research and development in tubing completed. Small area on left side near keys needs veneer rebuilding pianos replaced. Two small chips on ivories. Lyre does not fit properly. Pedal controls are not working. Bench and some Recordo and standard rolls Piano keys recovered, sharps & naturals included. $ 1,800 or offer. Winston Jones, 20 Apollo Rd., Tiburon, CA 94920. 415-435-1727. Send all or part of your instrument for proper restorations. FOR SALE: Wurlitzer "B" orchestrion, restored to near mint condition - $19,500.00, Mills Violano, single, restored - $9,500.00, scopitone PIANO WORKSHOP Video Juke Box - $850.00. Bill Kavouras, 2740 Lighthouse Ct., Lyn wood, III. 60411. 312-474-8787. 3166 W. 33 St. Ph. 216-631-1777 Cleveland, Ohio 44109 24 hr. answering servo AMPICO "B" KNABE Grand Piano Mfg. 1935. Mahogony, double leg. Player rebuilt. Piano restrung, valued at $15,000. No reasonable offer refused. David Estey Piano Service 201-340-0179.
APOLLO grand piano with Apollo reproducing action and approx. 250 blue label rolls. (Some still with factory seal intact). Rebuilt in perfect , condition. SCHULTZ grand with art case (P.69, Player Piano Treas.) and Aria Divina action. Approx. 200 rolls. Rebuilt completely. 312-232-7292 or 312-879-6262. WANTED 1927 VICTOR Orthophonic-Radiola Model 7-3. Complete, unre stored. 1929 RCA Radio-Phono Model RE-75. Clean cabinet, elec WANTED: Matching Mahogany bench for colonial style, 1925 Mason & tronics in exc. working order. Pick-up rebuilt. Paul Ciancia 201-891-6842 Hamlin Grand. Vince Ricca, 614-488-4208. eves. WANTED: steinway Duo-Art unrestored in Standard Case, also one ROLL AUCTION: One Steps, Medleys, 1925-1945. Fox Trots, Ger in Louis XV. Jim Brady, 4609 Cranbrook Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46250, shwin. Also 20's Dance-Jazz record auction. S.A.S.E. Seeburg E. Nick 317-259-4305, evenings 317-849-1469. elodeon, 162389. Needs complete restoration $3500. Link Nick elodeon. Very early artstyle 6'5" tall. Not shown in the books. Unre BUYING: Ampico, Duo-Art, Welte and other types of rolls. De stored but refinished. Parts: seeburg roll-frame - no rewind scribe and price. Altman, 8970 Main St., Clarence, NY 14031. pneumatic $250. Eagle window & frame $350. Doors $125. K Roll shelf $450. K stack and flute pipes - nice unrestored $900. KT percussion WANTED: Dutch street organ, Hohner roll - playing accordian, shelf $650 complete. Coinola Pipe chest, 37 note C to C, rough 50.00. large/small collections of mechanical musical literature. Dick Howe, DC Nickelodeon Motor - Adjustable base $45.00. Wally Wood, Box 9318 Wickford, Houston, TX 77024. 8153, La Crescenta, CA 91214 818-246-1225.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please notify Membership Secretary as early as possible.
P.O. Box 172 Columbia,'SC 29202 Sl§~IIK~@)~eNlfR?l@)~@J[g~@J
~ MUSICAL ANTIQUES ~ VIDEOCASSETTES G specializing in Reproducers, all grands, ~ VHS or Beta 2 ~ refinishing, and all player pianos. @J ~ @J 1. Philadelphia Convention COMPLETE RESTORATION i 2. Pasadena Convention • FACILITIES . *3. San Francisco Convention • OWNER OPERATED . 4. Dayton Convention 5. Buffalo/Texas Convention !@]i15years of exper~:~~~r~~i~~~hrelated field of i@J *6. They all laughed ... 7. Interview with Dr. Mana-Zucca CASE AND VENEER REPAIRS • 8. Shura Cherkassky Interview some carving can be duplicated • 9. A Potpourri of Performance FINEST HAND-RUBBED MIRROR FINISHES 10. Covering Pneumatics 00 OR SATIN FINISHES AVAILABLE @ 11. Recovering Organ Regulators @.'loconcertQuality Regulation I~ 12. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves • Lowest Prices, Known References, 13. Regulating the Duo-Art • Guaranteed Work. only the worlds finest known grades of materials are * Also available on Super 8, rental only. i@.'l used. They are always fresh and continually checked. Hot glue and original materials used throughout For rental or purchase information write to: • wherever possible. HowieKoff • Craig Brougher 4271 North First Street #1 San Jose, CA 95134 o 3500 Claremont Independence, Mo. _ !~ I~ (816) 254-1693 60542 ~~AMICA~~_ ~, I~ -;·~I~- ~~I@]l~~@)~(9XBK!?JI@Ji~@J
~~~ ~~[@J)~ 9 E~mfi ~ AMICA ITEMS FOR SALE c:=:::::>
AMICA BULLETINS, BOUND ISSUES: 1971,1972,1973 AMICA TECHNICALITIES BOOKS: bound Bulletins at $15 each. 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, Volume 1 (1969-1971), $9.50 postpaid 1978,1979,1980 bound Bulletins at $18 each. 1981,1982, Volume II (1972-1974), $7.50, postpaid 1983 bound Bulletins at $21 each. PRICES INCLUDE Volume III (1975-1977), $8.50 postpaid POSTAGE AND HANDLING. Spiral bound to lie flat. Volume IV (1978-1980), $6.50, postpaid Send order to Mary Lilien, 4260 Olympiad Dr., Los Reprints of interesting technical articles which Angeles, CA 90043. have appeared in the AMICA News Bulletin, arranged and indexed into appropriate categories. Send orders to: Richard D. Reut STERLING SILVER PINS: AMICA pins with a roll linger, 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117. leader pictured. AMICA is printed on the leader. Suitable for both men and women to wear. $9.00 postpaid. Send orders to Richard D. Reutlinger, AMICA STATIONERY: $3.50 (letter size), $3.20 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117. (note size), including mailing charges. Fine * quality stationery with ornate AMICA borders. * ROLL LEADERS: DUO-ART, AMPICO and Each packet contains 25 letters and matching WELTE. Excellent replicas. For order informa envelopes. Send orders to: Dorothy Bromage, tion, see mailing cover of Jan/Feb 1984 Bulletin. P.O. Box 387, La Habra, CA 90633-0387. Send order to Terry Smythe, 547 Waterloo Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3N OT2, PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO (204) 452-2180. Shipment of leaders is from AMICA INTERNATIONAL ~~um:m;a.? ~[@J)~ ? ~~ ~'i25i'J ***********L~~*******~ *•• ~A1 "011 ROL · * BROADMOORE AUTOMATIC I ~Nr;y" ~ ~ piT AYOTTE * INSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS * ~~'L * ~ Restoration of orchestrions and reproducing pianos ~ * MliSI(' ROLLS INC * ~ * 351 TRYSAIL COURT. FOSTER CITY, CA 94404. (415) 570-55/>5 * RJ our specialty. * ATTN: JOHN MALONE * Finest materials used. ~ * 0·1983 * * "Latest Popular Releases" * "Each part is treated as the most important * 1. New York, New York * part in the machine." * 2. Hello, DoUyl * i 3. (Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody * ~ We are authorities on authenticity. ~ Done Somebody Wrong Song * 4. Alley Cat * Prices of restoration vary according to the grade of ~ 5. I Left My Heart In SaD Franci8eo * 6. The Old PiaDO RoU Blues * I work you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect." R.J * 7. Tomorrow (from "Annie") * ~ No trade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedures ~ * 8. I'd Like To Teaeh The Worlcl To Sing * * 9. Boogie Woogie (The Original) * ~ thoroughly with any customer. I 10. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head 11. Beer Barrel Polka 17 years experience - * * * 12. It's A Small Worlcl * references proudly given upon request. n * 13. C.baret ~ 14. Pennsylvania Polka * Laurence Broadmoore, Owner 15. You Are My SUIl8hine * 1709 "c" First St. G:, :* WORLD'S LARGEST MANUFACTURER I~ San Fernando. CA 91340 ~ ** OF ORCHESTRION ROLLS (O-A-G-4X) ~ 213/365·6231 ~ : AND BAND ORGAN ROLLS (125-150-165) : ~ ~ * Send one dollar for catalog. * r, 532.JC5illillcJl ********************** (A<:.tvoJ Ro\\ Lare\S) ~~~~,,~ 14,i \)abY'\e,~ , omnimedia It. ~ ~iJC: pila" rglb~ A rO"<"d ~l productions'~ c.ompo~\hot'\ 'Nfi\.te.x'\ -to"<" a.
NOTHING TO LOSE - ONLY TO WIN!
RET 0 N I 0 I N T ERN ~ T ION AL GAL LERY ***********************.***********************.**.**** & V I C TOR IA N CAS I N 0 ANT I QUE S *******************••*******.******.************* ARE INVITING YOU TO THE
APRIL 14./15 1984, RIVIERA HOTEL LAS VEGAS MORE THAN 800 LOTS
S 0 M E H IG H L IGHTS: Mechanical music instruments: Miscellaneous: -early Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina -rare double caille -Popperluna slotmachine floormodell -Imhof&Mukle Lucia -5c. Milles roulettemachine -Popper Happy Jazz -Jukeboxes -Hupfeld Helios -Holecomb&Hoke Pop-Corn and -Weber Grandezza Peanut roasting machine -Weber Unica -cash registers -Weber Styria -pinball machines -Nicole Freres Ouverture -soda fountains and a lot more
Our next auction will be Nov.3th 1984 in Zurich Switzerland
Please send catalogue (US $ 10.- or SFr.15.- check or cash) mail your order to with your adress to: RETONIO GALLERY or VICTORIAN CASINO ANTIQUES Zielstr.38 1421 So.Main St. 9050 Appenzell Las Vegas Switzerland Nevada 89104