The AMICA News Bulletin of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association

April1984 21 Number 3 AMICA International Continuing Members: $22 Annual Dues AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION Overseas Members: $28 Dues New Members, add $5 processing fee NEWS BULLETIN (Write to Membership Secretary, PUBLISHER see address below)

Dorothy Bromage Single back issues of the News Bulletin are P.O. Box 387 available from the Publisher for $2.00 each. La Habra, CA 90633-0387 Change of Address: If you move, send the USA new address and phone number to the Membership Secretary, Will Wild and Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Valerie Anderson Association, a non-profit club devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated paper music rolls. AMICA was founded in San INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS Francisco in 1%3. PRESIDENT Terry Smythe (204) 452-2180 Contributions: All subjects of interest to readers of the 547 Waterloo St., Winnipeg, Manitoba Bulletin are encouraged and invited by the publisher. All Canada R3N 012 articles must be received by the 10th of the preceding PAST PRESIDENT Robert M. Taylor month. Every attempt will be made to publish all articles of (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 Molly Yeckley Original Bulletin articles, or material for reprint that is of (419) 684-5742 612 Main St., Cast-alia, OH 44824 significant historical quality and interest, are encouraged and will be rewarded in the form of AMICA membership SECRETARY Richard Reutlinger dues discounts. (Chapter reports and Forum inquiries are (415) 346-8669 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117 excluded.) PUBLISHER Dorothy Bromage ADVERTISING (213) 697-1545 Classified: 10ft per word, $1.50 minimum. P.O. Box 387, La Habra, CA 90633-0387 • All copy must reach the pUblisher by the 10th of the MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY preceding month. Payment must accompany order. (New memberships and mailing problems) Make checks payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Will Wild and Valerie Anderson (803) 758-8846 • Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreign P.O. Box 172, Columbia, SC 29202 countries must be drawn on a U.S. bank. TREASURER Mike & Liz Barnhart Display advertising (513) 254-5580 Full page 7'h"x10" $100.00 919 Lantern Glow Trail, Dayton, OH 45431 Half page 7W'x4%" 50.00 BOARD REPRESENTATIVES Quarter page 3%"x4%" 25.00 Founding Chapter: Howie Koff Southern : Dick Rigg • Each photograph or half-tone $7,00 Texas: Haden Vandiver • See Bulletin deadlines on first page of this issue. Midwest: Vincent Ricca Philadelphia Area: Len Wert • We recommend display advertisers supply camera­ SOWNY: Rick Drewniak ready copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized Rocky Mountain: Dick Kroeckel will be changed to correct size at your cost. We can New Jersey: John De Paris prepare your advertisement from your suggested Iowa: Alvin Johnson layout at cost. Boston Area: Sanford Libman Northern Lights: Lowell Boehland • All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the Sierra-Nevada: Bob Moore preceding month. Chicago Area: Jerry Biasella Heart of America: Ron Bopp • Payment must accompany order. , layout Southeast Area: John O'Loughlin or size alteration charges will be billed separately. Make checks payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. COMMITTEES • Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreign TECHNICAL, Mel Luchetti 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 of 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 AMICNs endorsement of any commercial operation. AUDIO-VISUAL, Howie Koff However, AMICA reserves the right to refuse any ad that 42n No. First St., #1, San Jose, CA 95134 is not in keeping with AMICNs 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. flMICfllnternotionol

CHAPTER OFFICERS AMICA International News Bulletin Volume 21 Number 3 April 1984 FOUNDING CHAPTER NEW JERSEY CONTENTS Pres: Phil McCoy Pres: Oliver Vitakis Vice Pres: Isadora Koff Vice Pres: Lenny Finkel AMICA International 43 Treas: Bob Wilcox Rec Sec: Millie Freyer Rolls and Music .... 46 Sec/Reporter: jack & Dianne Corr Sec: Margery Vitakis Edwards Treas: john Ellems The Forum . 50 Reporter: Richard Groman SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IOWA News from the Chapters 51 Pres: Warren & Rosemary Deasy Pres: AI johnson Instruments 55 Vice Pres: jerry Pell Sec: Holly & Peggy Hollingsworth Vice Pres: George Apland Review 56 Treas: Larry Norman Sec/Treas: Bob Shimp People ... 58 Reporter: Bill Toeppe Reporter: jack Niewoehner BOSTON AREA Technicalities TEXAS 59 Pres: Barry Kasi ndorf Pres: Bob Smith Vice Pres: judy Welsh Vice Pres: john Morris Sec: Bill Koenigsberg The Cover: Both AI Greco and Larry Norman have roll SeclTreas: Carole Beckett Treas: Philip Konop Reporter: Wade Newton collections that include some rolls with striking lead­ Reporter: Donald Brown ers. The leader reproduced on the cover (slightly re­ MIDWEST NORTHERN LIGHTS duced in size) was donated by both of them. Pres: Edwin Ward 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 Pres: jim Edwards Musical Instruments SOWNY (SOUTHERN ONTARIO, WESTERN NY) Vice Pres: Carol Dayton Dutch Pianola Association & Mabel Zivin Society of Friends of Mechanical Pres' Janet Drewniak Sec: Bob & Gloria Taylor Musical Instruments (Germany) Vice Pres: Carl Guhlow Treas: Bill & Dee Kavouras Spc: Alice Guhlow Reporter: Mike Ehart Treas: Mike Walter Reporter: Fred Buchwald HEART OF AMERICA BULLETIN DEADLINES FOR 1984 Pres: Ron Connor ROCKY MOUNTAIN Vice Pres: Tom Hellstein May 10 tor May/June Issue Pres: jere De Backer Sec: Leonard Railsback june 10 for july issue Vice Pres: Bill Arthur Treas: Margaret Taylor july 10 for August issue Sec: Rae Burdetter Reporter: Katie Hellstein September 10 for September/October issue Treas: Art Tarr October 10 for November issue Reporter: Deane & Patty SOUTHEAST AREA: Pres: john O'Loughlin November 10 for December issue Fehrman Vice Pres: Norman Arnold SeclTreas: David Burke Reporter: David Burke ]I 11lI! !1lI! 'Ill! 'Ill' 'Ill' IIll! ,e' UiJl 11lI~m1l!J' 'IllI 'Ill! IllIlE3:5IllI! i 1111II.1;III.UII.i:III.IIIII.,III1.IIII;.IIM.IIII1.IIIII.IIIII.'lIn.11I11.IIIH.mll.mll.IIIII.IIIH.III11.IIII1.IHII8I_IIIJI.IIII1.IIlIl.mll.IIIII.JlIIl.IIIII.IDII.mn'.IIIJI.IIJn8Il11111I111181011.IIIII.nm.1Il!!81D1III11II1.llli1.1II11.lIi11.mli

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS Three-Year Index by Dorothy Bromage In June, AMICA will publish the 1984 Membership Direc­ tory. Advertisers wishing to avail themselves of this opportu­ nity that comes only once every two years please send ad copy The Index for the 1980-81-82 Bulletins is being printed and to will soon be in the mail to those who ordered it. I've been AMICA International waiting, hoping orders would total 200 so that bulk mailing Membership Secretary could be used. No use lingering longer and delaying what will P.O. Box 172 be useful to people. So, here it comes. Thank you for your Columbia, SC 29202-0172 patience. Rates are as follows: Inside back cover 5" X 8" $150.00 Other full page 5" X 8" 125.00 Half page 5" X 4" 65.00 Quarter page 5" X 2" OR 2V2" x 4" 35.00 IF YOU HAVE MISSED AN ISSUE OF THE AMICA NEWS Please note that the above prices are for camera-ready copy. BULLETIN, PLEASE WRITE OR CALL THE PUBLISHER, Copy requiring additional preparation and setup is subject to a DOROTHY BROMAGE, PO BOX 387, LA HABRA, CA $25.00 surcharge. 90633-0387. PHONE 213-697·1545. o 43 0 1984AMICA In addition Nick Norris will be presenting a program on the Pianocorder - the new, modem way to convert your standard Convention Higbligbts piano to piano capable of reproducing the artist. Also, Bob by Ron Bopp, Chairman Taylor from Chicago will lead a lively discussion in the Am­ pico vs. Duo-Art debate. J With the tulips blooming and grass becoming greener we After the workshops, luncheon, mart, reception and ban­ welcome the return of spring and soon another A.M.I.C.A. quet we will have the chance to hear, see and enjoy a musical annual meeting. Being held on the 21st through the 24th of slide program entitled Missouri by the "St. Louis' June, 1984, this year's annual meeting will have somethingfor Ragtimers Duo." Trebor Tichenor and Al Stricker, both mem­ everyone. The optional bus trip on Thursday afternoon will bers of a ragtime band in St. Louis called the "St. Louis Rag­ feature the well known "Plaza," which not only contains spe­ timers" will lead us through a history of ragtime music. The cialty'gourmet and clothing shops but also many of Kansas "St. Louis Ragtimers" group has been performing for 22 years City's fountains which have made Kansas City famous as the and often are featured on the showboat "Goldenrod." Their "City of Fountains." duo has presented a numberof programs inthe St. Louis school In addition to the Kansas City Plaza tour this bus trip will system - teaching the essentials of ragtime to youngsters. also contain a visit to the museum of Jerry Smith. An auto Trebor Tichenor, the pianist for the duo, is an authority on dealer and well-recognized philanthropist, Jerry has built a and Missouri ragtime. He has co-authored a book 30-year of over 11,000 items revolving around on ragtime music and is active in teaching a course on ragtime American memorabilia. His museum contains antique autos, at Washington University. Al Stricker, besides playing banjo horse drawn carriages, advertising signs, weather vanes and for the duo, is an English teacher and is also a historian on toys including musical instruments. Often part of his ragtime music. museum has been used to raise funds for non-profit organiza­ Have I said enough? The 1984 AMICA annual convention tions and his toy collection has been displayed at the Smithso­ holds somethingfor everyone. In addition we will have a most nian Institution. interesting hospitality room, not only with different automa­ Friday afternoon will find us busy enjoying the many re­ tic pianos, but also with the new and innovative photography stored instruments of Kansas City collectors. We will travel exhibit. Dust off that camera and bring your 8" x 10" or larger from the large and varied collection of every type of automatic framed or mat-mounted photo of anything dealing with au­ musical instrument displayed by Jerry Cusick and his family tomatic music. to the large roll operated orchestrions and photoplayer of For details of registration, mart, and organrally see mailing Galen and Linda Bird to the meticously restored reproducing cover of this Bulletin. Plan to Attend -AMICA 841 pianos of Ben and Marth Graves. Our bus time to these collec­ tions will be short and allow for plenty of time to savor the TENTATIVE SCHEDULE automatic music. After a short rest the convention goer will have a chance to Thursday, June 21, 1984 see and hear between 10 and 20 organs, calliopes, calliolas and 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m Registration street organs and - enjoy a sunset Kansas City barbeque. 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m Kansas City Plaza/Jerry Smith Organ rallies have been in existence for 10 or so years in the . Bus Tour (Optional) East and Mid-West, but this will be a first for an AMICA 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Board of Directors Meeting International meeting. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m Piano Salon Saturday morning promises to be interesting with several workshops to choose from. As mentioned in the last month's Friday, June 22, 1984 Bulletin, we will have a lively talk by Mel Septon on piano actions; a visual treat by Jerry Biasella on nickelodeon art 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m Registration glass; Charles Tyler describing his experience with Edison 8:00 a.m Breakfast phonographs and Chuck Pheiffer discussing the Mills Violano. 9:00 a.m. '- 11 :30 a.m General Membership Meeting 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m Open House Tours 6:00 p.m. - 11 :00 p.m Organ Rally/Barbeque

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday, June 23, 1984 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Registration Attention, Conventioneers! 8:00 a.m Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - 11 :45 a.m Workshops 12:00 noon Lunch Please take note of the convention registration form 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Mart printed on the inside of the mailing cover. You will see a place 6:00 p.m. . Reception to check for an optional bus tour and also a place to order a 7:00 p.m. . Banquet T-shirt. If you have ALREADY registered, your registration 8:30 p.m Program: Missouri Ragtime by form did not have both of these. the "St. Louis Ragtimers Duo" Please use the form printed with this issue to request the bus tour or the T-shirt BUT indicate on the form that you have Sunday, June 24, 1984 already registered for the convention and are just adding some­ thing. Oh yes - if you do order additional items, don't forget to 8:30 a.m Farewell Brunch send the check to pay for them. 11 :00 a.m. . Optional Open Houses

o 44 0 MART APPLICATION & RESERVATION

1. The 1984 A.M.I.C.A. annual convention will have a large and varied mart. This Mart will be in the Convention Hall on Saturday after­ noon, June 23, 1984. 2. Participation in the Mart is limited to Members only. Badges must be worn by all to enter and buy/sell. 3. Security will be provided during Mart time at the entrance. 4. Full tables will be available for $15.00 and! tables for $10.00. 5. Fill out the attached form and forward to: Gerold Koehler 1002 Forest JopLin, Mo. 64801

...... ~ Name------Phone------So Address City/State/Zip ~ ------S...... I would like to reserve full tables @ $15.00 or ! tables @ $10.00. ~ :;,I::> o DISCLAIMER t':l The Regency Park Resort and A.M.I.C.A. assume no responsibility for the d~mage or loss of any item or items offered in the Mart, whether by fire, theft, vandalism, pilferage, or any other cause before, during, or after the meeting. It is the responsibility of the owner to provide the necessary insurance coverage for any contingency.

I have read and understand the above disclaimer and accept its terms and Mart Regulations. Signature Date------

Mail this hotel reservation request to: Regency Park Resort Suburban Kansas City 9200 Metcalf Overland Park, KS 66212

RESERVATION REQUEST TO INSURE PROPER RESERVATIONS, RETURN THIS CARD TO THE REGENCY PARK PRIOR TO YOUR CUT-OFF DATE

Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association ALL RESERVATIONS ARE TO BE GUARANTEED BY FIRST NIGHTS Arrival 6/21/84 DEPOSIT OR MAJOR CREDIT CARD Departure 6/24/84 GUARANTEE

Rates .... $43 single $50 double o ADVANCE DEPOSIT AMOUNTS _

NAME ------,--;>OT------c;n~------==­ o MAJOR CREDIT CARD COMPANY LAST FIRST INITIAL SIGNATURE STREET PHONE _ TYPE CITY STATE ZIP NO. _ EXP. DATE _ ROOM TYPE: SINGLE 0 DOUBLE 0 TRIPLE 0 QUAD 0 CHECK IN SHARING ROOM CALL ANY CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS TO 3:00 P.M. RESERVATIONS TOLL FREE CHECK-OUT 1-800-332·5095 [KANSAS]. 1-800-255·5030 [U.S.A.] ARRIVAL ___DEPARTURE -----;:-:-:;:::___ 12:00 NOON HOTEL SWITCHBOARD 1-913-849-7000 DATE DATE CANCEL RESERVATIONS PRIOR TO 4:00 P.M. AMICA '84 Convention IMPORTANT CONVENTION ADDRESSES

Available to all AMICA Chapters for free use is a Convention registration Mart short slide sound presentation, which was given at the Charles Tyler Gerold Koehler Annual Business Meeting in Chicago, in July. Any 1630 Topping 1002 Forest Chapter having available for its use a Singer Caramate Kansas City, MO 64126 Joplin, MO 64801 Projector or a Kodak Ektagraphic Audio Viewer Pro­ jector, may obtain the slide/sound set from Ron Bopp, Hotel Rt. 6, Box 676, Joplin, MO. 64801, for use at any Chapter Regency Park Resort Meetings. Suburban Kansas City Overland Park, KS 66212

Chopin, The Duo-Art and That Special Roll the London Scene Universal Sons Roll #3557 or by Michael Osborn Melodee #3557 "1 Was So Young, You Were So Beautiful" The British Player Piano Group will be presenting an all­ Played by George Gershwin Chopin concert in the Purcell Room (part of the South Bank Judy Welsh Concert Halls complex - which includes the Royal Festival 3 Junction Rd., No. , MA 01864 Hall) in London on Thursday, 17 May. We shall be playing the best of the Duo-Art Chopin rolls, with Horowitz, Rubinstein, Welte #C7106 Paderewski, Cortot, Hofmann etc. Denis Hall will play the "Fugato-Humoresque on the theme of Dixie" Op. 21 (Mana­ Op. 12 Variations Brillantes and some other less familiar Cho­ Zucca) pin works (Pianola-playing). He is very good indeed. I have Played by Margaret Volavy persuaded Antony Hopkins (famous conductor, composer, Robin, Pratt pianist, broadcaster, writer) to introduce the programme for 4180 N. Marine Dr. #1609, Chicago, IL 60613 us. It should be a good evening! Maybe some of the AMICA members will be in London on Duo-Art #66357 that date. If so we should of course be delighted to see them. "Barcarolle" Op. 75 #8 (Mary Carr Moore) Played by Ashley Pettis Catherine Smith Depar~mentof Music, Univ. of Nevada Reno, NV 89557

U.S. "That's the Tune" Ronald Rainville 259 Seymour Ave., Springfield, MA 01109 LI Answer" - Alfred G. Robyn Kmita Ampico 221F Ampico or Welte Felix Arndt D-A 100465 "Never Swat a Fly" Played by V. Lawnhurst This was a popular song and was recorded on Frank Holland phonograph recordings by several prominent singers. The British Piano Museum Two piano rolls were made. 368 High St., Brentford, Mx TW8 OBD Alfred G. Robyn's songs carried his name over the u.s. and found popularity in other countries. He wrote iiIli the incidental music to Raymond Hitchcock's most successjulplay, "The Yankee Consul." Robyn was born IS THERE A SPECIAL ROLL YOU WANT? in St. Louis and died in , October 18, Send as much information as you can to Dorothy Bromage, 1935. Publisher, AMICA News Bulletin, P.O. Box 387, La Habra, CA 90633-0387. - Emmett M. Ford

<> 46 <> Ampico Performances With Disc before Victor publicly announced the new electrical process. On one side is the Mozart "Rondo alIa Turca" and on the other Counterparts is the Gluck-Sgambati "Melody," the latter piece being the by David H. Wallis same as Ampico No. 64921. Apparently this disc had an ex­ tremely limited period of issue, for it is not in the 1927 (or any For a long while now I have thought of compiling a listing subsequent) Victor Catalogue. The only reason I can think of of all Ampico rolls of which the exact same musical compo­ for its early demise is that the Mozart is played rather eccen­ sitions and pianists can be heard on disc-version perfor­ trically, although well recorded for the very early electrical mances. This listing contains 77 rolls (and almost that many process; the "Melody" is very elegantly played and very well individual musical selections, although a few pieces required recorded. The second finding is that I can now say with cer­ two- or three-roll setsl played by 21 different pianists. In the tainty that Victor Record 1184 contains the No.6, not No.4, of column next to the Ampico roll number, I have listed the the Op.39, Etudes Tableaux of Rachmaninoff, Ampico No. phonograph disc make and record number of the same music 60891. At the time of my original research, I did not have a by these pianists. I cannot say this is a complete listing, al­ copy of the disc to play; I now do." though I would guess it is about 95% so. Obviously there may be records of whose existence I am unaware either because I do not have the records themselves in my own or because I do not have the catalogues listing them. I leave it to some one KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS AND EXPLANATIONS OF else to fill in the gaps, and I would welcome any additions or RECORD NUMBERS corrections. Also, I challenge someone else out there to take up a similar project, listing Duo-Art and Welte pianists whose El: electric recording performances can also be found on discs. Such a listing would Ac.: acoustic recording be both useful and informative to many people. Also, a yet Vic.: Victor more comprehensive project comes to mind: a listing of all Col.: Columbia rolls of the pianists. Certainly such research would yield some Brun.: Brunswick interesting interconnections, e.g., the titles of Ferdinand HMV.: His Master's Voice Himmelreich's one Ampico roll, his many Angelus rolls, his The number 10- or 12- before the designation"Ac" or "El" 10 acoustic Victor sides, and his (at leastl one acoustic Okeh indicates the record size. The numbers in parentheses after side. How interesting to have such complete listings on all the acoustic Victor and a few Brunswicks indicates the double­ pianists who made rolls! However, such a project is a broad sided number. If only one number is given, the record was one and beyond the resources, though not the imagination, of issued only in that foim. Five-digit, ten-inch acoustic Victors this researcher. beginning 18000, 19000, and electric Victors beginning 20000 Since I wrote this paper, two interesting facts about are all black label; Victor acoustic45000 series is blue label; all Rachmaninoff recordings have come to light. First, I recently other Victors are red label except 12-inch acoustic 31000 acquired a very rare Rachmaninoff Victor Record, No. 1124. series, which is black. Five-digit Victors beginning 64000 and This is a very early electrical recording, apparently recorded in 66000 are lO-inch, single-faced; 74000 and 88000 are 12-inch, 1925, for it has the acoustic label and was, therefore, issued single-faced. Except as noted, all other records are double­ faced except Brunswick 10000 series, which is single-faced.

AMPICO ROLL DISC RECORD PIANIST PIECE NUMBER NUMBER

Bargy, Roy Pianoflage (Bargy) 68751£ 10 Ac Vic 18969 Rufenreddy (Bargy) 68641£ 10 Ac Vic 19320 Barth, (Richardl Hans Narcissus (Nevin) 68l71F 10 £1 Vic 20121 Bauer, Harold Waldesrauschen (Liszt/ 548l4H 12 £1 Vic 11-9113 Impromptu, Gp. 90, No.4, 5l5l7M 12 Ac Vic 6468 A Flat (Schubert) Copeland, George Gnossienne (Satiel 57323H 10 £1 Vic 1629 Igualada (Zuera/ 62l13H 12 £1 Vic 7781 Cortot, Alfred Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 (Liszt) 59263H 12 AcVic 74670; 74822 (63351 OR 12 £1 Vic 6626 Variations Serieuses, 66033H 12 £1 Vic 15173; 15174 Gp. 54, 0 Minor (Mendelssohn) Friml, Rudolph Amour Coquet (Friml) 66513H 12 £1 Vic 9649 lwith "Improvisation" on same side)

<> 47 <> PIANIST PIECE AMPICOROLL DISC RECORD NUMBER NUMBER

Godowsky, Leopold Ballade, Op. 47, No.3, A Flat (Chopin) 51126M 12 Ac Bmn 50042 Berceuse, Op. 57, D Flat [Chopin) 50214H 12 Ac Col A5597 Campanella, La (Lisztl (Stoddard) 12 Ac Col A5484 5285K Mes Joies - Chant 64051H 10 Ac Bmn 15042 Polonaise, Op. 74, No.5, G Flat (Chopin) Nocturne, Op. 37, No. 2 [Chopin) 56834K 12 El Col 67567D

Polonaise, Op. 53, A Flat (Chopin) 56336P 12 Ac Col A5550 OR (Stoddard) 12 Ac Bmn 50024 OR 6566M 12 El Bmn 50078 Waltz, E Minor (Chopin) 54944H 12 Ac Col A5858 Waltz, Gp. 42, A Flat (Chopin) 51554J 12 Ac Col A5791 Waltz, Gp. 64, No.2, 54954H 10 Ac Bmn 10031 C Sharp Minor (Chopin) (150181 Waltz, Gp. 70, No. I, G Flat (Chopin) 50482F 12 Ac Col AS 791 (later No. 7024M) Griinfeld, Alfred Fmhlingsstimmen IStrauss-Griinfeld) 68573H 12 Ac Vic 31784 Hambourg, Mark Etude, Gp. 10, No.5 (Chopin) 55502F 12Ac HMVD71 Etude in D Flat lLisztl 55574H 12 Ac HMV D692 Horowitz, Vladimir Carmen - Variations 72504 10 El Vic 1327 [Bizet - Horowitz) [from Duo-Art) LaForge, Frank Danse Creole (Chaminade) 52572E 10 Ac Vic 45050 Levitzki, Mischa Hungarian Rhapsody No.6 (Liszt) 57437H 12 El Vic 7276 Rondo Capriccioso in E (Mendelssohn) 70263H 10 El Vic 1651 Sonata, Gp. 22, G Minor (Schumann) 61163H (Pt.l) 12 El Vic 8363 61323H IPt.2) (Pts. I, 2); 61693H (Pt.3) 12 El Vic 8364 (Pts. 3, 4) Valse in A Major (Levitzki) 61051G 10 El Vic 2008 Lhevinne, Josef An den schonen blauen Donau 67563H 12 El Vic 6840 [Strauss - Schulz-Eyler) Etude, Gp. 10, No. 11 68001H 12 El Vic 8868 E Flat (Chopin) (with Op. 25, [with Etudes, Op. 25, No.9, G Flat) No.6, G Minor; Op. 25, No. 11, A Minor) Polonaise, Gp. 53, A Flat (Chopin) 69833H 10 El Vic 1765 Moisewitsch, Benno Arabesque in Etude Form, 62791G 12 Ac HMV D588 Gp. 45, No.1 (Leschetizky) Hark! Hark! the Lark! (Schubert - Liszt) 59731H 10 Ac HMV E216 Impromptu, Gp. 36, No.2, F Sharp [Chopin) 69053H 12 Ac HMV D735 Jeux d'Eau (Ravel) 57836H 12 AcHMVD58 Minstrels-"Prelude" Vol. I, No. 12lDebussy) 57973H 10 Ac HMV E216 Nocturne, Gp. 72, No. I, E Minor (Chopin) 67143H 12 Ac HMV D676

<) 48 <) AMPICOROLL DISC RECORD PIANIST PIECE NUMBER NUMBER

Paderewski, Ignace Jan Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 (Liszt) 71813 12 Ac Vic 74805i 74806 (2 Pts.)

/ (6235) Minuet in G, Op. 14, No.1 (Paderewski) 71801 12 Ac Vic 88321 OR 12 Ac Vic 74533 (6232) OR 12 El Vic 6690 OR 12 El Vic 16250 Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven) 71773 12 El Vic Album M349 (1st, 2nd Mvts.) (2 records; 3 sides) 71783 (4th side: Minuet in Gl (3rd Mvt.) Rachmaninoff, Sergei Brooklet (Shubert - Rachmaninoff) 65771H 10 El Vic 1196 Das Wandern (Shubert - Liszt) 64561H 10 El Vic 1161 Etude Tableaux, Op. 36, (either No. 4)69593H 10 El Vic 1184 either No.4 or No.6 (?) (or No. 6)60891 Hopak (Moussorgsky - Rachmaninoff) 60641K 10 El Vic 1161 Humoresque, Op. 10, No.5 (Rachmaninoff) 57965H 10 £1 Vic 2123 [Set 722) Impromptu, Op. 90, No.4, A Flat (Chopin) 69373H 12 El Vic 6621 Liebesfreud (Kreisler - Rachmaninoff) 66143H 10 El Vic 1142 OR 12 El Vic 11-8728 Liebeslied (Kreisler - Rachmaninoff) 62103H 12 Ac Vic 74723 (6259) Lilacs (Rachmaninoff) 61761H 10 Ac Vic 64906 (1051) ;:- Rachmaninoff, Sergei Melodie, Op. 3 (Rachmaninoff) 57545 10 El Vic 2123 (Set M722) Minuet in G (Paderewski) 68823H 12 El Vic 6731 Minuet (L'Arlesienne Suite) 61601H 10 Ac Vic 66085 (816) (Rachmaninoff - Bizet) Polichinelle, Op. 3, No.4 (Rachmaninoff) 57905H 12 Ac Vic 74807 (6452) Polka de W. R. (Rachmaninoff) 57275H 12 Ac Vic 74728 (6260) OR 12 El Vic 6857 Prelude in C Sharp Minor (Rachmaninoff) 57504H 10 Ac Vic 66016 (814) OR 10 El Vic 1326 Prelude in G Minor (Rachmaninoff) 57525H 12 Ac Vic 74628 (6261) Sarabande, 0 Major (Bach) 66483H 12 El Vic 6621 Serenade, Op. 3, No.5 (Rachmaninoff) 62441H 10 Ac Vic 66129 (816) OR 10 El Vic 1762 Spinning Song, A Major (Mendelssohn) 59661H 10 Ac Vic 64921 (814) OR 10 E1 Vic 1326 Troika en traineaux (Tschaikowsky) 57914H 12 Ac Vic 74630 (6260) OR 12 El Vic 6857 Turkish March (Beethoven - Rachmaninoff) 68771 10 El Vic 1196 Valse, Op. 40, No.8, A Flat (Tschaikowsky) 62531H 10 Ac Vic 972 Waltz, Op. 18, E Flat (Chopin) 59743H 12 Ac Vic 74679 (62591 Were I a Bird (Henselt) 62971H 10 Ac Vic 1051

<> 49 <> PIANIST PIECE AMPICO ROLL DISC RECORD NUMBER NUMBER Rosenthal, Moriz Camaval de Vienne (Strauss-Rosenthal) 65313H 12 £1 Vic 11-8175 Waltz, Op. 42, A Flat (Chopin) 64123H 12 £1 Vic 14299 / (from Set M338) ALSO 12 £1 HMV DB2772 Samaroff, Olga Turkish March (Beethoven-Rubinstein) 59831G 10 Ac Vic 64965 (825) Clair de Lune (Debussy) 52305H 12 Ac Vic 6540 Scharwenka, Xaver Polish National Dance, 6000lH 12 Ac Col A5260 Op. 3, No.1 (Scharwenka) Schmitz, £. Robert CathedraIe engloutie (Debussy) 68293 12 £1 Vic 11-8240 Schnabel, Arthur Italian Concerto (Bach) (Mvt. 1) 62721 12 £1 Vic Set DM806 (Mvt.2) 62733 (Mvt.3) 62741

1114 My Sin QRS 4688 (Cook) 1019 Paddlin' Madelin Home M106 Smiles Ampico 70223 (Arden & Carroll) Whispering Japanese Sandman Margie Avalon 1062 Sophisticated Lady QRS 5707 (Cook) 1133 Stars and Stripes Forever 1027 That's My Weakness Now MelODee Rolls? 1065 Twelfth Street Rag 1066 Way Down Yonder in by Bill Englund New Orleans QRS 2083 (Wendling)

I have twenty-one MelODee rolls, not the original kind put out by the Aeolian Company, but the ones in the green boxes No doubt you often feel Keenly the inability to thoroughly gratify your musical ambitions put out by Givens-Gourley. Two of these rolls were originally and to contribute as much as )'ou would like to the enjoyment of Ampico rolls, which is no big surprise. I think that was pretty your friends. If it were not for the long years of toil. you would have taken up music long ago as a delightful hobby, but now common knowledge. However, I just recently discovered that you think it is too late. However, we say to you, "IT IS four of these rolls are actually old QRS rolls. That may be NEVER TOO LATE." You may still become a virtuoso and revel in the delights of your own musical performance. by common knowledge also, but it wasn't to me. Anyway, here is acquiring, at practically no expense, Kastner's celebrated my list of twenty-one rolls along with the origins for the six I know. My question is: What are the origins of the otherfifteen rolls? ~utOJlinno The unique features oflhe •• AUlopiano" place you on a par with the greatest pianiqs. There is no other instrument thai has such ... aluable qualities as the 1162 After You've Gone .. KASTONOi\IE," which separately controls the degree of po\\'er of (:\'e,y indivi<1u:tl note, the" CORRECTOGUIDE:' n·hich infallibly guidc~ the 1026 Baby Face QRS 3611 IArden) music-roll and absolutely avoids wrong noles in 88-note music, the .. ETRO· 1017 Birth of the Blues, The NOf\IE." the composer's guide "10 musical interprelalion. the .. TEi\1 PO­ M143 Bouquet of Roses, A Ampico 63403 (Lopez) NO;\'IE," most sensitive changes of lime, the PAT E NT FL F. XIB l. J:: 1258 Collegiate FINGERS. giving a touch like the M human fingers. lhe .. SOLOIST," Ihe 1153 Frankie and Johnny .. OMETfOR" and KASTNER RE­ LIANCE MOTOR, the whole rorming 1143 Girl of My Dreams an ideal combination enabling )'OU 10 obtain true rendition of the Masterpieces 1131 Hard Hearted Hannah with )'our own personalily in the music, 1004 I'm Confessin' That I Love You MODELS: Kastner. Lipp. Rnchnls. Hopkinson, Broadwood, Allison. 1150 I Never See Maggie Alone Steinweg Nachf, Kaim, Kaps. tic. M109 Just A Memory You \l'llI be aSloulldcd by a visil !O our .sho... ,ooms. ~~~~ ~~~ '~'ilf~l~li~~~~~'J·fu~I~~~iucI ~~·~~c~:~;c~ Was It A Dream and will meet your wi~hcs o.s H~~:llds payment. , ~ Plc:l~e write at once (or Art Calalo~e A 4, Blue Room, The KASTNER & CO., LTD., Lane In Spain, A 34, 35, 36, MARGARET ST., CAVENOISU SQUARE CORNER (s...·..,." 1,,,,,,,,, "" 1111 X",·"" (,-"", 0 ..(,.,.,1 (.,,.,W I" Q.U(,,·S H"IJ, LellJ"". fV.) My Old Nebraska Home Mudlaltr Suaple EU.ibilioD alld NortJ.erD MU$ic-RoU Library, :~is}~ii,se~:n~b~e~~indee ~~h~~t~ 1060 Me and My Shadow 1, Police Street. SL ADII Stlftt (Facio, DtalUple) (Fint floor). Dublin Ubrary: 31/32. Grahon SI, "(JIll'Aulo.J.Iinno 1105 Mean To Me llfn,slner &-

IOWA CHICAGO AREA Reporter: Tack Niewoehner Reporter: Mike Bhart

A small group of Iowa AMICAns braved pea soup fog to The '84 season for the Chicago Area Chapter got off to a meet at Bob Shimp's Valley Mill near Garnavillo for the first super start with our first meeting Sunday, February 26th. Al meeting of 1984. Bob Shimp and Al Johnson began the meeting and Sue Choffnes of Deerfield, Illinois opened their home and on Friday afternoon but the rest of ourgroup didn't arrive until provided the atmosphere for a nostalgic trip back to the post Saturday. war era of the '40s. Some imaginative members came dressed We spent Saturday afternoon in the mill, sawing and plan­ in the styles of the time, while others brought piano rolls to ing pieces of wood to make thumb pianos, tongue drums and reminisce by. Al and Sue's immaculate Wurlitzer 1015 with xylophones. Late in the afternoon, we moved to the house to vintage°'78s provided the background music, as members ar­ warm up and begin assembly of the instruments. To say the rived and quickly made themselves at home. least, our results were less than satisfactory, mainly due to The Choffnes' have a very extensive collection of disc and poor working conditions. (You know, the glue was too cold, my cylinder music boxes, many of which were restored by AI. knife was too dull, the light was too dim, I had a headache, that While waiting for our President, Jim Edwards and VP, Carol sort of thing.) Meanwhile, Stan Peters whittled a propeller for Dayton, to arrive Ithey couldn't resist a local auction featuring an "Oh Yea" machine, (good subject for a technical article) and a Steinway Duo-Art}, we took the opportunity to play rolls on had good results as usual. We stopped work to eat - or was it the 1926 style WR Weber Duo-Art and enjoy all the musical to avoid further frustration - and then sat around talking treasures scattered throughout the house. Besides music about calliopes, band organs and motors for nickelodeons. boxes, our hosts collect phonographs, small organs, early ven­ Some of us stayed overnight while those of us who live ding machines and antique toys. AI, by the way, is President of nearby went home and returned the next day for the business the Musical Box Society and is no slouch when it comes to meeting. Our next meeting was set for April 29 -in Cedar explaining the mechanics and history of the numerous items Rapids to be hosted by Rex Fritts. The meeting will hopefully in his collection. Wayne Wolf brought along his notepad and include a visit to Brucemore, a mansion now open for tours, caliper to do some measuring of Al 'sReginaphone, a beautiful and inspection of their Aeolian-Skinner player pipe organ and combination disc music box and phonograph. Wayne is restor­ a nickelodeon. Also discussed was our planned summer meet­ ing a similar piece in his collection. ing at the Salisbury House in Des Moines, a mansion built by a In keeping with the austerity of the post war years we dined cosmetics manufacturer and now owned by the Iowa State on hotdogs and a variety of other goodies contributed by the Education Association. The major attraction for us AMICAns fifty-odd members and guests in attendance. is a Welte Philharmonic player pipe organ. We will need at Following dinner, Jim, with can of beer in hand, brought least 20 persons at $2.50 per person admission, so we invite all the meeting to order. Bob and Gloria Taylor filled us in on our nearby AMICAns to join us. An announcement will appear last meeting and Dee Kavouras brought us up to date on our later in the Bulletin when we get the date set. In the meantime, finances and membership status. Jim made the group aware of if you are interested, contactour chapter secretary, Bob Shimp. two noteworthy upcoming events. On March 23rd and 24th at Our meeting adjourned at noon on Sunday, and we headed Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Orchestra will out to feel our way home in the fog. be performing in concert accompanying a Steinway Duo-Art. The piano is from the collection of Bill and Trudy Maier. Jim invited anyone interested in attending to join him and Bob

Our hosts, Ai and Sue Choffnes. o 51 0 Taylor for an enjoyable concert week-end. Also, this summer in London the Royal Philhannonic Orchestra will be perfonn­ ing with a reproducing piano. After the business meeting adjourned we broke up into groups for a tour and demonstration of the musical capabilities of the various makes and styles of music boxes. AI, assisted by Larry Dupon, answered questions, explained the

Larry Dupon explaining Regina Sublima Automatic Disc Changing music box. mechanisms and gave a short history on the different disc and cylinder instruments in the collection. Thanks to Al and Sue from all of us for a very enjoyable afternoon. Our next meeting is tentatively set for May 20th, hosted by Larry Dupon. Included on the agenda is guest speaker Felix Ganz. Felix will discuss and demonstrate the various styles Wayne Wolf at work on the Reginaphone, Style 240. and interpretations of roll recording artists and how their techniques compare to present day artists. Once again we cordially invite anyone within a reasonable distance of the Chicago area to come join us. Ifyou're interested in attending, call Carol Dayton on 832- 8239 or Mabel Zivinon 677-7950 for' infonnation.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN Reporter: Jere DeBacker

January 20, '1984 proved to be a very enjoyable and musical evening for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of AMICA, some guests and several very talented musicians. Foremost on the Elsa and Toe Pekarek. evening's agenda was, of course a superb Scott Joplin Ragtime concert by Joshua Rifkin, at the Arvada Centerfor the Arts and Humanities. The music came alive on the stage as an exuber­ ant Joshua Rifkin brought his special zest to the familiar rags, waltzes and marches. Joshua Rifkin enjoys an international reputation as a musician of unique insight and adventurousness. In the early 1970's, his recording and concert appearances sparked the re­ vival of Scott Joplin's music in both the United States and Great Britain; more recently, he has won acclaim as director of the Bach Ensemble - which he founded in 1978 and whose recording of Bach's Mass inBminor has just received England's Gramophone Award as the best choral record of 1983 - and for J his conducting of music ranging from Mozart to Schoenberg and beyond. In addition to his performing activities, Mr. Rif­ kin has achieved recognition as a music historian, contribut­ 11:£~~ ,; ... .iJ::'''rJ. .. ing studies of Renaissance and Baroque music to publications in the United States and Europe, and he has been elected a Sue Nelson and Phyllis Ehart adorning the Regina Corona Fellow of the Institute for Advance Studies in West Berlin.* Automatic Disc Changer with art glass front. *This paragraph taken directly from the concert program.

o 52 0 Joshua Rifkin playing the Mason etJ Hamlin, with Gertrude Anderson in background.

Michael Dougherty and Larry Simon

Joshua Rifkin chating with Doug Eaton, Mike Dougherty and Art Tarr in background.

Lois Nemisek, Ohwana Wick seated, Olive Barton. pieces are of his own composition and are available on an album entitled "Pinelands Memoir" on a Euphonic Sound Recording Co. label. Mr. Roberts has also made some piano rolls. His music is captivating and especially a treat to hear played by the composer. Mr. Rifkin treated us to one of his own compositions entitled "A Little Lamb" with reference to the great ragtime composer, . His relaxed "at ease" mannerwith the guests was apparent as people were drawn into the music and Mr. Rifkin's impecable style shined with each note. Mr. Rifkin and Mr. Roberts had met previously and had Jere De Backer with new member Don Winter. discovered that they both enjoyed the Jelly Roll Morton music. For the next half hour or so, we were treated to a rare After the concert, the group went from the Center to the eventand a privilege for those of us present. Mr. Rifkin playing De Backer's for a reception in honor of Joshua Rifkin. Many the Mason & Hamlin and Mr. Roberts playing the Apollo, anxious music lovers waited briefly until Mr. Rifkin arrived, proceded to improvise two piano duets of such famous Jelly and soon the briskness of the January evening faded while Roll Morton pieces as "Pearls", "Kansas City Stomps", "Win­ guests munched and sipped as the Apollo Art Xelectric played nin Boy Blues" and "Mr. Jelly Lord". Everyone, especially the in a few tunes. Mr. Rifkin chose not to lead the playing and artists enjoyed this bitof pleasure. It was obvious that theyhad another talented ragtime composer and pianist, David a good time, as we listened to them speak fondly of music and Thomas Roberts began to play. Mr. Roberts started the evening reminisce during and between songs. with "Madison Heights Girl" and "Robert Clamente", both It was well after midnight when I had the pleasure of driving Mr. Rifkin and his friend Helen Palmer back to the o 53 0 Brown Palace Hotel. The evening was delightful and a big success, mainly due to the fact that Mr. Rifkin is not only a superb musician and perfonner, but a very charming and de­ lightful person. It was a pleasure to entertain him, and to have him entertain us in such a personable manner. /

FOUNDING CHAPTER Reporter: lack Edwards

The afternoon of January 22 found the Founding Chapter gathering once again at the Saratoga home of Tom and Ida Fryer as we did last January. As we did last January, we all marveled at the Fryer home even more when we remembered that Tom and Ida built about ninty-five percent of it them­ selves.

j Elmer Klein finds a favorite roll.

The Fryers have two pianos. Upstairs, they have an old fashioned grand. Old fashioned means, of course, that the player is.human and must push the keys down him or herself. Downstairs is a Chickering upright Arnpico. The Ampico has been in Ida's family for years, and Ida has come into ownership for just over a couple of years now. It has been completely refurbished, and Ida is now building a collection of rolls. Al­ though the photos don't show the wall with the roll collection, be assured that Ida has done considerable work in enlarging the Fryer music library. Besides gathering around the piano, many AMICAns jour­ neyed upstairs to find the televison set, as this meeting took place on SuperbowI Sunday. Ah, AMICAns are diverse in their interests. Nobody took a census to see how many were glued to the tube to watch thewandering Raiders do in the Redskins. The next meeting will be at the home of Dick Reutlinger during the Olympics. Since the Chrysanthemum Ragtime Band will be playing, it is doubtful that people will be gathered around Dick's Hoffman EZVision Televison to watch some East Gennan fall down in the snow. One particular highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of Holly and Peggy Hollingsworth, the secretaries of the South­ ern Caliiornia Chapter. They are delightful people, and we are all glad that they took advantage of our open invitation to all AMICAns to attend our meetings while in the Bay Area. l As always, Tom and Ida Fryer are most gracious hosts, and with the food, drink, sports and the Arnpico, everyone present enjoyed himself. Superhosts: Tom and Ida Fryer.

<> 54 <> 1lnstruments ,c.

A Lecture Long Ago much like a Venetian blind causing a "swell" or crescendo. by Ruth Bingamin Smith Both were unsatisfactory as to tone. About 1721 Christoph Shottera German invented the downward-striking wooden hammer action and in 1760 when the first great English piano Ladies and gentlemen: I am here tonight primarily to play was built in London it contained the Schroter action. Because for you. But before I do, permit me to say a few words. When of the larger size and heavier stringing possible as a result, listening to a recital, few of you evergive a thought to anything these square pianos proved very popular and for the next t~n but the music you are hearing and the artist himself. But there years were manufactured in Germany and France as well as m is another element that enters into it - one which the per­ England and the first one appeared in this country in ~ 775 former knows is important to his success or his failure - and being exhibited in Philadelphia. From this time on, Amencan that is the instrument upon which he plays. He may have a manufacturing ingenuity carried on rapidly with the inven­ sincere feeling for his music- a feeling for nuance, for shading tion of the full iron frame in 1800, permitting still heavier by means of a rising and falling of tone, of scale and of passage, stringing and therefore greater volume of tone and by the but unless his instrument responds fluently to his intention, invention about 1880 of the Upright piano. The Upright was a the listener is unaware of his meaning and his interpretation. sensation offering the musician a compass of six octaves and Thus it is that artists choose their instruments carefully. because of the convenience of the size and shape quickly took Every world famous pianist who goes on tour, is accompanied the place in popularity of the square piano. The Grand was by his chosen concert grand piano, presided over by an atten­ bom of the two and has ever been the love of the true musician. dant and a tuner whose sole duty it is to keep it in the best America now outstripped the Continent in the production of possible condition. Granting then its importance it has always really fine pianos and a high water mark was reached. For the seemed to me that too little credit is given. Nothing is said past decade however, they have been content to rest on their except a small printed line at the bottom of the program laurels and nothing has been done in the line of any real new announcing "So-and so' uses the 'so-and-so' piano exclu­ development. 1932, however marks the date of a great leap sively". I wonder for instance, how many of you know that forward and it is this that I am particularly anxious to tell you Harold Bauer, when he played recently in Carmel and played about tonight. so magnificently, used a Baldwin Masterpiece grand. Perfection it is said is largely a matter of being divinely The history of piano building is the record of a longseries of dissatisfied. The Baldwin piano has long seemed a perfect experiments throughout many countries and covering many instrument. It was awarded first place at World Expositions centuries. The earliest forerunner was invented by the held in Paris in 1900, St. Louis in 1904 and in London in 1914 Chinese in 2650 B.C. - a fifty stringed instrument called the and has ever stood at the top. But the men who made Baldwin "Ke" and was a forerunner only inasmuch as it was the first were not satisfied. The best pianos have always been made by recorded successful effort to make tone out of strings stretched hand and probably will always be. But seven years ago .it over a sounding board. In 562 Pythagoras invented the B.c. Ba~dwm "monochord", a lute-shaped wooden affai! on which the became apparent to Lucien Wulsin, president of the company, that since human skill had carried the productIOn of Greeks sought the musical relation of sound on its single tone as far as it seemed possible, further advance could be string. The "Dulcimer" was introduced to Europe in the mid­ made only if scientific instruments could be invented which dle ages possibly by the Saracens. It was a square box contain­ ing the strings which were played by a wooden hammerheld in would in effect give super-human ears and super-human eyes to piano craftsmen. Accordingly he conferred with the d~­ either hand. The "Sawtrie" or "Psaltry" a little later was trian­ ~nd gular box having the strings of unequal length. The Italians partment of Physics at the University of Cincinnatti at hIS ~nto went a step further in the Fifteenth century with the instigation they conducted an exhaustive research tone mvent~d. "Clavicytherium" - This was a triangular box placed upright analysis with the result that a tone spectograph was on legs and played by a small keyboard. The ever-inventive This Tone Spectograph is truly a miracle of modern PhYSICS and ever-musical Germans copied and improved this by the and I wish that I could tell you more about it then I shall be "Clavichord" - the real ancestory of the modem piano. The able to do. Being exclusively a Baldwin invention and owned ~s later improved ones had a separate key and string for each and operated only by that company, the secret naturally ~emg tone, wire strings, a wooden sounding board and was the first guarded. As I understand it, however, the tone teste.d IS instrument of its kind to offer the player any chance for indi­ sounded by a wooden key-striker which falls time and time viduality in that the tone could be shaded. It was a great again with exactly the same force - a thing notpos.sible with.a favorite of in his day for the tone was human finger. As the tone is given off by the soundmg board, It sweet and gentle and of a certain tremulous, spiritual quality, enters a microphone which conveys it to the Tone Spectrog­ vibratio~s though insufficient in strength for the concert hall. Accord­ raph where it is broken up into electrical -!or tone ingly the "Harpsichord" appeared larger in size, shaped a bit you mayor may not know is vibration. These. VIbrations ~re like our concert grands and differing from the clavichord in its amplified to show clear on lighted dIals much lIke inward construction. In the clavichord the strings were struck our radio dials. When experiments were first being made, by brass tangents whereas in the harpsichord they were world famous artists such as Harold Bauer, Josef Lhevinne, plucked by stout quills firmly imbedded in the back of the Walter Gieseking and others were called in for consultation keys, giving a harsh, loud sound and incapable of being shaded. and when all had agreed that a certain tone was the most The later improved ones of the Seventeenth century had a perfect and the most desired one, a record and picture were pedal arrangement which opened shutters over the strings made of it to serve as a model for building up the entire scale. If the tone goes beyond or below the perfect picture, it proves a <> 55 <> slight imperfection, perfect as it may have seemed to the Unusual Ride Featured in European human ear, and back to the factory it must go for further readjustment. Thus it can be seen that tone perfection is no Amusement Park longer subject to human frailties but has become an exact by Herb Stockinger science. But tone perfection was not all they accomplished. They discovered that certain sections of the keyboard re­ Imagine, if you can, a carousel with real live horses! sponded differently to to different woods - so that now, in­ Mind-boggling, isn't it? In the Prater, in Vienna, there is (or stead of the sounding being made of the same wood, it is was), such a wonderous machine. composed of ribs of various kinds. New felts were tested for This composite picture was taken without flash in the late hammer heads, there is a new and more comfortable pedal afternoon. The horses seen here are tethered to the spokes of a arrangement and many, many other things I sha'n't have time huge wheel with chains taking the place of a rim. What must to tell about. be the world's largest orchestrion is centered over the hub. The Now unknown to any but the Baldwin men and the artists floor, of course, is dirt and the poor horses when at rest look themselves, these new Baldwin Masterpiece model grands like they are going to collapse in a heap. They really look more were launched in concerts of this past season, their introduc­ dead than alive! tion rendered the more dramatic in that no inkling had been At the first note of the "band organ", they are head-up and given out beforehand that new heights had been reached in sprightly parading gallantly around the ring with their little piano construction. The significant fact is that never before charges on their backs. Simultaneously, with the last note of have Baldwin artists received such enthusiastic press notices the music there is an abrupt halt as the creatures return to and almost without exception they spoke glowingly of their their original forlorn appearance. My efforts to find out if the beauty of tone. In other words, it was apparent that these carousel is still in existence have been in vain, but it will critics, for newspapers all over this country and in always remain my favorite. Canada were aware of this perfection of tone without knowing that it represented years of collaboration between piano tech­ nicians, leaders in the field of science and world famous pianists. Mr. Abinante has recently taken over the Baldwin line of pianos making them available to the entire peninsula and that is how it happens that we are able to have one here tonight. That is why too I insisted on telling you these facts, for they interest me and I felt they would interest you as well. And now, in conclusion, let me say - if you are a music lover, that not until you have sat down and tried it yourself, can you truly appreciate the unique response and the ~ce:rn ~ possibilities of tone coloring in this lovely piano. So Mr. Q ! ,...-;--)J!

The above talk was made by Ruth Bingaman, concert pianiste, preceding her recital at the Hotel San Carlos in Monterey Califomia on October 19, 1932, presented by the CATALOG OF THE REPRODUCING PIANO Abinante Piano Company to introduce the Baldwin piano. ROLL COLLECTION; International Piano Archives at Maryland Violano Information Wanted Review by Emmett M. Ford by Dorothy Bromage This is a 280-page paper catalog listing the 2,300 rolls collection (Duo-Art) with 500 original master recording rolls Ed Hattrup of South Gate, California is in need of statisti­ in the Music Library of the Hornbake Library in the University cal information concerning the Mills Violano Virtuoso. He is of Maryland. It is Number 2 in the series Publications of the Music Library, University of Maryland at College Park. hoping to obtain this information about the evolution of the Violano from owners all over the world. If the response is The International Piano Archives of Maryland was enough to create a meaningful report of results, he will make formerly the International Piano Library of New York City. This is a unique collection both in rolls and written mater­ the report available for publication in the Bulletin. See the mailing cover of this issue of the Bulletin for the question­ ial and may be the largest collection of reproducing piano rolls naire, and if you are an owner of a Mills Violano Virtuoso (or in any public institution. know an owner who is not an AMICA member), use the The catalog is arranged alphabetically by performer with separate indexes for composer, composition, issue number, questionnaire to assist Ed. and master rolls. The catalog was funded, in part, by a grant from the Ford Ed's address is 8604 Garden View Ave., South Gate, CA Foundation. It may be ordered from The Music Library, 90280. Hombake Library, University of Maryland, College Park 20742 $25.00

<> 56 <> <> 57 <> Piano Rolls Add to Special Service Anyone having any of Johnny's rolls, that we might borrow, please write to me, John O'Loughlin, giving titles and num­ by Mary Bonner bers. Don't send any rolls untll we let you know which ones we can use. My address is: III Bougainvillea Dr., Leesburg, FL It was from Bill Burkhardt, one beautiful human being and 32748. a long time friend of my son, Bill Bonner, that I received the AMICA Bulletin with the article about Rudolph Erlebach. In May of 1983 Bill Bonner passed away. He had just rec­ Max Morath on Tour orded on tape his favorite piano roll music by Rudy Erlebach and Frank Milne. As a result of having done this recording he by Dorothy Bromage was able to play, at his own funeral service, several beautiful selections, which included the following: "When Did You Columbia Artists Festivals is currently booking the new Leave Heaven," "Sweet Is The Word For You," and by Frank Max Morath Quintet nationwide. It features Max on piano Milne: "There Must Be A Way."-"Till The End Of Time." with guitar/banjo, sax, clarinet, and drums. The group plays This may seem a bit unusual to play this sort of music at a music from Tin Pan Alley, movies, radio, records, and Broad­ funeral service, but this is one of the reasons I'm writing. way plus folk songs and, of course, ragtime. When the directors take a lovely selection like "WhenDid You The above announcement appeared in the January 1984 Leave Heaven" on a cassette tape and run it through their very issue of Rag Times, the publication of the Maple Leaf Club, an sophisticated recording system, it comes out so melodious, organization devoted to ragtime. Membership information soft and beautiful. may be obtained by writing to the club at 5560 West 62nd St., To share a thought (for what it's worth) I feel that any Los Angeles, CA 90056. music lover who has a special affinity for good music and is Max is an Honorary Member of AMICA. His rolls are fortunate enough to tape his favorite selctions, would feel available on the QRS label. honored to be remembered in this manner. The service was just as reverent and many of Bill's friends came up and told the directors what a lovely service it was. Of course we miss our son very much, but we are very thankful that he achieved what he did in having such a fine selection of piano rolls.

News of Perry and Honnert by John O'Loughlin

The Southeast Area Chapter is working on a concert with Max "New College" in Sarasota where our Honorary Member Gray MollaTH Perry is an instructor in concert piano. Last weekend, while discussing this with him, I went over the program that was presented in Chicago. As I described the 9' Chickering, Gray Perry told me that Chickering made two of these, and they were used as demonstration and concert pianos. One of these was given to Mr. Perry for demonstration tours. A little later came the 1929 crash, along with down the tubes for Chicker­ ing. Mr. Perry got a job in New York and had to move to Florida. He had no place for the piano and couldn't afford to move it, so after much searching, he finally found someone in the remnants of Chickering that remembered they owned the piano and so it was repossessed. Needless to say, Mr. Perry now wishes he had kept silent. Perry doesn't remember the serial number - it might be interesting to research the history of this unit and the other machine if only two were made. The Southeast Area Chapter is interested in locating 88­ note rolls recorded by Johnny Honnert, another of our Honor­ ary Members in the Southeast Area Chapter, so that we can have recut extended play rolls made of Johnny's recordings.

o 58 0 Technicalities

Replacement Parts by Bob Berry Setting the primary valves on an AMPICO A reproducing fT= piano to an exact one thirty-second of an inch is not an easy I task with the usual wooden valve parts. A one thirty-second inch shim is usually placed between the valve and its seat '\, while gluing the valve together, but the pressure on the seat is O"~51t5. difficult to control in this situation. I have made replacement /" ~.5Iii , '" parts for the wooden parts which make the assembly and ~------adjustment quite simple. I O.2Z~ The replacement parts are made as described here: For each 1t>·3zSi valve assembly, two pieces of aluminum are machined accord­ ing to Figures 1 and 2. A Nylon flat head #6-32 1V4"machine screw is threaded into the piece illustrated in figure 1 until it ,,------bottoms on the countersunk hole as shown in Figure 3. The /I I CouA/TEj( StJlJl:. large face (%") will be the part that faces the actuating pouch i ,/ and is thus made the same diameter as the wooden piece it / replaces. The leather valve seat (washer) is put over the screw #6,x 3:z.. /VIAcllltU£ and the valve is insertedintoplace. The otherleatherwasheris I. I .5C(EvV mREAD put over the screw and the piece illustrated in figure 2 is I i threaded on until the V2"face is holding the washer against its i seat with the pressure desired. This provides the zero clear­ -( rli;U£E :1. ance position. Since we used a screw with 32 threads to the i inch, we can back the last piece off by one full tum (the slot in the screw head can be used to determine position) and thus t I !VfI1-WICIIfL.' /f/"VMIA!U/vf have the required 1132"clearance. Nylon rather than brass or 1)II11EN~/oNS: I AlCf/-ES steel is used for the screw, and as much aluminum is removed ~.D,loo from the metal parts as possible in order to minimize the total weight. The dimensions shown provide parts which weigh ~a·;l.S. about 1.1grams, which is within 0.1 gram of the weight of the E-O.A~() wooden originals. <". l-e: D,1. . I have used these valves in my AMPICO grand for well over a year now with very good results.

o 59 0 0090

~ ~ l+~_~'" '" ~~~j'I

S> - ttl o C) For painting, I've been successfully using 2 spray bombs each of red oxide automobile prim­ er, gold lacquer, and clear lacquer. Steel or wooling provides a "tooth" for the primer, and (To Strip Or Not To Strip) the prImer provides a "tooth" for the gold lac­ quer as it fills in all the minute cavities, scratches, and nic~s, etc. by Terry Smythe Before using the gold lacquer, lightly rub down the entire primed surface with 0000 steel wool. Final Instal.ent This provides a fine op'portunit~ for final inspection and smooth down. Touch up as required with primer, which is easy to apply You may recall that in my first instalment, I and very forgiving. Deep damage may be reviewed Critical Ingredients, Typical Materi­ repa~red with automobile body putty before als and Tools, Precautions, Disassembly, Strip­ pr I ITIl ng • ping, and Veneer Repairs. In m~ second Instalment, I reviewed Staining, Wood Filler, Before using the gold lacquer, vacumn the sur­ Decal Replacement, Key Tops, and the Sound face once again. Spray on the gold lacquer in Board. In this final instalment, I will review light, thin coats. Sass and runs are very real Gilding The Harp, Final Finish,Belly Cloth, risks here. Drying tIme is almost immediate, Metal Finishing, Enhancements, and Finishing so I apply each succeeding coat soon after the Touches. previous. Do not, under any circumstances, touch the dry gold lacquer with bare skin. The unprotected gold lacguer seems to attract skin oil and much later will discolor wherever touched. Surgical gloves OK. This is important because the harp will ultimately become very unsightly wherever touched. When replacing all strings, you'll never have a better o~portunity to refinIsh the soundboard Now comes the clear lacquer, and one of its and regild the harp. So bite the bullet and attributes becomes a potential impediment. remove the harp. As each screw is removed, Each layer of lacquer when applied,. totally insert it into a piece of cardboard already merges WIth the previous layer to become one. prepunched with the right number of holes This attribute causes the gold lacquer to rise roughly in the same pattern. With 2 or 3 to the surface and little is gained by applying strong people, lift the harp out and set to one clear lacquer in a normal fasRion. side. Usually, I set it up on scrap lumber on a pair of sawhorses, prinCIpally to get it up It also has the attribute of fast dryin~ which to a convenient working height. helps this situation. Several (3 to ~) very light dust coats each seem to dry so fast that First step is a decision to protect and pre­ the gold does not have the opportunity to rise serve any decals there may be on the harp. If to tRe surface. I typically get about 5 such none, So on to next step. If present, check coats out of 2 spray cans of clear lacquer, and conditIon for potential salvage. Since acci­ stains and discoloration have never happened dentally defacing one of these irreplaceable thereafter when applied this way. decals many years ago, I no longer sImply put masking tape on them. I now taRe the time to Ensure screw heads are included in this entire cut out of a sheet of thin plastic (like saran painting process, simultaneous with each step. wrap or vapor barrier), a patch about 1/16" larger all around than the decal itself. Then Assuming· soundboard has been refinished, get on any convenient surface, I put on a strip of your strong help again and replace the harp. masking tape all around the edge. Remove, turn Here you have a fine opportunity to check and upside down, and trim the tape to leave a slim adjust, if necessary, bearing. Good 1/16" gripping edge. This then become the pro­ description of this process in Chapter 7 of Art tective cover for the decal during all oper­ Reblitz' fine book. ations except final clear lacquer. When replacing harp screws, take care to use a Next is rough cleaning, and my best tool is my proper, large screwdriver, with a freshly little 3/B" electric drill fitted with a fine dressed tip. It's very easy to inflict fresh wire brush. As best I can, stains and heavy damage and mar your freshly painted screw dirt are removed with this tool fairly quickly, heads, which is certain to happen with a worn and is followed by medium steel wool. This screwdriver tip andlor wrong size. Take the steel wool will remove most of the residual time to do it right, as thIS is one of those dirt and provide a good "tooth"for what fol­ neat little finisning touches. lows. For.final clean-up, I start by vacumning the entIre surface, and then a flUId clean-up. I use Iosol, which I find excellent, although a little dangerous with its low flash pOInt. However, almost any cleaning fluid will do that won't leave an oily residue. I'm the first to acknowledge and support the use of a sprayed-on clear lacquer finish. For screw heads, I start with my grindstone to Results are nearly always gorgeous! However, remove previously inflicted burrs around their those like me who don't have a proper spray screwdriver slots. Then repeat the entire cle­ booth, gun, and ventilation, etc., must make do aning process for all screws. o 61 0 with a brush and alternate finishing materials. tl;I~b_EI~I§UI~!! I've been using polyurethane for about 15 years and still get qUIte satisfactory results. Refinishing your piano is never complete until Hy objective is a highly forgiving satin fin­ all its metal parts are restored to their ori­ ish, out satin polyurethane nas a milky addi­ ginal brilliance. Whether brass or plated, tive which, with about 5-6 coats, will tend to aifferent approaches are required. hide your grain pattern. So my first 3-5 coats are WIth perfectly clear high gloss, saving the If brass, a quick, simple, inexpensive and satin till the last. efficient procedure will provide a gleaming restoration. Start with 0000 steel wool ana Thin both about 20-25X with varsol. Using the Brasso to remove bulk of grime and discolora­ best quality brush you can buy, ap~ly thin tion. Follow this up with a coarse rag and coats quickly. Do not overbrush. I ve found Brasso again to bring up a fine shine. A buff­ that each thinned coat spreads very easily if ing wheel will help a little here, but is not done fast, and with the grain. Keep overlaps imperative. to a minimum. While the brass parts are easy to deal with, Brushing technique is a little difficult to all the screws are a real pain. You have, I describe, but basically I apply small quanti­ believe, 2 options - replace with new ones at ties quickly, almost recklessly, finishing with considerable cost and bother, or cleaning thea. long, even, gentle, unbroken strokes to smooth I sometimes choose to spend an evening cleaning it out before it can set-up. About 1 min is their heads with a wire brush chucked into my all the time I have for each brush load, but drill press. This process has its hazards when that's sufficient. If you're still brushing you're dealing with brass plated screws, where when set-up- starts, you'll leave behind brush the thin platIng is quickly removed by the wire marks difficult to erase. bringing a fresh brush. Here there is lIttle option but to load to the site to try again WIll intensify replace with new. the problem, so leave well enough alone. Nickel plated parts can, with a little luck, be Let dry for about 24 hours. At times of high polished with a rag and Brasso. If, however, humidity, I've known drying times to stretch the parts are worn, rusty, or peeling, then out quite a bit longer, so be patient. When replating is the only option. Results are gor­ dry, rub it down with 0000 steel wool, turning geous! Unless otherwise specified, your local and replacing the pad frequently. When fin­ plating house will likely clean all rour parts ished, vacumn the entire surface thoroughly, by sand-blasting, which can actual y remove and wipe it down with varsol, to totally remove good metal. I usually specify glass-blasting the zlilion little fragments of steel wool. which is equally effective, but more gentle. Regeat this painting and rubbing process about Unfortunately, ft is also more expensive. In 3-J times on all surfaces until you're satis­ fact, this whole plating process is rather pri­ fied with the results. Use the satin finish cey, so discuss total costs up front so there last. are no unpleasant surprises on delivery. Hand rubbing with 0000 steel wool not only aids in the smoothing process, but provides a ·tooth· for each successive coat to grip. Unlike lacquer, polyurethane does not blend with itself, but is SImply a layer upon layer. ~~bbLl;bQIU Without this "tooth", layer separation is cer­ tain to occur in irregular, unsightly patterns in about 3-5 years, requiring a total re-do. As a basic rule of thumb, I never reuse the old belly cloth. Presence of the old dirty, ragged For a final touch, I do a final hand rubbing cover on an otherwise clean, gleaming instru­ with Brasso, a mild abrasive/~olish which does ment is clearly a tacky oversight. People do a fine job in delivering that 50 years of hand look under and they should see a new, clean, rubbing look". If you do use it, expect to properly fitted cover, preferably made from a find lIttle white pin points everyWhere when it good qua~ity quilted vinyl, of a colQr similar dries. This is the residual polish itself to the plano. which settles into the remaining pores that the wood filler did not completely fill. Locally, I've been getting my material from a large discount fabric house called "Fanny's Don't waste your time trying to get rid of Fabrics". In there, they have extra wide rolls these annoying white spots. Leave them there. of quilted vinyl upholstery material with a Simply get a small can of pigment type stain thick polyfoam backing, in black and a variety that reasonably matches the color of your of shades of brown. Surprisingly, this very instrument. Thin it a little with varsol, thick material passes through my 1900 Singer brush on everyWhere you used Brasso and wipe treadle sewing machine with ease, using an off immediately. All those little white spots extra long stItch setting to minimize risk of will become invisible when tinted. Its a good tearing along the stitch line. idea to do a final wipe down with a clean rag dampened with varsol. Wipe until rag remains If you still have the old bell~ cloth, making a clean. new duplicate is a breeze. If not, try very hard to make your new one while your instrument is up on its side. If on its feet, the job becomes a monumental aggravation burning up an entire day, for a job that should'nt taRe more than 2 hours. If you do not have the old belly cloth, then the job is somewhat tricky. l've found it saf- o 62 0 est to do it in segments, starting with the ~ade very attr~ctive by the technigue of apply­ flat side, then the stack edge, and finally ing a decorative panel of exotiC veneer on fitting in the complete curvature, half at a sides of the case near the keyboard, and on the time. It's a fussy job that must be done with music rack. Recently, I acquired a roll of care to ensure neat, clean results. Carpathian Elm Burl frolll Constantine in New York, and successfully repeated the process on Unless you first do that flat side, complete the plain mahogany case of a Haines Bros. Alllpi­ with all its snap fasteners, it's almost impos­ co grand. This product is real wood, but super sible to trace out an outline. Now, with that thin and glued to a paper backing. It is so flat side in place, use a bunch of sturdy map thin it can be accurately cut With ordinary tacks to pin up the entire cloth. A felt pen scissors. I applied it with contact cement, outline at this point should provide enough cleaning up the excess with acetone. Result fabric for a l' rollover everywhere. was a handsome enhancement. The l' rollover (hem?) is necessary not only. to There is very much that can be done to beautify make a nice, neat edge, but also to provide a an otherwise plain case piano, perhaps with strong enough base to withstand frequent replacement art case legs and lyre from a removal over many years. Without, you're cer­ destroyed grand, or new ones frolll MAFCO in Cin­ tain to tear out a snap or two within a few cinnati; perhaps by reshaping the music rack, short Illonths. or adding applique trim available frolll Decora­ tors Supply Corp., 3610-12 So. Morgan Street., In most cases, the original male portions of Chicago 60609; or by adding exotic veneers from the snap fasteners are still in place, so all a variety of suppliers. The possibilities are you need are the female portions. These can truly endless, limited only by your imagination usually be bought in bulk from a local tent and and creativity. awning maker. However, you will have to buy one little handi-pak repair kit off the rack at your nearby 5 and dime, simply to get the nec­ essary anvil and punch. So far, I've not been able to find a source of male fasteners with integral screw threads, similar to original eqUipment. If someone With each instrument I finish comes an 'unveil­ knows, please advise. As a substitute, I've ing'party to celebrate completion of its resto­ been using 14 - SIB' flat head screws with the ration. I'm never really sure if the party is conventional male fasteners. to honor preservation of another segment of our unique slice of musical heritage, or if its And finally, I've found I really don't need to simply another opportunity to rationalize a cut a hole in the new belly cloth for the power social gathering to' share a truly delightful cord. There has always been enough slack to event. Regardless of the true motive, the allow the cord to be inserted at some edge instrument on display is exposed to some really point convenient to the nearest wall outlet. close inspection. Some of the nice things that All too often, the original hole in the cloth many people seem to notice and comment favora­ leaves the power cord hanging fully visible, bly or" are: naked, and indiscreet. 1. Screw heads all in alignment, like soldiers on parade. In particular, the long lines of screws holding down the long piano wire hinges on lids and fallboards. 2. Inside of the spool box has been refin­ ished, including the take-up spool. Back in the 20's, many otherwise plain case pianos were enhanced with modest effort by the 3. All metal parts and escutcheons are clean use of applique trim. This is still possible and glealfl.ing, including their related screw and very easy to do. Also, since the tech­ heads. niques and materials are unchanged from that era, I believe these enhancements are appropri­ 4. Total absence of old varnish residue in ate and legitimate. even the most difficult to get at nooks and crannies, particularly if carving is pres­ Several AMICAns that I'm personally aware of ent. have modified their instruments in this fash­ ion. I draw your attention in particular to Scarlet hitch pin bushings under the Robert R. Perry's article, 'How to Make Your strings on every hitch pin. Own Louis XV Ampico!", published in the July 7B issue of our Bulletin. 6. New scarlet felt strip replacement every­ where. Dick Rigg has also done a fine job with his Marshall & Wendell Ampico grand on display at 7. A new belly cloth made of quilted, insu­ the Pasadena Convention, and subsequently gave lated material. a technical workshop on his methods at the Dal- las Convention. Perhaps he could be persuaded B. A big red bow on the Illusic rest, for the to write it up for publication, as did Carl celeBration. Kempf about an upright player piano he ~otally re-veneered, and is published in Technicalities 9. Invitation to all your friends to share in III. the celebration, and leave lying around in strategic locations some information on Don &Leilani Leik in Mullikan, MI, and I, have AMICA and application blanks. identical Weber Duo-Art grands which have been o 63 0 ~gM~bY§Igt! good skills at refinishing pianos under modest circumstances. Their tools, techni~ues, and materials may differ from one another, and My objective in pulling together this paper was that's healthy. What is important is satisfac­ partly motivated by a realization that its a tory results. topic rarely seen in our Bulletin, but largely by numerous friends and visitors who nave No doubt there are others who have developed encouraged me to share what I have learned by approaches better than what I have tried to trial and error, and from the advice of others offer here. To them, I appeal for responses who have shared with me that which they have through the pages of our Bulletin, to share similarly learned. knowledge and experience with many. While my tools and techniques may be simple, After all, the objective is to turn an ugly perhaps even primitive, they nevertheless pro­ duckling into a th1ng of beauty, and reveal to duce good results for me. Hopefully, they will all that under that thin unsightly skin is similarly help others to do likewise. proof positive that mother nature is 10 fact at her finest as she develops those gorgeous fine There is such an abundance of tools, tech­ woods to srace our very special slice of niques, and materials out there that I believe musical her1tage. each of us should find an approach that works reasonably well, and stick with it. Certainly, do modify it from time to time, but deal with it in small bites and, as if by magic, the ele­ phant one day will have been eaten. It has been my experience that in every commu­ nity there is someone around who has developed

oooooooooooooooo•••••~~o NEW MEMBERS

Edward and Ann Baehr: P.O. Box 165, Tahoma, CA 95733, Robert and Gladys Parry: Lot 4) Laurie Street, Yarrambat, 916-525-6756. Retired, Rl, Sierra Nevada Chapter. 1928 Aeo­ Victoria 3091, Australia. 03-717-3494. Referred by Ben Lilian. lian Reproducer 5' Grand Duo-Art; misc. Phonographs. 1917 Steck Duo-Art Upright; 1906 Aeolian Orchestrelle Model Y Organ; 1928 Mills Violano. David Zeffert: 1333 Riverside Drive, North Vancouver, BC, V7H IV6, Canada. 604-929-1321, 604-873-384L Sound com­ Marian Ritchie, 12263 Brookglen Drive, Saratoga, CA 95070. pany owner, RL 1925 Wurlitzer AX Violin-Piano; 1920's 408-252-4385. Referred by Roy Camyre and Suzanne Haire. Coinola Stylex Orchestrion; 1920's Unified-Reproduco Organ. Founding Chapter. Organ and Piano Teacher. 4 Electronic Or­ gans - 3 Yamaha, 1Rodgers 33 E; misc. Music Boxes, Phonog­ William and Peggy Mikko: Route 5, 4146 Glendale Road, raphs, 2 Pianos. House Springs, MO 63051, 314-677-5414. Referred by Del Sewell. Machinist, Rl, R2. Gateway Chapter. Victro A-Roll e.G. Sammis: Eastern Collector'S Emporium, 723 New York Upr. Std. Violin Pipes; Coinola 0-Roll Custom Built Insides Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. 516-546-7696. Pianocorder Sales Pipes &. Drums; misc. Music Boxes, Phonographs. and Service Center, Rl, R2. 1934 Mason &. Hamlin A 5'8" Mahogany Pianocorder Reproducer; misc. Music Boxes. Raymond A. Frechette: 10 Tanglewood Lane, Apt. 608, North Providence, RI 02904.401-353-6454,617-699-3444. Engineer­ Frank and Carol Janacek: 2440 South Ridgeland Avenue, Be­ ing Manager. Late 20's Haines Brothers Reproducing Piano rwyn, IL 60402.312-484-8061,312-656-7800. Referred by Mike Upright Ampico 11 A" and Fred Schwimmer; Roger and Carol Dayton. Chicago Chapter. Supervisor, RL C25 Lyon &. Healy [Aeolian) Grand Bill and Carmen Yunker: 4921 Knox Lane, Madison, WI 5'2" Std. Duo-Art; C20 Lyon &. Healy Grand 5' Std. Art-Echo; 5371L 608-271-6884. Referred by Theatre Organ Society. Re­ C15 Eberhardt Coin-Op Oval Shaped Panel of Scenic Art Glass tired, RL 1964 Kimball Electronic 2 Manual Console (like an A-Roll; C79 KimballlCrest" Console Contemp. Superscope old player piano). "Pianocorder"; C28 Cable Upright 54" Modem Finish 2 Tier Stack; various otheruprightplayers; accumulation of salvaged Paul W. and Patricia L. Green, Jr.: 3728 Blueridge Lane, Fort player actions, parts, etc.; 3 Jukeboxes including Wurlitzer Wayne, IN 46815. 219-485-1193. Referred by QRS. Firefighter, #750, AMI'B', SeeburgM-100; a dozen crank Victrolas (Cyt. &. RL 1900(? IGulbransen Player Upright; 1900(? IKrouder Player Disc); a dozen old radios (pre-1940); roll operated TOS, etc.; Upright; 3000+ Piano Rolls including Regular, 65-Note, and 30,000 88-Note Rolls; 50,000 78-RPM Recoids; 10,000 Sheet Reproducing. Music Song Sheets; Reproducing Rolls (all types); Edison Diamond Disk Records; Wax Cylinders (2 min. &. 4 min.J; misc. 65-Note Pianola &. 44-Note Organ Rolls.

0640 Richard M. Parker: 1816 37th East, Seattle, WA 98112. 216­ WEBER UPRIGHT, Duo-Art restrung, new hammers, dampers, case refinished. Duo-Art fully restored. $3200 or best offer. 904-372-9760. 324-7653,206-682-2210. Referred by Dean Randal. Physician. 1928 Chickering 5'4" Florentine Arnpico 'A'. FOR SALE: Piano rolls and music publications 1BBB-1919. Mandolin (Antonio Grauso label) 1920's needs 3 strings replaced plus sound· Anthony and Joyce Bult: St. John's Military Academy, De­ board and bridge $30.00. Guitar Zither and case 1920's in excellent lafield, WI 53018.414-646-8272, 414-646-3311. Referred by condition $100. Mrs. F. Darwell,31 linden St., Rockville Ctr., NY11570. Former Member. Educator. 1920 Knabe 5'8" Ampico A with B 516-536-2364. Drawer; misc. Phonographs. SEEBURG STYLE "K" with pipes, eagle glass, restrung, rebuilt, re­ finished, a very nice example of this rare early model, $12,500. Regina Daniel L. Beene: 4499-A Via Marisol, Apt. #204, Los Angeles, automatic changer, 20%" disc, bowfront, mahogany, home model, CA 90042; 213-258-5520, 213-267-0477 ext. 391. Southern outstanding, $12,000. Martin Roenigk, 26 Barton Hill, East Hampton, California Chapter, R1. Physician. 19?? Harris Player Piano CT 06424.203-267-8682. Upright Simplex; 1928 Knabe 5'8" Arnpico B; 19?? Seeburg Nickelodeon Style E; misc. Music Boxes, Phonographs, Reed SEEBURG 'L' REPRODUCTION by'S and H' of Kansas City. A Organs. superior machine with many improvements, plus parts and as­ semblies interchangeable with original. Quarter sliced oak, hand Francis L. Yogus: 432 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065. rubbed finish, stained glass leaded insert as in original, rosewood 213-225-7695, 213-436-3645. Southern California Chapter. zylophone single and reiterating; new harps and all other parts, and Operations Director. Misc. Music Boxes. slotted either5¢ or25¢. FOB K.C. $7900. Why worry about keeping an old machine going when these will run trouble-free for years? John O'Loughlin, 904-728-2011. Jasper and Marian Sanfilippo: P.O. Box 367, Barrington Hills, IL 60010. 312-639-6815, 312-593-2300. Seeburg Orchestrion FREE LISTS: All types of rolls, cylinder records and machines. Discs, "H"; Seeburg Orchestrion "G"; Seeburg Orchestrion "KT"; cobs, catalogs and literature. Mechanical music and much more. Our Seeburg Orchestrion "KT Special"; Seeburg Orchestrion "F"; 24th year ... VI & 51's Antiques, 8970 Main St., Clarence, NY14031. Seeburg Orchestrion "C"; Cremona Orchestrion I'J"; Cremona Orchestrion "G"; Nelson Wiggens Orchestrion Style 6; Nel­ PIANO RESTORERS DREAM COME TRUE Piano decals for fallboards son Wiggens Orchestrion 5X; Welte Style 4 Cottage Orchestr­ and soundboards (some available for the first time) can now be applied by both professional restorer and novice alike! No chemicals ion; Hupfeld Phonolyst; Hupfeld Super Pan; Popper Violin; needed! No solvents to apply! No messy cleanup! And you can finish Pianalin North Tonawanda; Link-C; Link-2X; Weber-Otero; over. immediately in lacquer or varnish! Decals are of the highest Weber-Braba; National Peerless Model B; Coinola X; Mills quality artwork and color. Call or write for brochure and sample. Violano; Mills Violano Bow Front; Bruder Gebruder 80 Key­ Decals Unlimited, 9333 96th St. No., Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (612) 429­ less; Gavioli Quartette; Wurlitzer Theatre Organ 4 Manual 28 4465. Rank; Steinway Duo-Art; Barton 3/14 Theatre Organ; misc. Music Boxes, Juke Boxes, Phonographs. MOVING SALE, I am putting my house up for sale and must sell some of my collection. STEINWAY-WELTE parlour grand 6'8" uses RED roll (about 150 with piano) finished in Thuja wood veneer which has an L. L. Robert and Patricia Spencer: 12 Oak Drive, St. Peters, inlaid design. Piano is original and mint - player was rebuilt by MO 63376. 314-278-3077. Referred by Del Sewell. Gateway museum several years ago works well. Asking $25,000 but make me an Chapter. Carpenter - CRT Operator. 1922 Gulbransen 88­ offer. AEOLIAN SKINNER - DUO ART 7Y, rank pipe organ with 47 Note Registering Piano. rolls. Console is in walnut and in mint condition. I am second owner. Chase Organ company did removal from original owners and installa­ Arnold Levin: 2835 West North Shore, Chicago, IL 60645. tion in my home. Organ plays well but player needs rebuilding. Have 47 rolls. Asking $8,500 but I'll consider your offer. Carl Hillyer, West St. 312-262-59651 312-492-5929. Referred by AI Choffnes. High School Teacher, R1. 1898 Regina 27" Changer Oak Case; misc. Boonville, NY13309 (315) 942-2387. Music Boxes, Phonographs. WURLITZER MINIATURE BAND ORGAN, very rare, converted to play 125 rolls. Sounds great! $8500 firm. Photo, $1.00. CAROUSEL Russell G. and Joan Allen: 1842 Port Sheffield Place, Newport HORSES, from $800. SASE for brochure. Jim Flankey, Box 437, Clar­ Beach, CA 92660. 714-760-0507, 714-669-6901. Referred by cona, FL 32710. Phone evenings, 305-886-3347. Dale Snyder. Tax Lawyer. 1915 Baldwin Manualo. SEVENTEEN (17) "0" ROLLS, new, in original boxes $16.00 each or reduced price for lot FOB Smyrna, Georgia. Model 101 Pianocorder with 80 tapes- unit still in original carton $1,575. Bush & lane Art Echo upright piano, excellent restorable condition. Some rolls available CLASSIFIED $500 firm. Additional information and details supplied upon request. Carl Kempf, 2023 Gober Ave., Smyrna, GA 30080. Phone 1­ 404-435-8861. FOR SALE AMPICO-Fischer Reproducing Grand - 6'2" #153250 late A. White PLAY·RITE: QRS and Klavier rolls: 35% discount for small minimum finish. Player and action fully restored. Very fast, sensitive mechanism. quantities. Catalogs 25¢ each for postage. For price list write Vintage $5975. Carroll Raaum 2212 NE 78th Portland, OR 97213.503-256-9551. Piano Workshop, 208 Dartmouth Dr., NE, Alburquerque,NM 87106. FOR SALE: Melville Clark 58-note push-up player with clockwork APOLLO grand piano with Apollo reproducing action and approx. 250 roll-motor. Good restorable condition, has some rolls. Price $450, blue label rolls. (Some still with factory seal intact). Rebuilt in perfect purchaser pays for shipping. For details phone J. Phillips (Australia) condition. SCHULTZ grand with art case (P.69, Player Piano Treas.) and O1H1-02-278324. Aria Divina action. Approx. 200 rolls. Rebuilt completely. 312-232-7292 or 312 -B79-{)262 .

o 65 0 tt] 00l§'XW&§l [§'OOJllooBNlK§1@)BNM&mi~ ********************** * * MUSICAL ANTIQUES . * UO ART ROLL * i specializing in Reproducers, all grands, : NEWD - : ~ refinishing, and all player pianos. ; COMPLETE RESTORATION * RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S * • FACILITIES * THE SOUND OF MUSIC *. : THE ONLY COMPLETE VERSION AVAILABLE ON PIANO ROLLS ~ • OWNER OPERATED [email protected] 15 years of experience in .each related field of * P~~N[; OF' Music'" DA·l.7D P~~ND'OF' Music" .DA-l.., * restoration. HOW DO YOU SOlVE A SIXTEEN GOING ON * PROBLEM LIKE MARIA? SEVENTEEN CASE AND VENEER REPAIRS * MY FAVORITE THINGS so LONG, FAREWElL * * THE LONElY GOATHERD EDElWEISS . * some carving can be duplicated DO-RE-MI CLIMB EV'RY MOUNTAIN i FINEST HAND-RUBBED MIRROR FINISHES * 00 OR SATIN FINISHES AVAILABLE * ORDER DIRECTLY FROM PLAY-RITE * @JioconcertQualityRegUlation * OR THROUGH YOUR DEALER * • Lowest Prices, Known References, • Guaranteed Work. * $8.90 for each roll. * only the worlds finest known grades of materials are * Don'tforget - Our standard 88-NOTE rolls (available only ** 00 used. They are always fresh and continually checked. I~ through dealers) will play on your reproducing pianos. Hot glue and original materials used throughout * • wherever possible. * * • Craig Brougher : PWRITE : i° 3500 Claremont Independence, Mo. .i : MUSIC ROLLS INC. : (816) 254-1693 60542 II * 351 TRYSAIL COURT, FOSTER CITY, CA 9..0., (.15) 570-5565 * ·· I". * * i~lNIIMllooIBNENJSlXm@J~~I@)i ~@) ********************.*

RECUT ROLLS for the Consolette Series Reproducing Pipe Organ AMICA ITEMS FOR SALE Mfg. in the 20's by Clark and Roesler-Hunholtz. Contact: Roger AMICA BULLETINS, BOUND ISSUES: 1971, Morrison,3332 Call Rd., Perry, OH 44081. 216-259-2239. 1972, 1973 bound Bulletins at $15 each. 1974, 1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980 bound Bulletins FOR SALE: 40 (forty) original Duo-Art piano rolls, good playable at $18 each. 1981, 1982, 1983 bound Bulletins at condition. Sell in lot only for $4.50 each. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine $21 each. PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE AND Circle, Concord, MA 01742. Phone 617-369-8523. HANDLING. Spiral bound to lie flat. Send order to Mary Lilien, 4260 Olympiad Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90043. WANTED STERLING SILVER PINS: AMICA pins with a roll leader pictured. AMICA is printed on the leader. WANTED: Steinway Duo-Art unrestored in Standard Case, also one in Suitable for both men and women to wear. $9.00 Louis Xv. Jim Brady, 4609 Cranbrook Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46250, 317­ postpaid. Send orders to Richard D. Reutlinger, 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117. 259-4305, evenings 317-849-1469. AMICA TECHNICALITIES : WANTED: Dutch street organ, Hohner roll - playing accordian , Volume 1 (1969-1971), $9.50 postpaid Volume II (1972-1974), $7.50, postpaid large/small collections of mechanical musical literature. Dick Howe, Volume III (1975-1977), $8.50 postpaid 9318 Wickford, Houston, TX 77024. Volume IV (1978-1980), $6.50, postpaid Reprints of interesting technical articles which MUSIC BOXES WANTED, cylinder and disc. Also buying monkey have appeared in the AMICA News Bulletin, organs, musical watches, mechanical singing birds, player organettes, arranged and indexed into appropriate etc. Wurlitzer 78 rpm jukeboxes. Martin Roenigk, 26 Barton Hill, East categories. Send orders to: Richard D. Reut­ Hampton, CT 06424. 203-267-8682. linger, 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117. ROLL LEADERS: DUO-ART, AMPICO and WELTE. Excellent replicas. For order informa­ MISCELLANEOUS tion, see mailing cover of Jan/Feb 1984 Bulletin. Send order to Terry Smythe, 547 Waterloo FOR SALE: 22 AMPICO popular rolls, some "B's", all $125 postpaid. Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3N on, Victor Book of the Opera, $15 postpaid. Many desirable 88-note rolls. (204) 452-2180. Shipment of leaders is from Send want lists. WANTED: Sheet music related to baseball and antique Southern California. automobiles. Will buy or trade my collectible sheet music (ragtime, AMICA STATIONERY: $3.50 (letter size), $3.20 (note size), including mailing charges. Fine Negro, personality, etc.). Dave Schultz, 1221 Providence N.E., Massil­ quality stationery with ornate AMICA borders. lon, OH 44646.216-833-3316. Each packet contains 25 letters and matching envelopes. Send orders to: Dorothy Bromage, P.O. Box 387, La Habra, CA 90633-0387. PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO AMICA INTERNATIONAL ~J

New Book BROADMOORE AUTOMATIC I THE MILLS '"'\ ~ ../ INSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS VIOLANO-VIRTUOSO by Mike Kitner Restoration of orchestrions and reproducing pianos ~ and Art Reblitz our specialty. ~ How to tune, regulate, repair, f1; Finest materials used. rewi re & restore the most fas­ cinating "nickelodeon" & turn it "Each part is treated as the most important into a real musical instrument. part in the machine." Many interesting photos of San­ dell and the Mills factory. We are authorities on authenticity. Prices of restoration vary according to the grade of ~ The most detailed book every written on a specific music work you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect:' ~ machine - over 175 pages, soft bound. Order your person­ ally autographed copy today. $26.95 postpaid. No trade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedures Other Autographed Books thoroughly with any customer. I Piano Servicing, Tuning & Rebuilding - best seller ­ 17 years experience - $20.50 ppd. references proudly given upon request. n Treasures of Mechanical Music - Reblitz & Bowers ­ SOLD OUT. Laurence Broadmoore. Owner Player Piano Rebuilding & Servicing - NEW large book 1709 "C" First St. covering this subject in depth - available late 1984. San Fernando. CA 91340 Colo. residents add 3'12% state sales tax. ART REBLITZ BOX 7392 213/365·6231 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80933

'.--_~ '=-'" Q8iIO ....._---- ...... _----_....- -'\ o 5252:1'"25'25ill5

J VIDEOCASSETTES , omnimedia "- VHS or Beta 2 ~l productionsr~ ~8~ 1. Philadelphia Convention 2. Pasadena Convention *3. San Francisco Convention 4. Dayton Convention TECHNICAL DATA SERIES S. Buffalo/Texas Convention *6. They all laughed ... 1. Covering Pneumatics 7. Interview with Dr. Mana-Zucca 2. Recovering Organ Regulators 8. Shura Cherkassky Interview 3. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves 9. A Potpourri of Performance 4. Regulating the Duo-Art 10. Covering Pneumatics 11. Recovering Organ Regulators VHS or BETA 2 •••' $39.95 each 12. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves 13. Regulating the Duo-Art order send check or money order to: * Also available on Super 8, rental only. OMNIMEDIA For rental or purchase information write to: P.O. Box 965 HowieKoff Milpitas, CA 95035 4271 North First Street #1 San Jose, CA 95134 California residents please add sales tax. All orders are "'\ shipped postpaid. Special videocassette formats are available on request. oJ ~~AMICA~~_ ~~ -n,~ Proud of Your Instrument? Have it Restored by Experts. Ne.w Q.RS ~ Pl().~R\tt'.> Roll~ \ Here is what the Piano Workshop Does: 00 'i\i '56 re;'(' Jo'Z Specialize in rebuilding all types of player pianos and other automatic musical instruments m~:3 GU1:;-out tiUe.s Restring, rescale and repin instruments Re-3<,; , 'B\ ue') , (),'{\d tlove1h 3 Replace pin blocks, soundboards, hammers and other Re.c.u~ action parts $ $(, 5C eac\-.

Regulate piano action to proper specifications 00 EYnpt1j Eo): e$ - S" 5 feY"' clo'2. ~' Hand rubbed refinishing ~ 3000 ptt 100 Restore antiques T'ro.ci.{e-'C 'B~ Tubin3 Over 20 years research and development in ~ rebuilding pianos Sueho'l\ Eoxes 'Pl~er- Piano keys recovered, sharps &. naturals U'&ed. Poi 0-."'<\0 $ Ik1£'t.s Send all or part of your instrument for proper restorations. 01e.o~e.s 'Fa.",ms PIANO WORKSHOP lto'] "R1ve;('~ldt> thriVe.. 3166 W. 33 St. Ph. 216-63I-1777 "P~"t\~sville, Oh10 Cleveland, Ohio 44109 24 hr. answering servo 114077

• •\

1919 Seeburg G. Orchestrion, unusual art glass, restored $30,000 firm

Steinway and Sons O.R. 6'6" Duo-Art, completely restored including one-piece custom ivory key coverings. My personal instrument for the past twenty years $22,000

Marshall and Wendell grand ex-Ampico, 1927 refinished and overhauled $3,500

Mason and Hamlin model AA grand piano 6'2%" non-Ampico, dark walnut circa 1926 .. $5,500

Welte Licenscee rand player mechanisms from a 5'6" Ellington, Baldwin $1,000

Components from an Ampico B drawer including transmission and electric roll-drive motor $475

Late Steinway and Sons Duo-Art pneumatic stack rebuilt $950

Assorted mechanism from a 1913 Steinway and Sons Themodist-Metrostyle grand Pianola cheap

George Steck, late Duo-Art pneumatic stack $500

.: Wm. T. Singleton 1101 South Kingshighway Boulevard -.is Saint Louis, Missouri 63110 -~= 314-533-4089 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ii···