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DUO-ART ct7.6e AEOLIAN COMPANY 'NJiW YOIUt VOLUME 11 JUNE, 1974 NUMBER 6 ~~~NAMICA OF THE AUTOMATIC MUsICAL INSTRUMBNT COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN

AMICA SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Continuing Members: S15.00 Dues Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association, , non-profit club devoted to the restoration, New & Lapsed Members: 15.00 Dues is distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated plus 5.00 Application Fee § peper music rolls. =~2iiooii0'00 is Contributions: All subjects of interest to reeders of the bulletin are encouraged and invited by the publisher. All articles must be received by the 15th of the preceding month. Every attempt will be made to publish all articles of general interest to AMICA members OFFICERS at the earliest possible time and at the discretion of the publisher.

Advertisements: Personal ads by members are accepted and inserted in the Bulletin Board section at a rate of 5¢ per word, $1.00 minimum. Businesses and persons wishing more space may use the following guidelines: PRESIDENT - Advertising rate is $10 per quarter page or multiple thereof. Frank Loob

- Camera-ready copy must reach the publisher by the 15th of the preceding month. VICE·PRESIDENT Bill Mintz - All ads will appear on the last pages of the Bulletin, at the discretion of the publisher. SECRETARY Publication of businea advertising in no way implies AMICA's endorsement of any commercial operation. However. AMICA Isadora Koff reserves the right to refuse any ad that is not in keeping with AMICA's general standards or if complaints are received indicating that said business does not serve the best interests of the members BULLETIN of AMICA, according to its goals and by-laws. Ginny Billings 1428 Uberty Street . EI Cerrito, California 94530

NEW MEMBERSHIP AND MAILING PROBLEMS Anita Nickels Johnson P. O. Box 666 Grand Junction, Colorado 81501

TREASURER Cliff Burrous

AUCTION . ~ i i" 111'1 .,ilil ·d Gar Britten

1II1I!1!llllllllil.../II!!!! BOARD REPRESENTATIVES Aif Werolin, Northern California J11i II. !lll. ""'1'11'11. ii.liilill WIlli/lIt II lili Cecil Dover, Southern California Steve Chapman, Texas ·'1 !i:i:I::iljli!i!Jr 'I'.il.' James Weisenbome, Midwest

Please direct all general correspondence to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1169 El Cerrito, CA 94530 Telephone: 415-237-3813 IT'S GRAND JUNCTION IN JULY By STEVE JOHNSON

THE WEEKEND OF JULY FOURTH) IN THE WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY OF GRAND JUNCTION) THE HOME OF ANITA AND STEVE JOHNSON) IS THE SETTING FOR THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING AND A MINI-CONVENTION OF AMICA THIS YEAR. CASUAL IN­ FORMALITY WILL BE THE KEY TO ALL ACTIVITIES. IT IS HOPED THAT AMI CANS CAN MAKE VACATION PLANS TO BE IN COLORADO AT THAT TIME. GRAND JUNCTION IS IN A VALLEY SURROUNDED WITH BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN CAMPING) FISHING) AND VACATION SPOTS. IT IS ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY MILES FROM ASPEN) ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILES FROM VAIL) AND FIFTY MILES FROM GRAND MESA) THE LARGEST FLAT-TOP MOUNTAIN) WITH OVER THREE HUNDRED LAKES. ANITA AND STEVE HAVE SOME GUEST FACILITIES AND ARE JUST A FEW BLOCKS FROM GOOD MOTELS. TRAILER TIE-UP FA­ CILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE GALS CAN POOL THEIR EF­ FORTS AND COME UP WITH HAMBURGERS OR OTHER GOODIES FROM THE GAS-FIRED BARBEQUE. AGAIN) EVERYTHING WILL BE EASY­ GOING--NOTHING FANCY. COME AND BE WITH US AT THE BOARD MEETING ON SATURDAY MORNING) JULY 6TH. IT NOW APPEARS THAT THE SUMMER GASOLINE SITUATION IN COLORADO SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM. IF YOU NEED ANY MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOU WANT MOTEL RESERVATIONS) WRITE TO THE JOHNSONS) P. O. Box 666) GRAND JUNCTION) COLORADO 81501. PAGE 2 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

INTERNATIONAL BOARD MINUTES Isadora Koff, Secretary ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: On Sunday, May 26, 1974, at noon, the AMICA Board convened at the home of Dick Reut1inger. Frank Loob presided, and in attendance were Bill Mintz, Cliff Burrous, Gar Britten, Ginny Billings, Isadora Koff, Alf Wero1 in, Tom Meeder holding Anita Nickels Johnson's proxy, Bobbie Mintz holding Cecil Dover's proxy, and IN MEMORIAM Steve Chapman, represented by his proxy. Guests were EUGENE V. DILTHEY Evelyn Meeder, Mel Luchetti, Howard Koff and Dick Reut­ DANF.ADAMS 1inger. ;Cliff Burrous announced that AMICA has been granted a tax-exempt status by IRS and details will be forth­ coming. State and Federal income taxes have been filed for 1973. A Profit and Loss statement was presented, and as of today there is $6,200.00 in the Treasury. :::::::::::::=::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Operating expenses for the remainder of the year are estimated at $5,600.00. The Board was delighted to have the opportunity to fi 1m. approve Abram Chasins as a new Honorary Member. The The Board moved to issue certificates to the past vote was unanimous. Thanks to Bill Knorp and Alf Officers of AMICA, International. Werol in for their efforts. The Board has moved that each Officer and Board Because of the increased costs in printing and Representative shall list his duties, his proposed paper, the Board moved to cut the number of Bulletins changes of them (either additions or deletions) and printed to 1,250, at a cost of $715.00 per month. comments on other offices, and present them to the It is requested that those overseas members who are Secretary by June 30, 1974. They will then be submitted experiencing difficulties in receiving their Bulletins to the President for consideration. by surface mail send their complaints, if any, to The Board wishes to express its thanks to Bill Mint~­ Ginny Billings, rather than to Anita Nickels Johnson. for pinch-hitting for Frank Loob during much of the past There are other mailing methods available, at extra year, when Frank was deeply involved with personal cost. matters. Gar Britten announced that the last Auction was a The Board also wishes to thank Dick Reutlinger for great success. The results will be reported at a later letting us meet in his lovely home. And a special thahks date. for the del icious coffee and brownies. We would all like to express our many thanks to Gar The meeting was adjourned at five p.m. for his enormous efforts during the past years. It has been decided that the AMICA Foundation become ~ the custodian of the AMICA Archives. AMICA now has its official headquarters at 824 Grove Street, San Francisco, Cal ifornia. The Post Office box OFFICERS FOR NEXT ELECTIVE YEAR OFFICIAL in E1 Cerrito is still the official mailing address, by Isadora Koff, Nomination Committee Chairman however. As can be seen, the cost of getting out the Bulletin is considerable. In order to make certain that we can In accordance with Article IX, Section 4, paragraph start the new year with enough money in the Treasury to B, of the AMICA Bylaws, the following slate will be pay for the January Bulletin, it is necessary for all installed at the Annual Membership Meeting to be held AMICANs to renew their memberships as early as possible. in Grand Junction, Colorado on July 6, 1974. We depend on Membership dues to pay the expenses. In order to discourage late renewals, a re-enrollment fee President Bill Mintz of $3.00 will be charged starting March 1. Please donlt Vice President Bob Rosencrans delay renewing when you get your notice at the end of Secretary Isadora Koff the year. Bulletins relate to the income from dues, and Treasurer Mary and Jack Riffle our promptness is needed to ensure continuity. Membership Sec'y. Anita Nickels Johnson Unfortunately, a copy of the film, IIThey All Publisher Ginny Billings Laughed ... 11 has been lost, strayed or misplaced. As a Auctioneer Tom Meeder result, there will have to be a deposit of Fifty dollars I would like to thank the Nominating Committee--Bill required for its use. It has been decided to make a Mintz, Anita Nickels Johnson, Bill Johnson, Richard charge of Ten dollars to cover postage one-way, handl ing Rigg, CharI ie W. Johnson and Tom Fortier--for their and repairs. The film will be available to each bor­ efforts and cooperation. ~ rower for a period of one month. If you and your friends would like to see it, write to Howard Koff, 2141 Isadora Koff Deodara Drive, Los Altos, Calif. 94022. The film is Chairman, Nom. Corom. Super 8 Sound. Donlt forget to enclose your check. The deposit, less the hand1 ing fee, will be refunded upon return of the film, unless there i~ severe damage to the THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 3

Curtis Institute in and the Berkshire ABRAM CHASINS, NEW HONORARY AMICA MEMBER Center in Tanglewood, as the scholar whos~ research \ by Alf Werolin findings are incorporated into numerous musical and AMICA is proud to welcome a new honorary member-­ scientific texts, Chasins' intellectual position is Abram Chasins--composer, concert pianist, author, and outstanding among musicians. Duo-Art recording artist. Mr. Chasins· home is in New His unusual combination of artistic, academic, and York 'City, but he is currently directing a two-year administrative abilities have been effectively demon­ music ~nd drama educational program for the University strated and sought by several foreign Governments that of So~thern Cal ifQrnia, in Los Angeles. invited him to act as special advisor on many and vary­ For Duo-Art Mr. Chasins recorded three of his own ing musical plans and projects. compositions: Flirtation in a Chinese Garden, Rush Hour AS MUSICAL EDUCATOR in Hong Kong, and A Shanghai Tragedy. Frank Sheridan recorded two of these Chasins compositions for the Musical education has been an important part of the Ampico: Flirtation in a Chinese Garden, and Rush Hour life and work of Abram Chasins almost from the beginning in Hong Kong. (It is believed that other compositions of his professional career. He was hardly out of his of Mr. Chasins have been recorded, possibly for Welte, teens when he was appointed as an assistant to his first but the author cannot locate. If anyone knows of such teacher, , then Dean of the J~illiard' other record~ngs, please advise.) Foundation. His book Speaking of Pianists (published by Alfred A. Later, when Chasins became the protege of Josef Knopf in 1957) is entertaining and informative. It is a Hofmann, came his appointment as Director of the Supple­ book for all who care about music, the , those who mentary Education Department of the Curtis Institute in play It, and the lives of the great pianists of yester­ Philadelphia. Still later, Chasins joined the first day. Dedicated collectors and musicologists undoubtedly faculty of the Berkshire Center in Tanglewood when have this book in their libraries, but others will find Koussevitzky engaged him to give a series of lectures to it fascinating reading. the Symphony and the Choruses of Harvard and The following biographical sketch about Abram Chasins Radcliff's on The Baroque Style. is from ASCAP. As adjudicator, Chasins has acted as the Chairman of the juries of the Kosciuszko Foundation's Chopin Prize, Among the most versatile figures on the American the Rachmaninoff Award, and the Leventritt Competitions. '~~ musical scene, Abram Chasins has won prominence as com­ Chasins also initiated and directed Musical Talent in poser-pianist, musicologist, teacher, administrator, our Schools, a series of auditions and radio broadcasts lecturer and author. which earned many important awards for Chasins'when he A native New Yorker, Chasins was educated at the was music director of the radio network of The Ethical Culture School, , Juilliard Times. The project has been the roodel for subsequent Foundation and Curtis Institute. educational programs adopted throughout the,USA and As composer, more than one hundred works by Chasins Europe. • have been published, widely performed and recorded. He Sponsored by , the series was an attained international renown in his twenties as the important factor in developing an enlightened:interes~ first American contemporary composer to be performed by and enthusiasm for musical talent and skill within the Toscanini (1931, N.Y. Philharmonic). school systems of the Eastern States. Chasins' performing career extended from 1926 to used its successful candidates as the sole source of his 1946. As the protege of Josef-Hofmann, Chasins appeared soloists on his celebrated Young Peoples's concerts on in recital and as soloist with the leading orchestras television. Bernstein was also among the famed judges of America and Europe, and also recorded extensively. recruited by Chasins from his most eminent colleagues He retired from the platform to devote himself to the and friends who donated their services for the unique musical directorship of WQXR, the radio network of The jury that comprised: Artur Rubinstein, , New York Times. , , Jascha Heifetz and Isaac Under Chasins' administration, WQXR became the most Stern. celebrated and emulated music station of the nation. His In 1965, Chasins planned to retire from all organiza­ own comments on major programs, his initiation of educa­ tional associations to write, travel and to return to tional projects on behalf of students and teachers the platform as a lecturer. Following his years of ac­ (MUSICAL-TALENT-IN-OUR-SCHOOLS AUDITIONS; IN-SERVICE­ tive and distinguished achievement in virtually every COURSE-FOR-TEACHERS) earned a large public following and field of creative and interpretative work, Chasins the coveted Peabody Award. planned to concentrate on lecturing for universities Other among Chasins' honors are several citations and other organizations, writing books and contributing from the Government "For meritorious and to various national magazines. However, this plan was patriotic services rendered during World War 11." not to be fully realized. Chasins' first publication, Speaking of Pianists (Knopf, 1957) has become an internationally regarded ADDENDUM source book. His second volwne, The Van Cliburn Legend In July of 1973, Mr. Chasins, who had been Musician­ (Doubleday, 1959) was accorded a remarkable reception. In-R~sldence at the University of Southern California His third book, The Appreciation of Music illustrated by during the preceding year, was asked to become the four LP records, (Crown" 1966) has also elicited excep­ director of USC·s cultural-educational media center. tional reviews, public attention, and, like his other Radio station KUSC-FH (91.5) had only recently become books, was translated into other languages. a part of USC·s School of Performing Arts, and the As Chairman of juries for leading compositional and schoo1 saw an opportun i ty to use th is stat io.,.n· s fac i 1i­ performance competitions, as a faculty member of the ties and potential to create a university of the air PAGE 4 JUNE,1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

for fhe entire community. It is now Mr. Chasins'task to util rze the resources of the university to perform ::: ::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::~:: broadcasts of music and drama for people who can afford neither the time nor the money to acquire education in NEW AMICA HONORARY MEMBER: these arts through actual in-class attendance. His multi-facted background--composer, pianist, author, and radio pioneer (as musical director of WQXR LIUi4 A/bJt of the New York Times)--certainly qualifies Mr. Chasins for this big task. AMICA extends its best wishes to him Is celebrating his 30th big year as a composer! for success in this important program. {I * i':. * We greet you, Abram Chasins, and welcome you to AMICA. SERENADE - MANHATTAN MOONLIGHT ­ MANHATTAN MASQUERADE - are just a few of his mem­ Allh orable· meladies. We think that Louis Alter certainly deserves some special kudos for his varied contributions to the world of music. Perhaps the best way to decorate Louis' big birthday cake is to spin his celebrated "MANHATTAN SERENADE." ...... •••• •• •• ••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••• 0 ••••••• ...... - ...... 0,_ .. .

AMICA MEETS IN HAWAll by Steve Johnson High on the mountain slopes of Oahu above Honolulu all Hawaii members of AMICA gathered Sunday afternoon, April 21st as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Anderson at the Mariska Aldrich Memorial Foundation. This is a lovely setting perched on a ridge overlooking a beauti-~ ful valley. The entire wall facing the valley is of glass, as a frame for the 5' 8" Knabe Ampico A. The entire library of Harold Powell's recuts was stored in beauti­ ful cabinets below the windows. A delightful custom was observed as the hosts and most guests left their shoes at the front door and waded through the thick carpet. After throughly enjoying the fellowship, the Knabe, and the setting, the group moved about thirty miles to the other side of Honolulu, beyond Diamond Head to the L to R: Dr. Linus Pauling, Jr., Dan Donegan, Steve beautiful home of Ann and Gordon Trask. There we all Johnson, Mrs. Anderson, Anita Johnson. Seated at the enjoyed a very diverse and interesting collection of piano: Charles Scharback and Rick Anderson. automatic musical instruments. In addition to the 5'4" Ann and Gordon Trask at the Hawaii get-together. Haines Brothers Ampico, the "0" roll coinola, the "G" roll Nelson-Wiggen with xylophone and bells, the Sohn and Son barrel organ, the Franklin upright Ampico and the 1972 Bandola band organ, the Trasks have many beau­ tiful pieces of restored Americana. This was the first time that members in Hawaii had gathered together, and, as is always true, it was proven that AMICAns any place are good friends. In addition to the Andersons and Trasks, members in attendance were Charles Scharback, a player piano and piano technician who flew all the way to Texas to attend last year's con­ vention, Dr. Linus Pauling Jr., and Daniel Donegan, a new member who thought it was great that such a party would be held just to welcome him to AMICA. Also fortu­ nate to attend were Coloradoans Anita and Steve Johnson who just happened to be passing by at the right time! While we were enjoying all the contraptions, Ann and Gordon served refreshments. It was learned that all were the peanut and potato chip types instead of the '-----' lady-finger types. Those potato chips from the island of Maui are u~like any you have ever tasted. Reluctantly the party broke up after a very rewarding afternoon. THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGES 'lllllljl:I~·11111 1111111111111111••• : 11111111111111•••7111111111111111111: • - - - .! ------~------FEEDBACK RESPONSE: TECHNICAL ARTICLES NEEDED AMICANS WELCOME BY INVITATION TO ROEHL COLLECTION by Bill Edgerton by Harvey Roehl I am sure that the re-bui Iding process is easier I'd appreciate it if you would correct an item in the for many individuals than the subsequent proper ad­ last issue, in which it is stated that the Deansboro justment of their piano. Anyone who is at al I mechani­ Museum and the Roehl collection are now open to the cally incl ined should be able to handle the pneumatic public. Ours is not a public collection; it's very much re-covering and re-tubing, but what to do thereafter a private one, housed in a private home. is a problem. For example, I have just finished re­ Of course we are always happy to show it to inter­ covering and re-tubing my Ampico. Even though I have ested parties, but not in the sense that anyone can just the Inspector's Manual, Larry Givens' book, plus the walk in. We have to have some advance notice, and if test rol I, it would be nice to consider the suggestions fellow AMICAns are planning to travel this way, they of a veteran re-bui Ider as to how to proceed efficiently. should make some arrangements beforehand so we can plan Once an individual has adjusted several contain- to be around. ing the same reproducing system, an efficient methodol­ We have quite a few local groups in from time to ogy has probably been worked out. If such an article has time, and I always try to work local individuals into a appeared in a previous AMICA Sui letin, it has escaped me. group because as you know it takes about 2 1/2 hours to show off the collection, whether there are 2 people present or 40! I suspect that quite a few Californians and others BUSONI ROLL INFORMATION NEEDED from around the country will be attending the MBS Con­ by Harvey Roehl vention in New Jersey next Fall, and we hope to have them stop here to see us either coming or going. We Perhaps you can also help me in my research about plan to be on hand the day before the festivities start Susoni piano rol Is. It is necessary, for my catalog, to there, as well as the day after, which means we'll be know which rol Is he recorded for Phil ipps-Duca, for here on Wednesday and Monday surrounding that weekend. Hupfeld-Dea (or Ampico), for Duo-Art and for Welte­ Those who are flying can stop at Broome County Airport Mignon. Can you give me some information? by routing themselves via Allegheny Airlines from Chicago. Sen. Domenico Latanza Senato della Repubbl ica ~ 00100 Rome (I ta I y) STROUD STACKS NEEDED by Harvey Roehl My friend located a stack for his Chickering, thanks to the hotice in the AMICA Sui letin! DUO-ART QUESTIONS RESOLVED I now have another friend who is looking for two by Gerald Stonehill stacks for the upright Stroud Duo-Art. Anyone having some is requested to drop me a note. In the Feb/March Bulletin, just arrived in London, I ..~ see Jim Will iamson asking questions about Duo-Art, which I can answer. My source is, as so often, Gordon 11es, who remembers recording techniques from his long career A COUPLE OF CORRECTIONS with the Aeolian Company. Also we have access to master by Jim Williamson rolls, in the various stages of correction. Yes, the number of keys struck was, and had to be, 1. A small typing correction to my "Duo-Art Information taken into account in terms of the intensity level used, Needed," p. 3 of last issue. The test roll makes this abundantly plain. In fact, " .•.a player wi 11 play five notes at level there were always at least three stages of correction to eight louder than one note at the same the perforated dynamics before a roll could be approved level." by the musical director or by the artiste. The important aspect was "correct reproduct ion, II not 1i tera1 perfora­ IT SHOULD READ: tion. " .••a player wi 11 play ONE note at level Coming to the second point concerning pneumatic #2 eight louder than five notes at the same being constantly on in the soft position, I can say leve1." rather less, since this is a system entirely contra­ dictory to correct reproduction. There are other more (Any AMICAn can see that, but new members may think satisfactory ways of achieving soft playing, and in me something of a nut:') England this was normally achieved by a permanent half­ 2. A small note concerning my cataloging system: a blow hammer position. The effectiveness of this depends COBOL version of the new Assembler language Edit ~- of course on (a) the proximity of the hammer to the and Print program will be available, as the problem strings and (b) the finest adjustment of each damper to I spoke of as having yet to be overcome is about to permit maximum proximity with minimum damper elevation. be, but in COBOL language, not Assembler. PAGE 6 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN ------4 I~!~!i lillll: 11111•• ------~ spl it, and operates from the roll, as does the sustain APOLLO COMES BACK AGAIN THIS APRIL pedal and automatic rewind. This Melville Clark creation IN WOODSIDE dates from approximately 1915. Right now, Bill would by Bill Wherry like to find a grand piano that was originally used for this system so he can install it and hear what it sounds Willy and Ann Johnson were our hosts this month of like. Hear that out there? Can anybody help Bill Johnson April. Saturday afternoon saw a good-sized collection of out? player piano aficionados at their home to social i~e and As if that wasnlt enough, there was the Mills Violano enjoy the woodsy scenery which Woodside is justly famous and Hupfeld HELlOS (not "Pepitall as I once called it for. Bill and Ann are still hard at it on various pro­ previously), Stroud Duo-Art, and two Pianolodeons to jects, including one major project of adding space to entertain. It was a good day for a get-together, the their house in the form of two bedrooms, garage, kitchen, weather was good, and a number of new people were in workroom, Hamster room, laundry room, player parts room, evidence. etc. On this last project, I can realize what they have Much thanks to you all, Willie and Annie, for putting to do, as I myself am adding a bedroom and Music/rumpus/ up with us again!~ junk room/hobby/all purpose area to my own house. But take heart, folks, the last time we visited the Johnsons in the spring of 173 the addition was framed in only but NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS now there is plumbing, wiring, and a lot of sheetrock JUNE 23: SUNDAY, 2-5 p.m. AT THE VITEKS'. COOL OFF IN allover the place, including even on the waJ1s~ Bill THEIR POOL. TECH SESSION ON and Ann are doing all of this strictly in their spare AMPICO REGULATION. 19541 Tweed time (they both hold outside jobs), and even find time Ct., Saratoga. 867-4533. to repair and rebuild AMICAls IIpetS. 11 These Ilpetsil or JULY 27: SATURDAY, 8 p.m. AT THE MAl MANS ,. TECHNICAL better yet I'babies" or still better IIgifted chi1drenll SESSION ON DUO-ART REGULATION. are a Mills Vio1ano-Virtuoso, Hupfe1d He1ios, Stroud 1833 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame. Duo-Art, two Pianolodeons, AND a rare early Apollo 697-7092. player unit. More on that later. There was some discussion on the Chapter's bylaws by AUGUST 24: SATURDAY, 7:30 p.m. AT THE BARTLEITS'. those present. Refer to the local newsletter for details. IT'S 88-NOTE PUMPER NIGHT! BRING YOUR FAVORITE 88-NOTE ROLL TO ',--- APOLLO IS REJUVENATED SHOW OFF (OR YOUR 58-NOTE WILCOX The tech session was devoted to Bill JOhnson's Apollo &WHITE ORGAN/PIANO ROLLS). reproducer, and some history in general on the Apollo 300 Lennox, Menlo Park. 325-3653. system. Like its namesake's Greek God of youth and SEPTEMBER 28: SATURDAY, 8 p.m. AT GAR BRITTEN'S. THE beauty, this specimen held up well through its 55-years­ AGENDA IS STILL ON THE AGENDA. plus existence. It is certainly a unique approach to the 642 Diamond Street, San Francisco problem of making a grand piano self-playing. Briefly, 826-1677. there are two stacks to be mounted under the keybed of the piano, with the roll frame, expression system and OCTOBER 26: SATURDAY, 2 p.m. AT THE ED HAYDENS'. electrically operated pump installed in a box similar in TECHNICAL SESSION ON THE ANGELUS­ size to a coffee table. ARTRIO (OR IS IT THE ARTRIO­ Connection between the two is accomplished by two ANGELUS?). A GARDEN MEETING WITH bundles of tubing. The tracker bar is nine to the inch SWIMMING FOR THOSE INCLINED. and can accomodate the very wide Apollo roll of 126 1369 Milton Avenue, Walnut Creek. holes. 88 notes encompass one stack, and 45 are found 937-5406. in the other. The latter is the solo section, while the former is considered accompaniment. For playing the 88 note roll, the solo stack is cut out, the roll chucks • telescope, solo perforations on each end of the tracker bar are cut out. Each stack has its own "XP II type of expression, which is peculiar in that it requires only ··III~illlll·i·111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111.111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111·11111111·1 two perforations to operate; however, each expression ! slot never does the same thing twice. That is, one slot, ---_-.-. .... when it appears and then disappears from the roll, will cumulatively boost the playing dynamic level in three KEYBOARD NOTES stages, ~hi1e the other slot is devoted to decreasing by Charlie Johnson .. President, Texas Chapter the dynamic level, also in three stages, for quick The June meeting of' the Texas Chapter of Automatic change from low to very high, a "crash valvel' serves. Musical Instrument Collectors Association will be at For the opposite, wel1 ...as Bill points out, this is 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 1974, at the home of new the weak point in the system, as there is no way to members, Tom and Carol Beckett, 6817 Cliffbrook, in bring the dynamic level instaneously down from Forte to north . The June meeting will be co-hosted by Pianissimo, because the mechanism can only go through Wade and Becky Newton and Richard and Janet Tonnesen. the intermediate three stages to get there. The motive The collection of instruments that Tom Beckett has source for the roll is provided by a very well built restored includes over twenty cylinder and disc music spring music box type motor, the spring being kept boxes ranging from small table top size to full size wound by a ratchet arrangement powered by the electric coin operated floor models; "A", uG", and "0" roll motor that operates the vacuum pump. The hammer rail is orchestrions; and a Seeburg mortuary organ which Tom THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 7 1111·:!II~I·IIIIIIIIIIIII.IIIIIIIIIII·IIIIIIIIII_11111111111111111111111111111111111111I1I11I1111111

has expanded to eight ranks. A Marshall and Wendell Ampico "A" is under restoration at this time. AH - HA! The larger disc music boxes include a 27" Automatic by Tom Fortier REGINA, a 24-1/2" Upright POLYPHON, a 19-5/8" Upright Ah-Ha! Such should have been the title of Al and.Caryl EUPHONION, a very rare Three Disc Symphonion HAYDIN, Theil IS April AMICA meeting. One cannot help wondering and a 15-1/2" Duplex Comb REGINA. The cylinder music if Al hadnlt smiled and chuckled when he chose to open boxes consists of those manufactured by NICOLE FRERES, the program with the Duo-Art roll, "Ah-Ha!11 AMICA mem­ and THIBOUVILLE LAMY. Tom's cylinder box collection bers were, indeed, surprised to see and hear Alls also features three particular models of boxes. There Steinway grand piano. Nearly everyone either commented are the Mandolin Style, the Interchangeable Cylinder or asked, IIAh-ha! Youlve had it refinished. What a models, and the Orchestra models. spendid refinishing job. Who did it?11 To which Al was The orchestrions consist of an "0" roll COINOLA probab1y th ink i ng, IIAh-ha! Are you g,o ing to ~e. foo 1ed. II Style X and an "A" or "G" roll built-up CREKlNA Style 3 And surprised we were! The finish was the original and piano. The Seeburg mortuary organ is a Style MO piano­ looked like new. Some of us really didnlt believe Al so pipe organ which uses the Seeburg 15-1/2" MSR series of we gave it· the IIAMICA once-over"--which for you diction­ rolls. This particular instrument has been set up to ary people means a thorough examination, almost to the play "A" rolls as well. point of taking sample wood chips. Al was right. Tom Beckett is a member of the MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY The piano was restored by Bill Ackman of Cleveland. INTERNATIONAL and an occasional contributor to the M.B.S. Bill completely rebuilt the player unit, dressed the BULLETIN. To date, this includes a short article on hammers and regulated the piano. Everyone seemed music box disc repair and a longer detailed and illus­ pleased and proud of Alls Steinway and of Bill IS ex­ trated article on the pneumatic mechanisms and tubing cellent restorat ion work. layout of the Seeburg M.O. piano-pipe organ. Two other rolls which Al used to demonstrate the piano were liMa rch Mil ita i rell played by Bauer and r------Gabrilowitsch Duo-Art #6487-6, and IITarantellal1 played by Josef Hof~nn, Duo-Art #6375. This last selection was guaranteed to show off the piano and to show that Bill had done his work well. He certainly did. After ~ the program Al had lIopen-keyboard,1I as it were. (In the 1111111111·11111111111111111111111111111111111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 ~ American Theatre Organ Society this is referred to as lIopen consolell when all members are perm!tted to t~y JUNE MEETING IN DAVISON out the instrument.) And tryout the Stelnway we dld-­ by Tom Fortier non-stop until 6 p.m. During the enthusiasm and enjoyment of listening, Greetings International and Midwest members of AMlCA: congratulating Al and Bill, and pull ing roll after roll You are all invited to attend the June meeting of AMlCA from the roll cabinet, Caryl Theil set up a tasty Midwest at the home of the President; Tom Fortier, (his buffet. There was much movement and more Ilah-ha ISll as father the V.P. has given him the permission,) in Davison, Michigan. members discovered Al IS collection of pianos in the re­ creation room. Among his jewels were a Chickering and a Starting at 1:30 will be a short business meeting, Stroud reproducing piano. Hurry up with the Chickering, where the Chapter will nominate new officers for next Al and invite us for another fun-filled gathering. Our year. Please have in mind people that you want in office, si~cere preferably ones that will stay in office the entire thanks to Al and Caryl Theil for graciously meeting.~ year~ After the meeting there will be a short recital on hosting the April Tom's Ampico Symphonique, Model A. (A, drawer and ex­ pression mechanism, B stack and pump.) This was one of those "change-over" pianos that are a joy to rebuild and regulate. Since the President's roll collection is not too large, you are advised to bring a couple of your favorite Ampico A rolls for comparison. After the re­ 1111111111111111111111111:::::::::~~i~:ii~~~~~~~~~~i~~~E;::::::::IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII··IIIIII cital the piano is open for one and all to play. Perhaps i if you ask him nicely, the President will play his 5 ------_! rank Wickes Pipe Organ that he has installed in his basement, or his 1948 Estey Reed Organ, or his 1895 Yes, at last, after talking about it over the years, piano Jenkins Parlor Organ, or anything else in the house that hobbyists in the Philadelphia area finally got together. Sunday, is playable: April 28 was the historic date, at the home of AMICANS Later in the afternoon, we will have a pot-luck John and Doris Berry, in suburban Newtown Square, Pa. It dinner for all. Members and Guests are asked to bring a was a fun filled open house for the forty-one people present, of which only seven were presently members of AM ICA. go-along dish to pass, (make sure you bring a dish with Although the invitations sent out to known reproducing food on it, Ha Ha,) and try to stay away from baked and/or pumper piano owners specified 2 P.M. to 5 P.M., beans. It's always fun to attend an event where every- there was so much enthusiasm that a dozen people were ~ _one has brought baked beans! Also, Tom would appreciate already on hand half an hour early. Our sincere thanks and -- it if you could let him know if you're coming, so he can appreciation to Bob Rosencrans, who was the instigator and get a good idea of how much food to have. You can drop driving force behind this first meeting. With the great help him a card, or call 313-653-2577. Thanx: of Jim Chadwick and Larry Cornell, the details were worked Remember, Sunday June 23, 1:30 at the home of Tom out. Alan Lightcap and Jim-were invaluable in providing and Robert Fortier, 712 E. Chelsea Circle, Davison, names and addresses. They helped Bob with telephone follow Michigan 48423. up of all those receiving the mailing, as did Larry Cornell. PAGE 8 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN Larry was also responsible for the arranging and printing of rusting" Honest!) and C. J. Heppe Co. who were also the out· the notices, map layout, etc. The letter also contained a let for Aeolian Corp. Duo·Art equipped pianos. All are gone brief history of AMICA and its purposes, for those not aware now, though there is a used piano dealer which still uses the of its existence. Cunningham name, located in what is known as Germantown, The Berry's home proved to be a great choice. Their a part of Philadelphia. Our famous department store, John restored Francis Bacon Welte upright was enjoyed all afternoon, Wanamaker, was the local source for the Ampico and Ameri­ along with two pre WW 2 juke boxes, complete with lighted can Piano Co. instruments. In those days, the store maintained bubbles. In addition, John has a fine Edison phonograph in a small auditorium or gallery complete with stage for viewing original unrestored condition. As with so many AMICANS, and hearing these pianos. Today, the piano department our hosts are afflicted with those two accompanying hobbies, occupies a small corner of the eighth floor, and is limited to old clocks, and automobiles. Two of the latter, as yet un· mostly imports. Many Ampico rolls in this area still show up restored along with an unrestored Stroud Duo·Art, and with the John Wanamaker price tag label on the box. Haines Ampico upright greeted us in the basement. Also We look forward to increasing our membership, as new awaiting their return to better days were several pumpers. owners come to light. Presently, most of the known potential John's basement workshop was complete with stacks, spool members live in Delaware County, which is but one of the boxes and assorted other piano parts in various stages of local counties encompassing the city. We have much ground rebirth, along with boxes of more rolls everywhere. In the work to do, mainly through word of mouth, and contact with clock department, all running, were such goodies as American piano tuners in the other surrounding counties, as well as the Banjo, German regulator, French gilded mantel clock, plus city proper. Judging by the response to our first efforts, we a beautifully carved cuckoo clock·· and his collection of old have only just begun. alarm clocks. Not to be outdone, Doris has a fine collection of Depression glass displayed in the living and dining room windows. The Berrys added a billiard room to their home several years ago. The Welte, Edison phonograph, and juke boxes were in this room, along with,of course,a billiard table. The latter was put to good use Sunday afternoon, not that for which it was intended, but as a focal point for viewing photos of each others' collections; and exchanging information. In addition, the latest AMICA auction list, several recent issues of the BULLETIN, as well as samples of the replica leaders for Ampico, Duo·Art and Welte rolls were on display. Need· less to say, those unfamiliar with AMICA were amazed at this new, heretofore, unknown world of musical ingenuity. After an hour or so of fun, music and talk, accompanied by coffee and sweets, Bob Rosencrans spoke briefly about Hostess Doris Berry, Joyce Full­ John Prescott, Ai Lightcap and the format of a local chapter, citing the experiences of the ington, Clark Cressman and wife Bob Rosencrans California and Texas chapters. H'e also described the inter· national meets. Following this, it was back to more fun and music and talk. Thanks again John and Doris for hosting this meeting. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, June 9th. at the Springfield home of Bob Rosencrans, where such form· alities as local by·laws, election of officers, etc. will be com­ pleted. Finally, a few words about Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Loot? Well, not quite. It was the home of at least six piano manufacturing companies at one time, viz: Cunningham, Howard Vincent, Lester, Blasius, Schomacher (famous for its gold plated strings, "to keep them from

Sam Samuelian, John Berry, Henry Bob Rosencrans, Jim Chadwick, Gerlach, Larry Cornell John Berry, Tom Halterman

BOB ROSENCRANS TO HOST PHILADELPHIA JUNE MEETING

The next meeting (last one'ti11 Fall) of Philadelphia area AMICANS will be held on Sunday, June 9th. at the Springfield, Del. Co. home of Bob Rosencrans at 2:00 P.M. Bob has two pianos, a Mason & Hamlin AMPI CO A, and a Steinway Duo-Art, both completely restored. He has asked that those wishing to do so, bring their favorite rolls, as his roll collection is not large.

Ron Swanson, Host John Berry Bob's home is an old Pa. stone farmhouse, with Victorian additions of a later period, furnished for comfortable country living with inherited and acquired antiques. Old trees, boxwood, terraces. Grover Houpt, Bill Kromer, Ed Fryer It would be much appreciated if those planning to attend would contact Bob at (215) K13-2236 around seven in the evening, or after dark (he is apt to be out doing yard work), or write. His address is State Rd. at Broadview, Springfield, Pa. 19064.

A REMINDER: DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR APPLICATION FORMS FOR MEMBERSHIP, SO WE CAN COMPLETE OUR RECORDS AS TO YOUR INSTRUMENTS AND INTERESTS. Speaking of the latter, we are anxious to learn where the interests of our group are - that is, how mar would Iike to have technical sessions, and about what, how many prefer the purely social aspects, "-...... / Iive performances, etc.

A technical session is planned for this meeting with a panel of experts to answer your questions. From "What's a stack?", to "How do you regulate the knife valve on a Duo-Art expression box?" ~ THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 9

J. L. COOK'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY Part 7 As a random thought, I would like to say that during this next door to the parsonage was the impressive brick church. first and final full term, there were two concerts which stand Mrs. Williams had an unpainted small shack built right at the out loud and clear in my mind; namely, a singing concert by the front of her property and opened up a restaurant there. It often great black Patty Brown; and a violin concert by the great occurred to me that Mrs. Williams was forever plagued with stag­ Frederick Douglas. I think this way: if there have ever been nant water, for although she no longer lived in the house built greater violinists during those days, later, or even now, I on stilts over the stagnant water, there was an equally objec­ never heard them! tionable branch of it running directly in front of her property And now a very personal experience which it mayor may not be as well as in front of the parsonage, the church and all. But, advisable to print, but I must say it played a very important believe it or not, she made out quite well. part, as a matter of fact, it played the most important part in As a friend, she was aware of our limited space at our par­ my life. I was born with a congenital hernia on the left side. In sonage and allowed us to store some of our excess personal ef­ my earliest days I didn't know what it was, and I kept it re­ fects in a corner of her attic. They were mostly books. As one lieved by often keeping my left hand in my left-hand pocket. I entered the hallway of our parsonage, one observed on the left just thought this was a part of growing up, so I didn't mention of the entry door that there was a wall extending to the kitchen it to anyone. I suppose this was a mistake. I never really became that had been converted into a sizeable bookcase. The books for concerned until groups of boys with whom I associated used to which we had no room were stored at the home of the Williamses, display to each other the size of their testicles to each other; and I don't mind saying that I was a frequent visitor there. and, of course, I had to display 'mine. As time went on, I learned (I have always liked books. They have always seemed somewhat that one perfectly healthy testicle did not descend at birth, so sacred to me, even those which did not have all that much to it grew to an intestine on the left side. offer. Now, I think I should get down to the nitty-gritty, so So one "bean" night at Snowhill, which occurred on a Sunday far as the Williamses are concerned.) night, I ate too many beans and I 'walked with intense pain on There was a rumor around town that Grandpa was overly friendly the left side. I went to breakfast as usual, then to the carpen­ with Mary Williams. I didn't believe it then and still don't try shop, but as the morning wore on the pain became so unbear­ believe it. Then there was Mrs. Phoebe Armstrong, also a teacher able that I got excused to leave the work floor and went upstairs that taught at CPHS. I suspect that she was jealous or envious or in the storage room, and I just cried, just cried. By now some something of the attention that Grandpa gave to Miss Mary, the concern was shown about me, so I was given permission to go to country teacher. I also believe that according to rumors she must the so-called infirmary, which was nothing but a room where they have been the author of the presumed scandal that resulted in put the sick boys. I asked "Major" please to call the doctor, but Grandpa's forced retirement from preaching, at least at Mount he didn't. Instead he gave me a big dose of epsom salts, which Tabor Presbyterian Church. lam all the more convinced that I am was the worst thing he could have done. As I was becoming deliri­ right in this assumption when Mrs. Armstrong tried desperately ous and blacking out, one of our two country doctors came into to get back into the good graces of our family, but with no the infirmary. He had been called to pull a tooth for another success whatsoever. I had a great affection for Miss Phoebe, student. Before examination of the tooth and the subsequent ex­ because she was my first teacher. traction, Major told him to take a look at this boy who was When one entered CPHS for the first time, at age 6, he entered either faking or had a stomach ache because of too many beans. what they call the primer grade; there was low primer and high After a cursory examination this doctor said that I had a primer. I think this was equivalent to what is now called kinder­ strangulated hernia and less than an hour to live unless we garten. Since I could already read and write, when I entered could do something about it. school, I was promoted to high primer after about two weeks in This is where the action began in this case. I must have been the lower grade. I shall never forget when promotion time came at half conscious or worse at this point, but I do remember hearing the end of my first term, that on arriving to my name, Miss the doctor say "I am not prepared to perform the required opera­ Phoebe said these exact words: "Lawrence Cook, promoted to first tion; it would be impossible to get him to a hospital in Selma, grade," and I just flew there. , about 30 miles away, so I will see what I can do." He Now, I must say that after quite some time succeeding the requested that three husky men be called in immediately. When death of my beloved grandmother, it became quite evident that they arrived he had two of them throw me over the shoulders of Grandpa wanted to marry Miss Mary, and although I think that the huskiest of the three, upside down, and a leg on each side there is nothing more natural in life in a case of this kind, of his neck. Then he began a gentle massaging of the painful Miss Alexander, Gerald, Lucille and I strongly resented the idea. area. So help me, it worked, and that's one of the several As to the three of us children, I think it was our strong love reasons I am still here today. for Grandma that prompted this attitude. We just could not Now, this could be just another instance of the time-worn imagine Grandpa married to someone else; but after all, how habit of talking about and showing one's operation, but not so much did we, at our ages, really know about the facts of life? in this case. As a matter of fact, in this case, I mention it Lo and behold, one of the letters that I picked up at general because it is unquestionably the most important turning point delivery at the post office, addressed to Grandpa, was read by leading to my serious entry into the particular field of music, Gerald, Lucille and me. We read it to Mrs. Alexander, and so which has been the most important part of my life's endeavors, help me, I don't know how it became family property. I don't because I left the school. know whether Grandpa left it around or whether we deliberately At this point, I think I should mention a family name, Wil­ steamed it open before he saw it, but it was from Miss Mary. liams. Mrs. Williams was a widow with two daughters. I don't re­ Anyway, the salutation was quite enough for us. It was, in a member the name of the younger one, but I can never forget the way, a shock. It read, "My Dear Husband." This really was enough name of the older one. In the first place, she had a name that for all concerned, although we weren't all that surprised. was easy to remember, and in the second place, she had an inter­ It was almost dark when I arrived at Colombia on the L&N estingly important connection with my family. They lived in a train on a trip which originated in Mobile, Alabama, on my re­ corner house, not very far from the heart of town. As nearly as turn trip from Snowhill. No Negro hacks were at the station to I can recall, it was a fairly large unpainted frame house with a meet , so I approached a white driyer of a one-seat ground floor and finished attic. It was mounted on stilts over a buggy. He asked me to wait. This delay was, of course, to see if stream of stagnant water, which we called a branch. It was there were any white persons that wanted to make the trip to strategically located, in that it was on the direct route from town. There were none, so I asked him if he would take me to the depot to the heart of town. At times the stench from the Happy Hollow, and he agreed to do so. I asked him the fare, and branch was all but unbearable. The ground floor was a restaurant so far as I remember, it was something like 15 or 25 cents, and in the attic there was a living room and sleeping quarters which was okay: I had that much. On the pike there was a street b~fore Grandpa and Mr. Simons opened what was known as the Simons light, but when you turned up the lane leading to my house there & Lawrence cafe. Mrs. Williams made out very well. With the help was complete darkness. No light, except from the stars. I entered of her oldest daughter, Mary, a country schoolteacher, she ac­ the gate and approached the door and knocked. No answer. I quired a house of two stories and finished the attic, plus a knocked on the door on the side of the house where the neighbors considerable amount of property. Next door to her property was lived; still no answer. There was no light except from the stars. the brick parsonage of the largest Negro church in Colombia, and I then reasoned that Grandpa must have been at the home of Miss PAGE 10 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

Mary and that Lucille must have been there also. It was a long walk from Happy Hollow to Miss Mary's home. As a matter of fact, she lived near CPHS, about two and a half miles away. So I started walking. Sure enough, Grandpa and Lucille were there, but there was no room for me, so Grandpa gave me a key to our house and some wooden matches, and so I went back to Happy Hollow, opened the door of the house, struck a match and lit a kerosene lamp. I was partly tired and partly frightened, not of fear of anything happening to me, but because of the spooky atmo­ sphere. For example, when I left Colombia for Snowhill, Mrs. Alexander was alive. The bed in which she slept and died was missing, so the living room seemed bare. Grandpa had told me that I was to sleep in a bed in the fin­ ished part of the attic. It turned out that up there was the very same bed in which Mrs. Alexander had died; so if anyone thinks I slept that night, he must be kidding! This condition could better be realized, a brief rundown on the occasion of Mrs. Alexander's death: It went something like this. On his tired return from the canning factory, he ate and went to bed in the small bed in the room next to Mrs. Alexander's room. He heard her voice before falling to sleep, and she simply said "Lawrence, I am dying. 1I He rushed in to see what he could do, but that was it.

to be continued

left to right: Lisa Ann (the 6'-er), Anniyella Cook Augate (my daughter), Margo Louise, and Anniyella Maria Q.R.S. Vice President Brian Williams records Liberace (seated because of slow recuperation from'a back injury. on a 1905 Melville Clark marking piano. She uses two crutches.)

~'!~"\ t:'-' I ., m'j " .' THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE~ 1974 PAGE II

DUO-ART POPULAR ARTISTS' CHRONOLOGY by Bob Pye re!20 21 22 23 24-25-26-27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36f37f38 39- i PAULINE ALPERT xx VICTOR ARDEN I xx xx xx xx xx ROBERT AFUMBRUSTER X;IXX EDYTHE BAKER x xx FRANK BANTA x x RUBE Bl.OOM ADA~1 CARROLL xx xx xx xx xx x NEWELL CHASE

i HERBERT CLAIR ; '. PETER OE ROSE WALTER DONALDSON RUDOLPH 0_ ERLEBACII x RUTII FERGUSON xx xx ~EOR~E GERSHWIN

HEYWARD HEADDON I I ~-- CLIFF HESS ~~~~~HQMPSON I KERR I GENE KERWIN I HENRY LANGE I IIARVEY MADDON xx I I: CONSTANCE MERING I FRANK ~1I LNE xtx xx x+xJ ALAN MORAN I : i IlAGMAR NORDSTROM I PHIL OHMAN I I xx/xx ! RAY PERKINS I I I I MURIEL POLLOCK xxpexx ·nO(J~LAS RALSTON IXX I XXI xx .\ i FREUOIE RICH ~ xx 'f I \~ILLARD ROBISON I i I I I JACK WEHRLEN I I I I , ~ 1 I t I i i I I I I I i *as arty thi ma I i ; I I I PAGE 12 JUNE. 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

TERESA CARRENO by Emmett M. Ford

Teresa Carreno, pianist, teacher and composer, was From 1866 to 1874 Mme. Carreno toured Spain and born in 1853 at Caracas, Venzuela. At the age of three England winning praises for her performances. In seven­ it became apparent she had musical leanings and talent. ty-two concerts she found the houses were packed, though Her father, convinced of her possible ability, began to in certain countries times were in such a condition that teach her. He was Minister of Finance and later, because the people were under stress, trials and tribulations. of political situations, the family was driven from its In times of great stress people always need ideal ism and country by a revolution, about the year 1862. The family music. Mme. Carreno found her piano playing a rest for came to the United States and settled in New York. At the soul of those living under such conditions. The tour the age of nine, Mme. Carreno appeared in a benefit con­ in England was in partnership with the great master of cert in New York in the Academy of Music. This appear­ the viol in, Joseph Joachim. The tours were of success ance was the beginning of a long, successful and dis­ and merit. tinguished career as a concert pianist. Further appear­ At the age of 18, Mme. Carreno married the violinist, ances created a sensation and showed her remarkable Emil Sauret. The newly married couple came to New York talents. In Boston, she gave twelve concerts. In another where Sauret did not meet with the success he expected appearance in Boston in 1863 she played some difficult and growing tired of the country; he left his wife and a compositions with orchestras and created a special baby daughter and an empty purse. The daughter was furore. adopted by Sauret's sister and the child was to be told louis M. Gottschalk, at the height of his career as a her mother was dead. composer and pianist, became interested in Mme. Carreno. Along with her abil ity as a pianist, Mme. Carreno was Though he did not, according to some sources, become her considered to have a beautiful voice. In Edinburgh, regular teacher, he did give her some instruction and where the English impresario, James Henry Mapelson, was advice for about three years. Mme. Carreno often stated giving a season of Italian opera, she was asked to re­ she owed much to Gottschalk for his directing her in­ place an ail ing soprano. Her singing appearance was as terests to . He also helped her with the the Queen in the opera "lES HUGUENOTS." later there was shades of meaning in the music as well as its technical vocal study and several appearances in other operas. rend it ion. There she met her second husband, baritone Giovanni ~ Sail ing for Europe in 1866, she 1ived in Paris and Tagl iapietra, who was at that time managing an opera studied with George Mathias, a pupil of Chopin. She company. In 1876 in New York she sang the part of impressed Rossini and liszt with her playing and liszt Zerl ina to her husband's Don in the Mozart opera "DON offered her instruction, but she refused. Patti and GIOVANNI." Rossini wanted her to be serious about studying and Mme. Carreno and her husband were invited to Caracas, cultivating her voice. later her instruction was with Venezuela as guests of the State for having arranged the ; she was twelve years of age at this music of a national anthem, "GLORIA Al BRAVO PUEBLO." It time. Even at that early age she was immediately ac­ has been erroneously attributed to Carreno as composer cepted in musical circles as a fellow artist among the of the anthem, but it was a hymn written in 1811 by J. greatest musicians of the time. landaeta and was adopted as the national anthem that

M ~lE. TEKJ::SA Cr\lHU::NO. THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 13

same year. The last three weeks of the centennial cele­ lasted three years, but ended with a divorce. DIAl bert bration of Bolivar and liberty was to be operatic per­ immediately married the soprano, Hermine Fink. Though formances. Mme. Carreno's participation in the centen­ separated from D'Albert, Mme. Carreno admired his com­ nial was particularly appropriate because she was a positions and performed many in her tour of Germany. descendent of Bolivar. Her powerful performances estab1 ished the success of Since an opera presentation was demanded for the the compositions. One important success was her per­ celebration, the baritoneTagl iapietra was issued the formance of D' A1bert ' s Concerto with the Philharmonic sum of $20,000 and sent to Italy to collect a company of Orchestra in Ber1 in. opera singers. During the opera performances, a politi­ A fourth marriage occurred in 1902 to Arturo Taglia­ cal revolution occurred, and quarreling singers and pietra, a younger brother of her former baritone-husban4 conductor compelled Mme. Carreno to do the conducting Giovanni. This marriage caused a scandal because of the for three weeks. Apparently she maintained excellent relationship of husbands, but Arturo lived with her till discipl ine and her versatility won respect from everyone her death. Though Mme. Carreno lived happily for several years Reviews stated Mme. Carreno could perform Liszt with wi th Tagl iap ietra and bore him three ch i 1dren, the bari­ thunder and glitter; then with calm, perform a Bach tone-husband's conduct later became intolerable. She fugue; then to a Beethoven sonata with intellectual left him and went to Europe. This enabled Tagl iapietra to content, and then present Chopin in color and splendor. secure a divorce on technical grounds. Her programs have variety, including works of Bach, Mme. Carreno's German de-but was made in 1889. During Beethoven, Schumann, Liszt, Chopin and Brahms. the 1889 Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, Bruno Walter, Leschetizky admired the positions of her hands at the a young pianist (later to be a famous conductor) was to keyboard and inquired of her if she had studied or if it play the Hosche1es ' E flat Major Concerto. His place was was instinctive; Mme. Carreno never knew what he meant, taken for the concert by Eugene d'Albert's second wife, as she played in a natural manner. DIAl bert told her she Teresa Careno. Young Walter was crushed by this, but played Liszt IS "RHAPSODY No 611 as it shou 1d be played when he heard the sparkle and brilliance of her playing, without being tired at the end. Rosenthal praised her the thunder of her rushing octaves, he became fascina­ playing of the Chopin "Butterfly" Etude and inquired ted and reimbursed for his former feel ing of nullity. In what she did to get the "1 impid effect." Mme. Carreno's 1907 a successful tour was made in Austral ia. Successful stately bearing as she crossed the stage to the piano appearances in Europe and the United States established labeled her lithe Valkyrie of the piano. " Her playing her reputation as one of the great pianists of her time. was considered great and phenomenal, but not all per­ Hans von Bulow heard her in a concert in Berlin and fection. It was impassioned, expressive and full of espicia11y praised her performances of the works of power, yet lacked tenderness, and her touch was often Beethoven. A performance in 1916 in Berlin of Tchaikow­ hard. (The fiery and bold playing of Ethel Leginska sky's Concerto was the first performance of the concerto makes her a successor of Mme. Carreno.) Overpowering in since the beginning of World War I, and also the first talent, determination, physical strength and person­ appearance of a Russian composer's name on a program ality, her playing was not always accepted. Grieg took there. her to'task about her intrepretat ion of Liszt IS "HUN­ Mme. Carreno had many students, but there were two of GARIAN FANTASIA" and Chopin's "CONCERTO IN E MINOR. " great fame. Edward Alexander MacDowell studied with her Paderewski said he could not feel any tenderness, which and she was a great admirer of his compositions, includ­ he felt was necessary for a beautiful tone, in her ing many of them in her conceTts. She introduced Mac­ playing. Dowell 's compositions to European audiences. In a letter A postage stamp with her profile was issued by the to his friend, Mikita Semyonovich, Rachmaninoff stated Venezuelan Government and a copy of the stamp is shown he did not care for the MacDowell second piano concerto in Theodor E. Steinway's book, PEOPLE AND PIANOS performed by Carreno in Leipzig, with the Gewandhaus (Steinway & Sons, 1953). Orchestra conducted by Arthur Nikisch. Edward MacDowell In 1913, the 50th Anniversary of her career was stated the stiff technical training he had under Mme. celebrated by a dinner in Berlin; at this time she was Carreno along with that at the Paris Conservatory and 60 years of age. Her last performance was with an or­ study with Carl Heymann had been of great value. Carreno chestra in 1916 for the Society played the ending of the Grieg Concerto in octaves and the last recital was in Havana in ~917. rather than arpeggios, possibly because she had good Mme. Carreno composed several compositions; some octave technique. Grieg complained of this practice. were published. The compositions were a string quartet, Another student, Walter Hope Jones was one-time pro­ "PETITE DANSE TAIGANE;' arranged for orchestra; 39 fessor of music at the State University, Champaign, concert pieces for piano; and other small pieces. A Illinois. Mr. Hope Jones was a frequent author of arti-. waltz, "M I TERESITA," written for her daughter, Teresita, cles for the flourishing and popular music magazine, THE was especially popular (Ref. Duo Art 5707 by Carreno). ETUDE. The daughter also became a piano virtuoso and gave con­ A third matrimonal venture resulted in a marriage to certs in Berl in, and London. the pianist, Eugene D'A1bert in 1892. D'A1bert was Mme. Carreno realized and stated that mechanical eleven years her junior and lived with her for a time pianos were doing the art of piano playing a great deal before legal izing the union. They appeared in duo piano of good in taking music into homes for young people to recitals. It has been reported her playing improved become acquainted with the classics. She considered many during her marriage to D'Albert and it was felt this was of the piano playing devices as marvelous, showing the due to his influence. Possibly her Liszt interpretation student the highest ideal of the human hand at the piano was learned from D'Al bert and even in later years her keyboard, the highly individualized interpretation which playing had more control and color. Two daughters were can be real ized in phrasing, tone and quality of the born in this marriage. Though the marriage was filled music. In a testimony she gave to the Welte-Mignon, she with violent conflicts and definitely unharmonious, it said the roll of her performance of the Liszt "SIXTH PAGE 14 JUNE,1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY" was performed exactly as she played 1isted as available, but possibly a search could be it and she felt the Welte-Mignon was an incredible in­ made by anyone interested in obtaining a copy. vention. She did not make any phonograph records though In March, 1917 Mme. Carreno went to Cuba for a con­ there were opportunities. There also has been some cert tour, but became ill before the first appearance. doubt if the piano rol Is she made really show her capa­ Her ailment was first diagnosed as an eye ailment. bilities. Here again is the question of whether the Returning to New York, her condition worsened, and rolls were "doctored." after several months of illness, paralysis developed. In the 1880's no self-respecting piano manufacturer Her death was at her home June 12, 1917 in the Della would be without a sponsored pianist to give perform­ Robbia Apartments at West End Avenue and 96th Street. ances and testimony as to the qual ification of the She was survived by her husband, Arturo Tagl iapietra, piano. Many manufacturers imported European pianists who was with her at the time of her death, and five who would come to the United States to use the pianos children, all residing in Europe. The body was cremated on their concert tours and in return give their endorse­ and the remains were taken to the artist's home in ment as to the quality of the instrument. No pianist Berl in after the termination of the war. Honorary pall­ would come to the U.S.A. unless he had a guarantee from bearers were Ignace Jan Paderewski, Ernest Hutcheson, the piano manufacturer, because without these pernicious Walter Damarosch, Walter Rothwell, Josef Stransky, contracts many pianists would have been seriously ef­ Mischa Elman, Franz Kneisel, Albert Spalding and Charles fected financially and possibly would not have had a Steinway. Other notables at the funeral were Emma career or been known. Often the name of the piano en­ Thursby and Mrs. Edward MacDowell. Emma Thursby made her hanced the pianist's career, or the name of the pianist operatic debut with Carreno. could increase sales for the manufacturer. Much adver­ Mme. Carreno's children reside in Europe. Her son, tising appeared in papers and magazines, with photo­ Giovanni Tagl iapietra is an opera singer in Berl in, and graphs and endorsement by the pianists, signed in their the oldest daughter, Teresita Carreno, gave concerts in handwriting, and stating their satisfaction with the England prior to her mother's death. pianos. Mme. Carreno, like other pianists, switched in Mme. Carreno was 63 years of age when she died. She mid-course in hopes of getting better deals. She first had played for two American presidents, Lincoln and used the Weber, then switched to Steinway, and later Wilson. Her recital at the White House for President used the Everett. Lincoln was highlighted by her complaint at the piano. A book by Mme. Carreno, entitled TERESA CARRENO, was AMICA members will find many happy hours in playing~ published in 1940 by M. Milinowski. It is no longer her rolls, either Ampico, Duo Art or Welte.

Why Puccini Slnelled

London leading actresses or aristo­ The jealous wife of Italian c r a. t s, preferring chorus composer Giacomo Puccini girls, waitresses or readily was rumored to soa,k his available admirers "whom trousers in camphor in a bid he took with as little emo­ to curb his extra-marital tion as he picked off wild sexual adventures', accord­ fowl." ing to a new 'biography pub­ Puccini said of himself: ., I lished yesterday. am a mighty hunter of wild And, writes author Stanley fowl, beautiful women and Jackson in "Monsieur But­ good libretti." terfly; The Story of Pucci­ He told a friend: "On the ni," his wife, Elvira', 'would da,y when I am no longer in doctor his coffee with a love, you can hold my funer­ counter-aphrodisiac whenev- ' al." er someattraclive singer dined with them, But when Puccini died in 1925, aged 65, to be mourned At times of creative by opera lovers the world stress, Puccini felt an into­ ~ver, his last words were of lerable need for "something "My poor Elvira, my poor fleshly," says Jackson. GIACOMO PUCCINI 'A mighty hunter' wife." He had little taste for lCeUI.~'·... THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE,1974 PAGElS

After 75 years, a rag~!mR!'Ar.!~!!!!!8nce By Roderlck Norden they bought eight tickets for the second and took a whole party of us. I Ellzabeth, our youngest, has been 11&W another friend there, and he II&ld sitting at the plano in her blue jeans he had been ,swept to the concert by and hiking boots, trying to pick out someone else's s1m1lar enthusiasm. Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag." It was that kind of crowd, people of Th1B summit example of the tum-of­ all ages obviously enjoying them­ the-century ragtime era firBt came selves, including the student musi­ out when her grandmother, my cians onstage and their sport·jack­ mother, was about Ellzabeth's age eted conductor, Gunther Schuller, and a180 practicing the piano, though president of the conservatory and a wearinga white dreuand high-button man who knows his ragtime, as his shoes, according to the only surviving book "Early Jazz" attests. He dates photograph of heras a girl. "Maple Leaf Rag" 1899, making 197. When I myself was Ellzabeth's age, lte 71lth anniversary year. I lived in Alexandria, Minn., home of I don't know If my mother, prac­ Alexandria's Ragtime Band, a school ticing her Czemy exercises, knew of extracurricular activity in which I Joplin at that time, or ever. Certainly she never played anything racier than "Humoresque," unleu one counts eventulilly became the drummer, "Dardanella" after she grew up and coinplete with a row of red enameled had a son to accompany her on the temple blocks for Imitating hoofbeats trap drums. But when she began - giving plano leuons during the de­ in "The Donkey Serenade," plus a white walter's jacket with a V in the .presslon, she tried to keep alive any back, a bowtie, and a maroon cum­ filckerlng spark of musical interest In merbund. children by helping them play what As If to link further these musical they wanted to play, and I'm sure she nome"), and other com­ Jelly Roll," drawn from a celebrated generations, I now read in LouiB and Ellzabeth would get along fine In poser/performers of the time re­ recording ses­ Sheaffer's biographical "O'Neill: Son the second age of Joplin. quires technical dexterlty as well as sion: "Ragtime Is a certain type of and ArtiBt" that when playwright I just hope LIz learns "Maple Leaf" panache, When the New England syncopation and only certain tunes Eugene O'Neill was about my present before the end of the ragtime revival, Conservatory pianist emerged trium­ can be played in that Idea. But jazz Is age hiB wife gave him a player piano, which has been fall1ng like a beniBon phant from Joplin's "The Entertain­ a style that can be applied to any type "sam.U!1ng he had wanted for on the numbed ears of the electronic er," the crowd's ovation was echoed of tune." yean;I' which he promptly named '70's. Joshua Rifkin, a fieet-flngered In the admiration expressed by the The point was memorably illus­ "Rosie." He spent "some of hiB musicologist, has paced the Joplin two girl plano-players in our party. trated for Ellzabeth, Amy, and the hiLpplest hours at the old instrument resurrectionists with his recording of Amy, who had also enjoyed It two rest of us at Jordan Hall when the as It tinkled and thumped through the "Plano Ragl\ by Scott Joplin" for weeks before, lamented that she had New England Conservatory Ragtime strainB of 'Alexander's Ragtime Nonesuch. Tile ancient and honorable not been able to obtain the sheet Ensemble played some Jelly Roll Band' and 'Mysterious Rag'...." Euble Blake, whose rags began com­ music for the piece. Morton jazz, with Its feeling of unbut­ O'Neill joked to an interviewer: Ing out before Joplin died in 1917, has "My reason for trying to adopt toned jollity - "Grandpa's Spells" I "I'm not sure that liBtening to ali been ebulliently participating in his something truly different from rag­ think the tune was - after the more those old songs I played on Rosie was own personal realsll&nce. The New time, 'was,' that all my fellow musi­ on-the-beat gaiety of the preceding a good Idea. I try to remember a England Conservatory Ragtime En­ cian's were much faster in manipula­ rags, with their strict, rondo-like beautiful verse of Verlaine and come semble plays on an Angel record that tions & thought than I & I did not feel successions of 16-bar themes. up with a line of 'Everybody's Doing recently won a Grammy award for as' though I was in their class," wrote Mr. Schuller, responding to the It' or 'Oh, You Great Big Beautiful chamber music. What Joplin called the not usually humbled Jelly Roll audience's clap-along tendencies, Doll.' " his ragtime opera, "A Guest of Morton, who took credit for Invent­ gave a brlef seminar in clapping on I know the feeling. I try to remem· Honor," has not been revived, but ing, orat least naming, "jazz"in 1902. beats one and three for ragtime and ber a beautiful line of O'Neill and there have been performances, in In a clear, conventional hand, though on the afterbeats, two and four, for come up with T. S. Eliot's "0 0 0 0 Atlanta and Washington, of hiB with somewhat individual punc­ jazz. that Shakespeherian Rag -/ It's so "stralght" opera, "Treemonisha," tuation (as reproduced in "The Picto­ In thiB nonviolently entertaining elegant / So intell1gent. .. ." named for the character found as an rial History of Jazz"), he continued to atmosphere, with family and friends o I wiBh Eliot were alive to wltneu Infant under a tree by a woman called a friend: "Of course they all seem to and a sea of smlUng faces, Itwas hard today's renaiBsance of that ragtime Monlsha, who sees her grow up to be a classify In the No.1 class, men like to think that ragtime once had' as m\lslc to which he tipped hiB hat In black leader. Bits of Joplin have also Alfred Wilson (won Plano Playln!l' much to live down as rock. When "The Waste Land". and which had its found their way Into recent theater contest St. Louis exposition 19

Anyway, rqt.Ime, which now sound. &I ICrubbed and Innocent &I Amy 1I======h Elizabeth aDd look, II having a II II renallunce jult when the beat ~ rock II II II NOTICE: II hal to compete with the mollt per­ II II vene exploltaUona ~ rock. "Maple II II Leaf Rag" II back alter three quar­ :: 1973 BOUND BULLETINS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! :i II II tere of a Clntury. Anyone for a revival II II of rock In :llM1I? 1!======:l1

WORDPLAY TH,E MILWAUKEE JOURNAL 6reenSheet Saturday, February 23,1974·

A CONTRIBUTION BY OOUG K: GEE

In 60 years, ASCAP has made Senatnt Soaper says: ---Iy I!U ---­ musical money for artists VAUGHAN Ye Grea.y Spoone __._.[e. By Phil Casey most popular of American and every composer. lyricist liar, particular and trlghten­ nc,'" and raised hell when he Washington Post Service composers, would have de· and music publisher Is glad ing economic depre••lon. found Jut he wasn't getting the oil Industry to make bida on recycling Its kitchen, Wllhln,ton, D, C, - If parted holding plenty. of it. It was not IS bad as Fa.· money from the restaur.nts This month marks the 60th It became .nd remains • .. ter's decline, but It must have and halls that were present· .... Stephen Foster were doing The Pekllll prell J. crltlc:al his dying tooay, he'd be anniversary of ASCAP. way for them to get the de· 'remjndeci them.of him. Inc the tune. from hi. operas,. which is, olfici.lIy, the lightful fruits of their some; Fosler. the comPoser at Afttr that. Victor Herbert ot the ,reat clauJcal compoa. going out with more than 38 en the Weltent World. cents in his pocket. . American Society of Com· time. delightfull.bors. "Old Black· Joe." "My Old and others decided something or ~ome," When they knock Beethoven, ASCAP wouldn't have let posers. Authors and Publish· Kentucky "Camp· was wrong. too. They wer·· ers, devoted to the economic Sheet music life ~n't .hould we talk hch to them? him out that way. Chances town R.ce.·... and other making any money ei­ survival of the men and The way It worked before are, the way ASCAP does songs tltat are part at Jhe ther from the people who •• • women who make oUf music. ASCNP was that our lyricists m~n things, that Foster, one of the rockbecl of Americ.n tolk· were making· money from We suppose I Cln be It started long after Foster and composers didn't get a lore, died broke. their music. ' counted IS hiving liVed I for­ died, of course, and it was nickel for the public per· Honors ca. ~t,r 'tunlte life If he asks, way past time. It took Gia­ formances of their works. "Whit's I snow tire?" como Pliccini, Victor Her· They lived off their percent· He died when he was 37, bert, Jerome Kern, John Phil­ ages of sheet music sales. and ·in 1864, in Bellevue Hospital, ip Sousa. Rudolph Friml, Irv· when people quit b'lylng , the most ing Berlin and many others to much sheet music. t~~ a':o' ~f acclaimed of our popular get ASCAP off the ground, confronted their own 1'- I.- composers in the 19th centu­ ry. He had, if the hospital accountin. at that time can be trusted, all of 38 cents in his purse. Since then. great things h.ve h.ppened. His home­ CODA ON PETE KELLY'S BLUES town, Pitttburgh, got .round to celebrating him. An ex­ by Alaa Pier pensive chapel housed hi. belonging•• Includlnc the purse and Its contents. Alan Pier has a copy of the orchestrion recording 01 ASCAP doe.n't let this I Never Knew and Pete Kelly's Blues. He wit I make a happen to composers and lyr­ icists anymore. It. aim for 60 recording for any member who wishes to send him a smal I years hll been to see that the reel-to-reel tape (no cassettes or cartridges please). artists get what's due. AS· Don't expect too much. Although the sound was quite CAP is hip. It knows its members, can't take It with suitable for movie background music, the performance them. but it knows, too, that makes a typical AMICA tinkerer feel like going for his they can't pick it up later. tool kit. Those who have seen the movie wil I remember The point i.n't now the 'artist handles the money that that the orchestrion gets riddled by a submachine gun he gets. but that he gets the near the end of the picture. One wonders whether these morley he has earned from special effects produced any real damage and who now the people who profit from owns the instrument. his work. Other countries had their organization. protecting their inusicmakers. but we hadn't cot around Ii> it. until 1913, wh'en Puccini came THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 17

AMPICO MAKES A LONG DISTANCE PLAYING RECORD THE BROADWOOD-ARTRIO REPRODUCING PIANO Picture Magnate Leaves Instrument Playing in Rush for California fronl THE GRAMAPHONE, November, 1924 and Returns to Find it Still Operating contributed by Ed Hayden from THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, FEB. 21, 1925 contributed by Bill Burkhardt We were recently invited to a joint recital by Miss Olivia Cate and the Broadwood-Artrio Reproducing John KWlsky, the moving picture magnate of De­ Piano--a combination of the famous Broadwood piano troit, gave a farewell dinner on the night of his and the "Artrio" Reproducing action, made by Sir leaving for California. He and his friends were Herbert Marshall and Sons. The recital was held at the enjoying his Ampico and during the playing of the Broadwood Galleries, New Bond Street, and took the "Ave Maria" it was discovered that they had just form of a "comparison" recital between Miss Cate's time to make their train. They hurried from the playing and that of the reproducing piano, both singly, house, leaving the Ampico still playing, believ­ in combination, and in alternation. This latter was ing, as usual, it would stop automatically. Un­ especially instructive and interesting. In the words fortunately, however, the "repeat" device was on of Miss Florence Marshall: "Miss Cate charmed all with and when they returned from California, a month her delicious touch and phrasing in the C sharp minor later, the roll was still playing and had played Waltz of Chopin, and the 'Artrio' alternating with her ,continuously during their absence as no one had left the audience quite bewildered as to which per­ been in the apartment during that time. Both in­ formance was the more human. Perhaps the most uncannily strument and motor had been doing duty for a solid brilliant achievement of the 'Artrio' was when it llOnth. Calculations show that the "Ave Maria" was played Saint-Saens' Danse Macabre in duet form with repeated 8,640 times. • Miss Cate. The reproduction was from Yolanda Mero's ~,~ playing, and it was really fine to hear these two ~i~ clever artists battle out the popular tone-poem-­ matching intellect with intellect and technical bril­ liancy with technical brilliancy, though one of the RECORDING IS A BIG BUSINESS: artists was actually hundreds of miles away." A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PHONOGRAPH Our readers will agree that this is certainly a re­ by Wm. A. Miller markable claim, but it is one which after the most ENGLISH DECCA PRESSED NINE MILLION L.P. critical listening we are bound to endorse. And it RECORDINGS IN THE FOUR YEARS 1950-54 must not be supposed that the "Artrio" had an unfair Purchase $4 Million Controlling Stock in advantage in the matter of technique at any time. Miss Capitol Recordings Cate--to quote Miss Marshall again--"studied harmony and composition under Carl Engel--one of America's Such headlines as these portend the development of leading composers--and made her debut at Boston in an industry which has been colossal in its growth and March, 1924, receiving unqualified praise from the history, so fascinating as to leave one almost spell­ press. She is at present in London further pursuing bound by its intrigue and development. Today finds the her studies under Tobias Matthay." recording industry a far cry from the original intro­ We were especially charmed by the delicate soft duction in December, 1887, of a recording device uti­ tones of the "Artrio" in Cyril Scott's Danse Negre. lizing tinfoil blanks which 'was given up as a bad job We remark upon this because the criticism is some­ even by Edison by the close of 1878. times made of reproducing pianos that the prevailing In 1885, Chichester A. Bell and Charles S. Tainter tone is too loud. This was certainly not so on this developed the wax cylinder thus improving the tin­ occasion; and, indeed, with the eyes closed it was foil cylinder of Edison's and so was born the Edison­ almost impossible to tell at what point the human Bell Graphophone. In 1888, a Lt. Gianni Bettini pur­ pianist was merged into the "mechanical" one. Moreover, chased an Edison Wax cylinder phonograph, and being had the "Artrio" been deficient in one factor alone-­ dissatisfied with its quality, he developed a spider rhythmic accent--the break would have been at once type diaphragm to improve the movement of the stylus. apparent, so noticeably was this a feature of Miss Cate's playing. Bettini recorded most of the great voices of the day with his marvelous machine and marketed recording One can only marvel at the astonishing ingenuity heads to attach to the Edison graphophone and the new and craftmanship that go to the making of this product of two such famous houses, and commend it to all those Columbia Graphophone wax cylinder machine. Most of who value artistic merit. Bettini's recordings were produced for his own in­ terest and that of the curious recording artists, such as Mark Twain, Sarah Bernhardt, Melba and Yvette Guilbert, but Bettini passed from the picture as he came, while his recordings, true collectors' items, were destroyed in Paris during World War II bombings. None of his outstanding artist recordings are known to exist today. Not so runs the history of the Columbia Graphophone Company formed in Washington D.C. (hence its name) and known also as the American Graphophone Company. Its development and how it eventually became the great E.M.I. is fascinating and we will cover this later. PAGElS JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BU LLETIN

Up to this time, 1895, the two cylinder recording his improved phonograph and disc but refusing him the companies were both using the Bell-Tainter wax cylin­ use of the word "gramophone", so a new name was in der and were both at one another's throats for patent order, but Johnson had been "victorous" to quite an rights and supremacy, but a further thorn in their extent. In 1900, Berliner succeeded in reversing the sides was coming in the form of Emile Berliner. Under court decision and he regained his patent, but now he the old method of wax cylinder recording, the hill and was confronted with Johnson. There was no question dale or vertical method of sound recording was used but what Johnson had done as much for the machine and exclusively. Emile Berliner introduced zig-zag or disc as Berliner, and Johnson offered his share of lateral recording methods. His 7-inch master discs the business including all of his holdings to Berliner, were recorded on zinc plates and etched by chemical but not wanting to raise the funds required, an amal­ method and a negative matrix developed for stamping gamation resulted in the formation of the Victor the finished recordings in vulcanized rubber and later Talking Machine Co., October 3, 1901. During this into hard shellac. During this development period, the confusion, some very interesting background developed. Berliner Gramophone Company was using a hand propelled The early Victor discs did not use the name Victor but method of turning the disc. If you didn't give out the statement "Improved Record" sub-capped by the name physically, you couldn't drive the machine at anything Eldridge R. Johnson printed on the label. With the close to uniform speeds even if you classed yourself consolidation of Victor came its rise and the decline as an expert. To say it mildly, the "wow" was terrific. of Zonophone. Berliner got busy now and hired William Berliner was directed to' one Eldridge Johnson, a 26 Barry Owen, son of a New Bedford whaling captain, and year old mechanic in Camden, New Jersey, with his quite a salesman. It was this same Owen who organized problem of speed control. Johnson came forth with a the world markets and purchased the trademark of the good design and was given an order for 200 machines. famous dog, which in itself is rather interesting. The hand propelled model sold for $15, but by fall of It seems that Francis Barraud, the artist, painted 1896, Johnson had the spring-driven model out at $25, the first picture with an Edison-Bell Graphophone on which was one-half the cost of competitive machines. it and submitted it to Edison-Bell in 1898, but was Berliner formed the National Gramophone Company with rejected. Owen picked it up here and substituted a Frank Seaman as its sales-manager under 15 year con­ Gramaphone with the words "His Master's Voice" in­ tract for exclusive merchandising of the Berliner cluded later. It is through the interchange of this Gramophone. The Berliner Gramophone Co. of Philadel­ trademark we find its appearance in England. The phia was formed to manufacture recordings and instru­ famous dog first appeared in the year 1904, and the ments while still another orqanization, the United word Victor and later, Victrola, appeared about 1908. States Gramophone Company was created to hold patents During this period, the British Gramophone Co., an and control. The complications that followed gave affiliate of Victor, was releasing recordings with the birth to the Victor Talking Machine Company. "Recording Angel" trademark and some were released Columbia Graphophone Company was not taking all with a "Crown" trademark. this development lightly and about this time, 1898, The English Gramophone Companies original trademark they slapped an injunction against the National Gramo­ was the' "Angel" and the Company dates to 1898 or the phone Company and one Frank Seaman prohibiting the same date as the American Gramophone Company pri.or to sale of any taJking machines utilizing a floating the lawsuits. The plant at Hayes on the outskirts of soundbox. This effectively clamped the lid on all London started in operation in 1907 and with it the three of the gramophone companies. Berliner fought use of the dog "Nipper" as it is affectionately refer­ every way he could. Seaman was stopped in the middle red to in England. To every Englishman, it is a of a million dollar sales business, and Eldridge British trademark, but we know it is an American Johnson was left sitting wit~ a lot of machinery trademark. going no place. Things went rather smoothly for the ensuing years-­ As patents were being questioned, Seaman started Victor and Columbia growing in the u.S. with the de­ his own company, the Universal Talking Machine Com­ cline of Edison and Pathe, while the British Gramo- pany, producing the Zonophone, designed slightly phone and the British Columbia Graphophone were different from the Gramophone, but the courts finally growing in England. Acoustical recording, as it is prevailed and upheld Columbia. By a mutual alliance called, had developed but the process had not improved between Seaman and Columbia, the National Gramophone to any extent; in short, recording had reached its Co., Universal Talking Machine Co., the American limit under the methods used. In tonal quality the top Graphophone Co. and the Columbia Graphophone Co. all was 2092 CPS or triple high C, and E below middle C concluded that the ZOnophone would be manufactured on the lower end or 164 CPS, and this was pretty poor and sold under the control of American Graphophone recording quality. So in 1923, Western Electric, a Co., while Seaman was successful in preventing further subsidiary of American Tel. & Tel., set about doing merchandising by Berliner Gramophone Company. All this something about it. They developed a method of re­ left Johnson, the manufacturer of the Gramophones cording by use of a magnetic pickup and cutting head right in the soup with a new factory and lot of equip­ driven electrically by the use of vacuum tubes. This ment on hand. To Johnson, no alternative existed, he revolutionary process was noted by Berliner while he had to go into business for himself. Johnson improved was going through New York, and he passed his informa­ the disc process by combining the old hard wax method tion on to Victor. Victor was negotiating for exclu- '~ of cutting the master then reproducing an improved sive franchise on the process and was very much asleep shellac disc stamping. Naturally, Seaman then sued at the switch in not concluding the contract. While Johnson in an attempt to stop his development known negotiations were moving slowly, Western Electric sent as The Consolidated Talking Machine Company, selling some of its masters to Pathe processing plant for "Gramophones." Here we have a twist, the Courts de­ pressing. Well, Frank Capps, past manager of Edison cided in Johnson's favor allowing him to proceed with and Russel Hunting, both of Edison-Pathe were not THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 19

completely out on their feet, so they decided to have a listen to what this Western Electric outfit had sent over to be processed and believe you me, what they heard set two continents up on their haunches. Capps and Hunting could just see themselves out of business, but what to do about it? They also had wind of the Victor exclusive contract set-up, so what do you think they did? Well, by some unknown means, one Louis Sterling, ex-American citizen (now Lord Sterling) and president of British Columbia, received some copies of the pressings, together with the word about the im­ pending contract with Victor. He was so horrified, he practically swam to N.Y. and immediately went into a huddle with Western Electric. After one week of very clever negotiation, he succeeded in having Western Electric withdraw its exclusive contract and give equal rights to both firms, very considerate of him. To make a long story longer, R.C.A. 26 years ago, 1929 to be exact, bought out the successful Victor Talking Machine Company while it was in its biggest boom. In 1930, the British Gramophone Co. and the Columbia Graphophone Co. of Briton consolidated to form the world's largest recording company, E.M.I. When the Inzers' neighborhood photographer gets down to (Electric and Musical Industries, Ltd.) E.M.I. now 3 or 4 photos left in the camera he runs over and photo­ presses H.M.V. (His Master's Voice"), Columbia graphs different sections of the store. They had the (English), Parlophone, Regal-Zonophone and M.G.M. tiffany-style keyboard lamp especially made for their records. showroom. If you look closely, the first grand piano to In 1952 Dario Soria who controlled Cetra Soria the right is a Mason & Haml in Ampico "B." They buil t recordings sold his interests to American Capitol two cabinets like the one behind the keyboard lamp, each _'-.-/ Recordings and became manager of E.M.I. Thus Capitol of which holds over 1000 piano rolls. now issues Cetra recordings. European H.M.V. record­ ings are issued through RCA Victor in this country on a rapidly declining arrangement. Up to 1953 English in control over Cetra and of course, complicates Columbia recordings were issued in the U.S. under things as RCA's contract with E.M.I. extends to 1958 American Columbia label, but when this agreement and English Decca releases American "Capitol" record­ lapsed in 1952, E.M.I. was stuck for an outlet so they ing in England, English Decca also releases American went back to the "Recording Angel" and are now re­ Decca recordings in England under the "Brunswick" leasing, in my opinion, one of the highest quality label, while English Decca recordings released in the recording discs available on the market today on the U.S. are "London" and "FFRR" (Full Frequency Range Angel label. Late in 1954, the recording world was Recordings) . shocked and confused to hear E.M.I.'s negotiations to Decca is a separate recording company with a rather buy the controlling stock of Capitol, which was con­ bizarre beginning. Back during the first world war, a cluded March 14, 1955. This places Dario Soria back need existed for a phonograph with a larger horn but self-contained for compactness for overseas use in France. An enterprising Englishman discovered he could use the lid to almost double the volume from the self­ contained horn below and so he named his machine the "Decca". During the gramaphone boom of 1929, an enter­ prising stockbroker in London, E.L. Lewis, placed the stock on the market as the Decca Recording Company, and was quite successful until the crash when he took over personal management and gradually increased sales until he was able to start the American Decca Company. The American Decca Company was sold during the war years, 1940-45, thus severing the two companies. In 1945, English Decca issued the first Hi-Fi recordings called "FFRR" and 33-1/3 RPM, thus starting the great­ est advance in recorded sound since the advent of the orthophonic process of electrical recordings. You may be sure the path for Decca was no smooth one as E.M.I. controlled most of the reproducing equipment and refused to change over to 33-1/3 RPM. Had it not been for English Garrard Mfg. Co., the whole L.P. plan could have gone down to defeat. In 1952 E.M.I. gave

The Inzers' book corner is very popular. PAGE 20 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

in releasing L.P. recordings, and January 31, 1955, special pickup, reproducing two sound tracks simul­ E.M.I. withdrew 5,117 78-RPM recordings unofficially. taneously, lateral and vertical. English Decca is now intent on releasing binaural This article was originally printed in 1955. recordings with both tracks in one groove by use of a

CONTRIBUfED BY ALA.\ MUELLER ijIl,r ErHablr £lrrtrtr IItaull STYLE 44. i~ a 1'1111 ~i/,l' SS ;'\Illll' \'l·"I'llard "ialill whi(,1t pla.v,.; Ii:. Il;,ll'~ I,y Elt-l"Iri(·it.v. irhis Electric 'inno "ri('" ~'flfl.II". ill li~hl Ill' darh Plays 44 note music on a five lIak. (Willt III' witlllllll :'Ii('hl'1 tune endless roll. ~11I1) These pianos come with, or with­ Fill' l'iC'1I1I'l' ~IItIWS 111l~H' piallll~ n''1"in' 1111 all1·lIlillll• .i1l,.;1 IIIi'll out nickle slot arrangement. 1 Ill' 1t1l1l1l11 1111 alld "iallll plav,.; New five tune music rolls cost 1'1'1111111111(' te, tlllll' IIl1lil 1111'11".1 1111' )1111 .Ill Lcd haH' til wait $1.50 each, fill' 11I1I,.;i(· III n·willd. This style of Instrument is a 'l'Ill"; pialill i~ liltl·d "'jlh a :, '1'1111" Elldl,''';''; I{llil Wllil'll -'\·IIid,.; GREAT MONEY EARNER, H"\\'illdilig' TI'III1IIII'~. when fitted with nickle slot and 1'1 a.v.~r\~\: I.~\~~c 'i:~';;:;' .:;:' ~:I"f~~";i. '11. fa,.;! placed In Cafes, Restaurants Con­ fectionery Stores, Etc, \Iad,' !Iv .\ Illlllllat ic' \11I,.;ic·al ( ..... Bi"l~thallll11\l. :'I,·w ) IIrh. It is just the thing for a small 1 Moving Picture Show and it rend­ I ers excellent music, Price $550, J. F. HERMAN ,

1420 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE N. W. J. F. HERMAN WASHINGTON. D. C. { 1420 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE N. W. J. F. HERMAN WASHINGTON. D. C. £ltrtrtr 'taluJs. Jllaytr. ~ (JrrlJtmtatul "HONK MAIN I" 1420 PENN. AVENUE, N. WASHINGTON. D. C. CO~'f RI BUTEO BY ALA.\ MULLI j- E May 4, 1914 Mr. F. Wolfsberger, J. F. ;{:-J\l'Wi ()RCHESTRIA!~S Honeoye, FallA, !'.. Y. EJ,Br.TRIC PIAnes A;ID 1120 ?8nn. AVA. N.W. Dear lirs rTASRI;T1T4!; D. C.

I have yOUTS of the 2nd inst. I have no hand orBf\ns. Dear Sir': :I am cloeing mlt my Elp.otric Piane business~ I have for My style "M" note player orcheRtrian would probably fill ytlur hill sale, 12 Reliable sixty-five note Electric pianos. These pi~nos play f ..r a nickle or mf'y be plRyed continuollsly in !!loving p:lcturA O. K. I have on special bargain on my floor at ~200.00 as I am shows. They alB~have a keyb.~rd and m~y be played by hand in yuur parlor. Prio~s: $126, a~d $150 for the flnest dark qu~rte~ed a little crowded for room. ea~.pianes, \exed and Ah1pped f. ~. b. ~~8hington. In re~17 to your inquiry. the reason that I am quoting These piane~ have fiv~ tunes ~n e.o~ r~11. rew mURic r~lln such low prices is on account or a law which has just gone into cost ;")}. 50 ARCh. 'rhev flre All !!t1A.rfLnteAd to b'e in fir~t claRF e~~ect prohibiting music in public places here and I must sell working ~r(1er hut; ~ust be Bold at this e;reRt sRorifice on accOlm t out quickly and invest in some other business. I expect to take ef F l.w rr' iel }.?'- tft'·en pf·ff!(',t, .... ro~dh~_r.;ing l"lll~te i.T. ~A.Ioor~. In for non-payment about 100 Electric pianos in the next 6 months. .~·~f~!f"" t'nc1 r~~~,rnrfr.t~ i_r, U.-5_8 {;;_t:·. ?hese pianos I have been selling, when new for $700. e~cL. Before shipping any piano it goes through my shop and They were l'1sr.uf'acturecl. 1)y the Antt)l!latic Husict-tl Co., Ei.nehantl"'n, 18 thoroughly gone over to see that the pumps. tUbing, and pneu­ N.Y. All pianos price~ with ~irect curre~t motors 110 volt; matics are 1n perfect working condition. We polish the piano up alternatin3 current ~otors 120 volt 60 cycle are $15.00 additional. nicely, cover it with a rubber cover to protect it from the dust pack it carefully in a shipping case and deliver It t.o.b. • ! have 20 of the AutoI!latic Musical COMpany's Vp,r~T finest Wuhlqton. 15 tune Orct.estriRn Pianos 'lVi thout ke~rhoards. st~Tle "101" ~hey are 69 note and t\re fitted w".th antol'1Eltic ~1andolin ftttaCMp.nt ann 30 ~i~es whicb work EllltOMRticRlJy A.S tIle music is arranged. Price These pianos and orchestrians weigh about 950 lbs. the~o Orc~e~tri8nR each boxed. The freight to your city would be about .40, per $220, $250 and $275. None of have heen in use for much over a ""Tear, A.rir~ fron MY' experiSDce in the hundred. I would be Willing to ship you a piano on receipt Electric Piano hUAinesf;: the~t shouln he sood ror five ~Tea~s of a certified check or New York draft for '15. and instruct stearty wor'r. 'J'hey hnve l)e~n Re111nB new for v850. e~ch.l.he~J the railroad company to allow you to examine it at your depot are just the thi..nS- for MO'7ing ]>1 c~~nre shows, Dancine; S(;r,ool::; or before paying draft with bill of lading attached for balance. TIalls. r have two 44 note Peerless pianos at $60.00 e~ch. Possibly you have some friend or your Congressman. I have etght ElectTova pianos 44 note .1thout ke~T'hor-l.rdR from your district, who is now here in Washington, who would $70.00 each, and three at $13~. each. be willing to call at my place and select a piano to be ship~ pad 70U. I ha,re two pT.acticalI~T new Seeburg rewind Electric ~iRnof; rOlldF:·t:',Pri~~ $~71'~':Oea~~~ce with keyboflri'.R pla'TinR~ne· 15 tune music J~_ectr:lc ~J':' I hnve CrAMona rewinC'L xe:Tl)oar LO. , I •. - , All pianos are priced with direct current motors 110 ~;250. ARCh. vol t. Alternating motors 110 volt 60 cycle are 115. additional. VIA will ship any piano and allow AXfll'lination at your depo ~~} bill of ladine attached to draft on receipt of a RMflll caRh ve J0S' Music may be purchased from the Kibby Mfg. Co., 136 from ,rOll. You can't go wrong at "t.hese prices. L West Lake St., Chicago, Ill •• for 11.25 per roll or from the " POflsihl~T you oan nse some of theRe piano~ h;7 placine th ---...... -, Automatic Musical Co., Binghampton. N. Y. Their price for bet­ out 0n [>ercentage. I hA.'Te a ~reat nurfher of p~anos ou~ o~ my. h' '\ ter quality music is 12. for a five tune roll. bc')ks, nnc'- c1.esirine- ttl close out I'ly hlectric Plano hn~nne.s i"nt.1L the ~Tear, r have su:.rnly naMed hargain prices on all. Thankin~ you for your inquiry and hoping to receive an order from you ~hich will receive my prompt attention, ram, Hoping to hear from you, I Rm, Yours truly, Yours very truly, J. F. HERMAN, 1420 PAnn, A'Te., Wn~hington, D. C. THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 21

Styll' :81. Nutl' Jluurr 'talUl to 24" vacuum H . It wou 1d be d iff icu 1t to read sma 11 ()J'('IIl~i'ltriall ill light or dark changes with a mercury gauge. If there is any interest oak, PI'j(,(' >';S;)o.oo. <'" illl or willlolil !' i(·k('1 Hlot) I could work up tables converting inches of Hg to .11Ii'lt 1IIl' thill!! for Pidlll'(' Hhows; inches of H20 and P.S.I. (or ounces) which could be tlll'i'l(~ pi:~lloi'l I'l'qllin' 110 ath~lI­ tioll, jll:-;t 1111'11 tilt' blltloll "II published. Please let me know. 1I11d 111l~ piallo pla.v~ frolll III!I{~ 10 111Il(' IIl1lil IIII'llI'd off-Yoll do 1101 Ila\"(' 10 wait for IIII1i'li(' 101'(·willd. PIIl\'S I ;HIIII(' E'Hlh'i'l:-; l{oll whi(']1 , Elilllillllll'~ I{('\'('r~(' or I{('willd '1'1"'111.1(':-;. ,', '.I'll(' '"('rv hi!!lt('i'lt a(·lli(·\'('III('lIt ill l'la:, l'r-I'jallll ('oll:-;II'lJ('licllI. MANOMETER l'lll":-; I;~l :Soll':-: Illld j:-; titlt'd wilh . Allttlllilltil' Mlllldtllill .\II:u·lI­ 1111'111 ulld :\0 Pipl's, l'al,ll pla,v­ ill1!' ill 1111'11 a:-; IIII1Mi(' iro; ('lit 01' r :u.'I"IlII!!.'I'(I. i ('all 1,1' pla.vl·d 10lld til' 110ft. WI' rllrlli~1I tlH' Lalt'l'll M\I:-;i(, that 3b - ,lill."" witll ('.tlTl·(" I'Xpl'l':.;:-;itlII. :\11Ii'li(' Willi Yariuliol\:-;, '. I\lad.· b" Alltoillati(' M\I:.;i('al ('"., HI,;:,!llClIllloll, :SI'W York.

.I, F, HERMAN 1420 PENNSYLV,.NIA AVENUE N W. WASHINGTON. 0 C.

DIRECTIONS FOR BlTILDING A MANOMETER by Paul Dietz

I just read the article in technicalities about a low cost pressure vacuum gauge by Jeff Wisnia. Here is another idea on the same subject which I believe will cost less and I know will be 100% accurate 100% of the time. The Bordon tube gauge he described can be very easily knocked out of calibration if it is dropped, bumped or gets dirt in it. 11/1< /) The gauge shown in the sketch is called a Manometer. -:)1*""'S To make one, get a piece of wood or plywood 1/2" or --~ 3/8" th ick and about 73" long, and 3" or 4" wi de. Two yardsticks and 15 or 20 feet of 1/4" clear plastic tubing are also needed. The diameter can be larger or

smaller, whatever size tubing is available. .\ Fasten the yardsticks with the zeros together. r:~ ) ;' .~. '. Wrap the tubing around the yardsticks and fasten with - I" c1 ips or staples. Put into the tubing a couple drops of ink or food coloring (this makes it easier to read), and add water to the zero mark. Water must be used (or mercury, as mentioned later in the article). I To use the gauge, connect one end to point where pressure or vacuum reading is desired. Leave the other I 2 end open to atmosphere. Now read the number of inches and parts of inches up and down, and add the two toge­ \ ~ ,~, ther; you now have the pressure or vacuum in inches j/" and eighths of an inch. Manometers are marked off in inches and tenths of inches, but for piano work eighths are close enough. If your reading is pressure, divide by 27.5 and your answer will be P.S.I. To use for dif­ ferential, connect both tubes to points desired and ~ read the gauge the same way. For accuracy, the gauge must be perpendicular. . The gauge is large and cumbersome, but is always correct.' A sma 11 er gauge could be made if lower pres­ sure vacuum readings only are used, or if mercury (Hg) is used. Two 12" rulers would give a range of 12 P.S.I. PAGE 22 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

ODDS & ENDS by Steve Chapman I was interested in the letter concerning the Ampico piano, but if the roll core is short and the spool B with the slipping paper on long rolls. Bill Flynt's loose, as is often the case, the paper can be pinched idea seems to be excellent, and it certainly helps on my so that it tears on reroll even with a perfectly piano. Spraying the tracker bar with McLube, available regulated piano. I enclose a sample of a suitable from Player Piano Co., also seems to help. It makes the washer made by Kirkhill, Inc., as stock no. W-398-62B, tracker bar slicker, and helps keep the added pull on priced by my local retail outlet at 9S~ for 20. They the roll "at high vacuum levels from making the paper are a plumbing supply part and should be available at held down to the tracker bar. I only say it seems to plumbing supply outlets which handle Kirkhill, Inc., help, not that it cures the trouble. I note the pro­ parts; if not Moore Hardware, 105 W. Jefferson St., blem on my piano only with recuts--the original roll Waxahachie, Texas, (75165) is where I bought these. paper seems to have enough friction against itself so My thanks to Joe Morris of Dallas, Texas, for the that it will not slip against itself on the take-up suggestion of the suitable and reasonably priced washer! spool. The otherwise excellent but slick paper on re­ cuts seems to be the cause of the problem, which paper An Ampico B question--the stack striker wires on the the original mechanisms were not designed to handle. B sometimes develop a squeak against the bushing in the If this paper had been available during the reproduc­ lost motion rail--this is the bushing which holds the ing piano era, I'm sure they would have found a way to wire in place at its top, and which raises the poppet design around this most irritating characteristic. wires to prevent lost motion when the soft pedal is on. Regarding the Ampico B, I had a most frustrating I'm sure the stack could be removed and these rebushed-­ problem develop on my piano (a 1930 Mason &Hamlin .B)-­ but that is sure a lot of work when your piano is re­ (it was suffering from this when you visited with us), stored. Powdered graphite is the only safe lubricant I which I finally found the cure for. Hoping that this could think of; it seems to work, at least temporarily information might be of help to other Ampico B owners, (I have had to redo the job once). It is hard to make it is as follows: stick; I finally used a little Lock-Ease (itself pow­ The Ampico B mechanism would not adjust with the dered graphite in an evaporative carrier) to help make main minimum intensity adjusting screws to a high it adhere until it could be worked in. Does anyone enough vacuum level to play the softest notes (es­ know a better cure? Center pin lubricant seems to be a ''---'' pecially chords) without skipping although the piano possibility (it expands the felt against the wire and would play quite loudly when the roll called for that. then evaporates, supposedly leaving the felt looser And, it took about 9 inches of vacuum to keep from than before). skipping notes, which of course is quite a bit more than should be required. To add insult to injury, the maximum possible minimum intensity vacuum possible with all adjustments to maximum was just 6 inches. AMPICQ'S ANSWER TO TRACKERBAR DRAGGING After the problem was finally found and fixed, the BY JEFF WISNIA minimum intensity vacuum would adjust to over 10 inches, and it would play fine at a much lower vacuum Apropos the variety of comments in the bulletin level. regarding tempo variation caused by differing suction The cause of the problem was found to be that the levels at the trackerbar during play, my 1927 Ampico A dust screens (seven in the bass, seven in treble) just has a gimmick on the wind motor governor which seems over the celluloid grid in the main regulating units to be placed there to give the motor slightly higher were clogged. To get to these, you must remove the suction during loud passages. necessary tubing, cut the sealing cloth which is a­ I have not seen this device mentioned in the I itera­ round the curtain valve units, remove the nuts and ture before, but private communication with Larry Givens spring clips which hold the curtain valve unit in a few years ago when I rebuilt this unit seems to con­ place, and lower the curtain valve unit. After this firm its intended purpose. The sketch shows how a sma II is done, the screens will be visible above the cel­ pouch is located on the moving board of the governor luloid grid. While the unit is apart, be sure to look arranged to increase the tension on the spring as the at the curtain valv~ carefUlly and see that it is not suction on the pouch gets higher. The pouch is connected torn, and be sure that all of the holes drilled in the to the treble side of the stack via the same connection grid are fully open and not partially clogged with which feeds the amplifier pneumatic. No compensation deposits. You should also check for a screen in each takes place in response to Jncreasing suction on the unit under the adjusting screw bracket--remove the bass end of the stack; the treble average is probably bracket which holds the adjusting screw in place, and sufficient. look with a flashlight up into the hole drilled into The same governor also has a screw adjustable bypass the wood block. My B does not have these screens, but around the choker type governor valve. The bypass Dick Howe tells me that his B does have them, and that created when the screw is wide open is about equal to their becoming clogged caused similar problems with a 1/8" hole. I haven't yet figured out what this adjus:~ his piano. ment is used for; the regulator seems to perform about Another bit of information which might be useful-­ the same however much I turn the screw. My guess is it I have heard much discussion concerning washers for may be there to bring the tempo into calibration at the roll ends on old rolls which have a short cardboard very low end of the scale or maybe to help keep the core. Washers are no cure-all for an ill-tracking tempo constant when the amplifier comes on and raises THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE~ 1974 PAGE 23

pump suction way up. Any solutions and adjustment made of an amber colored plastic which had warped and procedures would be appreciated. cracked in several places, probably a material developed This governor gave some trouble with tempo-repeat­ by the same alchemists who cooked up the self destruct­ abi I ity and would not completely stop the wind motor i ng pot meta I transm iss ion frame. I rep Iaced the stri p at zero tempo. The difficulty lay in the ported strip with a flat brass dupl icate epoxied in place and re- over which the tempo sl ide valve sl ides. The strip was medied the tempo problems. TE.l/SION ADJ"l>$TltJ~ rJOTS POUCH TueE TO TREB"'E STAt..¥..

CHOKER B '{ PASS BLEED AD;rOST'~G­ SC.REW

TEMPO SLIDE

ADDING PIPES TO PLAYERS by Thomas G. Beckett, III

One of the more rewarding of musical experiences is The heart of the pneumatic to electric arrangement listening to some of your favorite piano rolls play on is the little pneumatic-electric device as drawn in a pipe organ. Unfortunately, when such an opportunity illustration #1. Each pneumatic is made from 1/8" thick presents itself the organ is usually a limited 3 rank stock to dimensions of 1/2" wide by 1 1/2" long. The Reproduco, Seeburg M.D. or some such. These are nice, span (inside dimensions) at the face of the pneumatic but far from a$ rich a sound as one would prefer. On should be about 1/4". I did not use hinge springs to the other hand, occasionally one finds a complete multi­ promote an open rest position. 1 found that the resist­ rank organ system on the market, perhaps from an older ance to folding in the cloth (1 used the rubber-nylon church, for a very reasonable price. The drawback is combination glued rubber side to wood with white glue) that it contains no self-playing devices. The hope, provides all the pneumatic opening force needed. The then, is to find a way to combine your favorite auto­ contact wire, #22 silver wire, is doubled to provide a matic piano system with the manual organ system. little extra stiffness and an electrical contact backup_ The first requirement is that you have the space to The contact strip, .010" x 1/4" phosphor bronze, is handle the pipes and supporting equipment--somehow it formed so that when the pneumatic closes it actually seems to take up more room in your home than it did in flexes the bronze a bit. This provides a good wiping the church. Secondly, it is advisable to enclose the action to keep the contacts clean as well as a bit of pipework in some sort of closed chamber (you can add kickback to start the open return of the pneumatic. The swell shades for volume control and ex~ession) because rear of the silver wire is connected to the common the system is probably going to sound a good bit louder electrical bus by a loop of 1/16" braided copper wire (if unenclosed) in your home than in church. And that allows for flexing. The height limit is adjusted thirdly, it is worth-considering the conversion of the so the pneumatic is 1/2" collapsed at open rest and the old pneumatic wind chest system (if that is what you contact opening is only about 1/16". If you wish to be acquire) to a direct magnet system. The system 1 will even more particular, take a "moto-tool" and grind the describe (and am using on my own Seeburg M.D.) is the ends of the silver wires at an angle to match the face direct magnet type. However, it is just as applicable of the phosphor strip so the contact made will be to the electro-pneumatic (electromagnetic primary maximum. These switch pneumatics can be glued quite valves--pneumatic secondaries) wind chest. A direct close together on a long narrow board. I used a con­ all-pneumatic system from the player piano is just tinuous overhead height adjustment bar with supports about out of the question if you decide to add many to the main deck between about every 20 pneumatics. pipes and do any unificatiop, octave coupling or locate How the vacuum signal for the switch pneumatics is pipes at any distance from the control unit. Electric obtained is up to you. On the Seeburg M.a. and Reproduco control wires for 66 pipes can be passed through the units it is simply a matter of hooking into the vacuum same size conduit that will accomodate 5/32" neoprene lead to the organ pallet pneumatic. On other pianos, it control tubes for only 4 pipes. will probably be necessary to tap into a valve or into PAGE 24 JUNE, 1974 THE AMICA BULLETIN

wire conunon

braided bronze ILLUSTRATION # 1

to vacuum TOP VIEW 1 1/2" SIDE VIEW

stop switch t-··_j T organ pipe 1/2 ,../ control

pneumatic switch ~=i-_;~::k~::d 1-' p. /. . c-===s.-/ l til ... ----4 ...... " I· t ~ • diode * ._~-- ~ ILLUSTRATION # 2 E chest magnet stop switch relay

power supply

-~~acing ..... cord ~-- ~ .... _-- .. ~~-----\!.------* represents manual keyboard or separate bank of toggle switches method for lacing loose multi-cable for ease of tuning. Optional. the individual note pneumatic vacuum channels in the equipment accordingly--better to oversize a bit now and stack as one-does for some of the add-on xylophone or 24 be glad you did later. note pipe kits. You may wish to "unify" your pipes for tonal variety. The master electrical diagram for one pipe is as This is basically being able to playa given pipe, say drawn in illustration #2. Take note of the D.C. polarity a C pitch, at CC on the keyboard or Cl on the keyboard involved--especially if you intend to use diode spark as well as the normal C key. In this manner an 8' pitch arrestors. Electromagnetic coils (as used in the relays rank can also be played at 4' pitch and 16' pitch. and valve Magnets) have a funny habit--once energized, Another effect is called "coupling" which means you they like it. When de-energized, they resist and as the play in two octaves at the same time from one note, ic. magnetic field collapses, it causes a little electrical you might play the 16' and 8' together or the 8' and 4' "kick-back" that may want to arc over at the switch together within the same rank of pipes. This unifying contact points. This burns the points and leaves depos­ and coupling is easily accomplished by adding extra its that reduce their effectiveness. The diode elimi­ stop switch assemblies and wiring them as needed. Don't nates this by feeding this "generated" voltage back overdo a good thing though; generally one or two unified into the coil until it dies out. Diodes are not an or coupled ranks (say one metal rank and one wood rank) absolute necessity, but they may save a difficult clean­ will probably be enough for a home·installation. ing job as some future date. Whether wiring old or new electrical switch equipment The actual size of the chest magnets and their valve (relays, stop switch, et.) be sure and allow access facings will have to be determined by measuring the room as these generally have some front and rear con­ size of the windway at each pipe inside the wind chest. nections. Take your time to get it right, when all is (Don't use the outside holes and guess--often the inner wired in place it becomes difficult to find errors. Use holes are much larger.) waxed lacing cord to harness up the loose wiring and As far as magnet impedances, voltage and current make the job look professional. requirements, wire sizes and power supplies are con­ A word for the beginner who has the desire but none cerned, you will have to arrive at that by yourself. If or few of the parts. An organ pipe is "voiced" to ope1 you don't know how to figure it, the salesman at the ate at a specific pressure, ie. so many inches of wat~ supply house may help you. Do have certain information There is a little tolerance here, generally a pipe will ready for him if you call: (a) wind pressure to be used speak well at a little lower pressure (perhaps as much (if known) (b) number of ranks of pipes and number or as I") than rated without being re-voiced. Otherwise pipes in each rank (c) whether you intend to unify you may need professional help to fit pipes of mixed and/or octave couple ranks and (d) have in mind that you pressure in a single system. Bear this pressure require­ may wish to expand someday and buy your supporting ment in mind when collecting for a pi~e system; the THE AMICA BULLETIN JUNE, 1974 PAGE 2S blower, reservoir and pipes need to match. The blower personally added 6 ranks to my Seeburg M.D. (a 3 rank must have the volume (cubic feet per minute) and pres­ piano-pipe organ) with musically beautiful results. sure rating needed (this can be somewhat higher than Having only one M.D. roll and no prospects in sight, I what is necessary for the pipes themselves). The reser­ converted my 6 per inch tracker bar to play M.D., A, voir must be large enough to handle the number of stops and 65 note (mainly English made) rolls. The 65 note desired and must be self-regulated or you must have a rolls are probably the best as there is some good clas­ separate wind regulator to control the final working sical and early popUlar music that was arranged very pressure at the wind chest. Also, always try and obtain well. at least the toe and rack boards (preferably the whole Finally, I have given no methods for providing for wind chest) for each pipe rank you acquire. These items manual play of an added pipe system (to a player piano) are not easy to fabricate in the horne workshop. because I haven't personally made and tested such a I recommend two supply sources (I am sure there are device. My Seeburg piano keys operate separate pallet others perhaps closer to where you may live) for organ valves for the vacuum primaries and so the manual parts and cataloQ information: operation is already built-in. However, I dare say W.H. Reisner Mfg. Co. Durst Organ Supply Co., Inc. that anyone ambitious enough to attempt the other 240 North Prospect St. P.O. Box 1165 additions in this article can devise an electrical P.O. Box 71 Erie, Pa. 16512 contact system for the manual keyboard that still pre­ Hagerstown, Md. 21740 814-864-3011 (telephone) serves the original "touch" of the piano key. 301-733-2650 (telephone) I hope this information will allow others to find use for some good but unused organ pipes now in storage Both catalogs contain useful tables for determining and to enjoy many hours of new-found listening pleasure. wire sizes, current loads, blower and reservoir sizes, Any pertinent questions will be answered to the best of etc. The Durst catalog carries a broader range of items a limited ability. Write or call: and is perhaps the more useful initially for getting ideas. Neither catalog is free. Durst is $2.00--money Thomas G. Beckett, III well invested before you go looking for mixed ranks of 6817 Cliffbrood used pipes at local sales. Dallas, Texas 75240 What roll system used will be up to you. I hav~~ 214-239-5019

ACROSS AN EDITORIAL COMMENT contributed by Bill Flynt 1. Expression system by Ginny Billings 7. portal J 8. exist • THROUGH A MISERABLE SET OF ERRORS ON SEVERAL 9. article (Span.) PEOPLES' PARTSJ THE FIRST-CLASS AMICA BULLETIN 10. stringed instruments FOR DECEMBER~ 1973 WAS MISDIRECTED. I FOUND 13. farm building THEM ALL AROUND THE FIRST OF JUNE~ AND ~AVE 14. pronoun FORWARDED THEM TO FIRST-CLASS MEMBERS. PLEASE 15. Greek letter DO NOT ATTACK YOUR POST-OFFICE; THEY ARE NOT 16. lyric poem PLEASE~ TO BLAME. AND ALSO ACCEPT OUR 17. mal~ vocalist APOLOGIES FOR THIS LONG DELAY. 19. advertisement 20. Swiss city

INTERNATIONAL AMICA BOARD MINUTES DOWN Isadora Koff, Secretary 2. raised MINUTES OF THE MAY BOARD MEETING, CONTINUED: 3. Greek theater Bill Mintz, in his role as AMICA Vice 4. music sheet 5. President, has been directed by the Board of action verb 6. Directors to be in charge of chapter liaison Ampico artist(ma1e) 11. near East country and formation of new chapters. CROSSWORD PUZZLE #3 12. assistance 13. Greek letter 16. raw material RESERVATION FORM FOR MINI-CONVENTION 18. women's doctor KNABE AMPICO 5'6" GRAND 1921 MODEL A rebuilt, pneumatic stack PLEASE CLIP AND MAIL TO: recovered with Bilon, 1974. Walnut Case needs refinishing. $2895. Anita Nickels Johnson Allan Bergstrom, 325 Bodega Ave., Petaluma, Calif. (707) 762-4156. P. O. Box 666 Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 USED PARTS FOR SALE: Many varieties of windmotors, expression /~ pneumatics, and most of the works from an Ampico Grand. Tell me what Yes, plan to attend the mini-convention you need; I may have it. -- this summer. Alan Pier, 8 Skyline Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821.

I expect to arrive on:__~ ___ WANTED - Complete Welte grand player mechanism, restored or unrestored. date Please state condition, price desired, and, if possible, hammer rail division of stack pneumatics. and leave on: Jim Williamson, 794 Dunwoodie Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45230. (513) 231-2469. ------date PARTS NEEDED: All Internal organs needed (except for piano action) for a stripped nickelodeon. NAME: Mel Luchetti, 3449 Mauricia Ave., Santa Clara, Calif. ------95051. (408)296-5518. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.

··... ·.·. DAVID T. DUPREE ··.·.. PLAYER PIANOS AND ROLLS ·.·. ·. 2940 D Grace Lane ··.. Costa Mesa, California 92626 Telephone (714) 545-4650 ·.. ·.·. ·.. GRS Rolls on the shelf or by mail. ·.·. Send for free catalog and ordering kit. ·.. ·.. Dealer for new Aeolian and old rebuilt ·.. player pianos. We will rebuild yours. ··...

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·. Send for the latest FOR SALE QRS BULLETIN & 1973 QRS CATALOG! ·. 3000 Hits - Old & New! PLAYER PIANO ·. NEWS YOU'VE BEEN WAITING TO HEAR! BROADWOOD 6 FOOT GRAND ·. AVAILABLE NOW! CIRCA 1900 D"LO-All\T Piano plays but player mechanism *DA·I002 TEST ROLL ·. ttDA·I005 & ttDA-I006 RHAPSODY IN BLUE needs work - Rosewood veneer. Played by the Composer George Gershwin · . ·. *DA·I007 SWANEE ·.. $1200 or best offer. Played by the Composer George Gershwin ·.. ·. *DA·I008 CLAIR DE LA LUNE ·.. Played by George Copeland ·. *DA·I009 (Keep Your) SUNNY SIDE UP ·.. ·.. .A~lPICO ··... AMP·IOOI YAAKA HULA HICKEY DULA (804) 973-8448 or (804) 973-6413 ·. Played by the Composer Pete Wendling *AMp·I002 TEST ROLL "·.. R. Dammann tttAMP·I003 NO NO NANETTE MEDLEY ··... Played by the Composer Vincent Youmans RFD 7 Box 34 "·. · .. *AMp·I004 CHARLESTON RAG Charlottesville, Va. 22901 ·.. Played by the Composer Eubie Blake ·. AT POPULAR PRICES! Q·R·S MUSIC ROLLS, Inc. Tel 716 8854600 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::=:::::::::::::::::: 1026 NIAGARA 5T ·BUFFAlO, NY 14213 Unrestored Hobart Cable upright ARTECHO piano. $750.00 Unrestored Operators Reproduco Organ $2250 Choice restored upright player pianos from $1100 Miscellaneous pipes and pipe organ parts - Write. ~------~~ Mechanical Systems Inc. of Lubbock, Texas offers services for the most dis­ cnmmating collector of automatic musical instruments. We are equipped to properly restore anything in this line from a simple organette or ordinary up­ right player piano to a highly sophisticated orchestrion or band organ. One of our specialties is the fabrication of new orchestrions of our design. We build new pipe organs and rebuild and restore old ones always keeping the specific needs and desires of the customer in mind. Our shops are outfitted for die stamp­ ing in fibre or metal. In wood, we manufacture small parts or build complete casework should you have a nice instrument without a case. No custom order is too small or too large. Write us your needs. .~ ~, ..... ---~---

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I l L BULLETIN Ginny Billings AMleA Publisher AUTOMATiC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 1169 EI Cerrito, California 94530 DATED MATERIAL

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