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\~, The AMICA News Bulletin \1 I Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' ~ I •• i' ASSOCIatIon September / October 1987 Volume 24 • Number 5 The AMICA News Bulletin Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association

EDWIN WARD, Publisher 191 Riverview Drive (419) 849-2616 Woodville, Ohio 43469-9745 PUBLICATION DEADLINES FOR 1987 Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association, a non-profit club devoted to the restoration, distribution and enj<¥J1el1t of musical For JanuarylFebruary issue ...... December 15 instruments using perforated paper music rolls, AMICA was founded in San For March/April issue February 15 Francisco in 1963. For May/June issue ...... April 15 For July/August issue...... June 15 For September/October issue...... August 15 For NovemberlDecember issue...... October 15

CHAPTER OFFICERS FOUNDING CHAPTER IOWA Pres: Gene McGraw Pres: Rex Fritts Vice Pres: Bill Wherry Vice Pres: Leland Zimmerline Treas: Elmer Klein Secrrreas: Ed Pousch Rep: Dick Reutlinger Reporter: AI Johnson Sec: Jack & Dianne Edwards ADVERTISING 1O¢ per word, $3.00 minimum for members. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BOSTON AREA Classified: Pres: Jerry Pell Pres: Judy Welsh Non-members may advertise at twice the above rate. Vice Pres: Frank & Shirley Nix Vice Pres: Michael Potash (Publisher's note: It is no longer possible to process an ad for Sec/Rep: Susan Pell Sec: Bill Koenigsberg $1.50, hence the increase, and new rate for Non-members.) Treas: Pat Hodge Treas: Philip Konop Reporter: Donald Brown • See Bulletin Deadlines on this page. Payment must accompany order. Make checks payable to: TEXAS NORTHERN LIGHTS AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Pres: Richard Tonnesen Pres: Jerrilyn Boehland Vice Pres: Becky Newton Vice Pres: Tom Wurdeman • Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreign coun­ SeclTreas: Janet Tonnesen Sec: Dennis Dahlman tries must be drawn on a U.S. Bank. Rep: Wade Newton Treas: Robert & Katheryn Dumas Reporter: Ruby Ahneman Display Advertising Full Page 7lf2"xlO" $100.00 MIDWEST SIERRA·NEVADA Half Page 7lf2"x4%" 50.00 Pres: Liz Barnhart Pres: Bob Patton 5 Vice Pres: Barry Leedy Vice Pres: Richard Riley Quarter Page 3 / S"x4%" 25.00 Sec: Russell & Jeanne Bloss Sec/Treas: Gail Shinn • Each photograph or half-tone $7.00. Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl Reporter: Julie Riley & Bob Patton Reporter: Margaret Frazer • See Bulletin deadlines on this page. PHILADELPHIA AREA CHICAGO AREA • We recommend display advertisers supply camera-ready Pres: Paul Dietz Pres: Rob Deland copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed Vice Pres: Dave Charrier Vice Pres: Barry Schultz to correct size at your cost. We can prepare your adver­ Sec: Bob Rosencrans Sec: Fred Plank tisement from your suggested layout at cost. Treas: Bob Taylor Treas: Joe Pekarek Rep: Reporter: Mel Septon • Payment must accompany order. Typesetting, layout or size alteration charges will be billed separately. SOWNY (Southern Ontario, HEART OF AMERICA Make checks Western NY) Pres: Charles Tyler payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Pres: Gary Lemon Vice Pres: Gerold Koehler • Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreign coun­ Vice Pres: Jim Barley SeclTreas: Kay Bode Sec: Janie McCleary Reporter: Willa Daniels tries must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Treas: Mike Walter • All ads will appear on the last pages of the Bulletin at the Rep: Stan Aldridge discretion of the publisher. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOUTHEAST AREA: Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMIC~s Pres: Larry Kerecman Pres: Wayne Edmonston endorsement of any commercial operation. However, AMICA Vice Pres: Owanah Wick Vice Pres: Gordon Belcher Rep: Art Reblitz Sec{freas: David Burke reserves the right to refuse any ad that is not in keeping with Sec: Don Wick Reporter: David Burke AMIC~s general standards or if complaints are received in­ Treas: Jere DeBacker dicating that said business does not serve the best interests of the members of AMICA according to its goals and bylaws. LADY LIBERTY GATEWAY Pres: Lenny Finkel Pres: Roger Wiegand Vice Pres: Oliver Vitakis Vice Pres: Deanne Wiley Sec: Michelle Pollitt Sec:rreas: Mary Wilson Single back issues of the Bulletin Treas: John Ellems Reporter: Marilyn McGartland are available from the Publisher Rep: Dennis Valente for $2.00 each. AMICA International

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS PRESIDENT Ron Connor AMICA - 1988 - AMICA (501) 636-1749 Route 4, Rogers, AR 72756 SIL VER ANNIVERSARY PAST PRESIDENT Terry Smythe (204) 832-3982 CONVENTION 55 Rowland Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3J 2N6 VICE PRESIDENT Robert W. Taylor

June 22-26 2508 Cimarron Dr., Columbia, MO 65203 SECRETARY Mel Septon San Francisco, California (312) 679-3455 Hosted by Founding Chapter 9045 North Karlov, Skokie, IL 60076 TREASURER Larry Norman (213) 538-9461 • Do you wish to become a member of AMICA? 17700 Avalon Blvd. #295, Carson, CA 90746 Write to Membership Secretary. PUBLISHER Edwin Ward Annual fee for U.S. members $22 (419) 849-2616 Canada and Mexico (air) $28 191 Riverview Drive, Woodville, OH 43469-9745 Other non-U.S. countries (surface) $28 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Valerie Anderson New and lapsed members add processing fee. . .. $ 5 New memberships Home (803) 791-1487 • Has your address changed? P.O. Box 172, Columbia, SC 29202 Write to Membership Secretary. BOARD REPRESENTATIVES • Do you have a contribution for the Bulletin? Founding Chapter: Phil McCoy All subjects of interest to readers of the Bulletin are en­ Southern California: Mary Lilien Texas: couraged and invited by the Publisher. Every attempt will Midwest: Vincent Ricca be made to publish aU articles of general interest to AMICA Phildelphia Area: Bob Rosencrans members at the earliest possible time and at the discretion SOWNY: Jan Drewniak of the publisher. See Bulletin deadlines on previous page. Rocky Mountain: Larry Kerecman Lady Liberty: John DeParis Iowa: Alvin Johnson AMICA International News Bulletin Boston Area: Sanford Libman Northern Lights: Tom Olds Volume 24 Number 5 September/October 1987 Sierra-Nevada: Ray Bauer Chic~go Area: CONTENTS Heart of America: Ron Bopp Features Southeast Area: Wayne Edmonston Famed Piano Roll Facility Moves East " 110 Gateway: Roger Wiegand 1987 Annual Convention " 111 Portraits of Musical Celebrities " 118 COMMITTEES The Bam is Alive With the Sound of Music " 119 TECHNICAL, Harold Malakinian Pianofortes in the White House " 120 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI 48098 Tchaikovsky in America " 121 Ruth Bingaman Smith Gives a Private Recital " 121 ARCHIVES, Bob Rosencrans Ode to My Fingers " 121 109 Cumberland Place, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 A Eulogy to Molly Yeckley " 122 PUBUCATIONS, Edwin Ward Abram Chasins 124 191 Riverview Dr., Woodville, OH 43469-9745 Herman Kortlander 124 AUDIO-VISUAL, Harold Malakinian Literature Exchange 128 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI 48098 Seen and Heard at the Convention in St. Paul 129 CONVENTION COORDINATOR, Liz Barnhart Bosendorfer Imperial Grand With Computer-Based 919 Lantern Glow Trail, Dayton, OH 45431 Reproduction System...... 130

Departments AFFILIATED SOCIETIES- AMICA International 109 See May/June 1987 Issue for addresses President's Comer 110 The Player Piano Group (England) People 121 The North West Player Piano Association (England) That Special Roll 128 Netherlands Mechanical Organ Society - KDV News From the Chapters ...... 125 Australian Collectors of Mechanical Musical Instruments Technicalities ...... 130 Dutch Pianola Association Society of Friends of Mechanical Musical Instruments (Germany) Classified Ads 132

DISCLAIMER: Acceptance of articles for publication in the AMICA News Cover: The Musical "Hom of Plenty". From a tum-of-the century Bulletin does not imply a guarantee of the accuracy of the facts contained engraving. Back Cover contributed by Alan Pier. Unusual, because in any article, nor an endorsement of an author's recommendation. of the location of the spool box behind the music desk. -109- The President's Corner ... This has been a busy two months for AMICA. As you to name here, but I want to thank them all for their continu­ all probably know now, Molly Yeckley passed away in June, ing efforts on behalf of AMICA. r­ leaving a big hole in our organization, and in our hearts. I will I, as President, can do little. We, as AMICAns, can do. not try to eulogize Molly here as Terry Smythe has done that anything we set out to do. better than I could elsewhere in this issue. Suffice it to say I will miss her. We had a very successful convention with over 20% of our members attending. That figure is very important as it is When I first realized that the Presidency of AMICA was the number required to vote on Bylaw changes. The propos­ to be mine I felt awfully lonely. I thought back to the first ed new Bylaws made it through, and that is the most impor­ AMICA event Mary Ellen and I attended, the 1980 Conven­ tant bit of business in sometime. The old Bylaws had the right tion in Pasadena. We were standing in the lobby, not know­ spirit, but there were a number of loopholes and areas that ing anyone, when a lady came up and said she was sure she needed clarification. I think we kept the spirit (the statement knew us from somewhere, which turned out not to be true. of purpose is exactly the same) while freeing the organization We introduced ourselves, and that is how Mary Lilien came to expand its horizons. For instance we now have provision into our lives. We soon found ourselves part of the friendliest, for accepting donations of property, or money, which could fun lovingest group of people we have ever known. It has been later lead to a museum. The enacting of the Bylaws, on which that way ever since and as soon as word got out that Molly Molly worked so hard, is probably the finest tribute we could had resigned, my phone began ringing with offers of help and give her. It is now up to the Board to work out operating pro­ support. My feeling of loneliness was replaced with one of con­ cedures under the new Bylaws. We have our work cut out for fidence in this organization, and the many wonderful people us. who give their time and effort to it. They are too numerous Ron Connor, President, AMICA International ******************************************************************* FAMED PIANO ROLL FACILITY MOVES EAST - grcat plans to continue production of all these ments of Hudson. Ohio, was an Ampico collector's items. logether with 88-note rolls aficionado and he had heard that the original under the Klavier name. perforators were still in existence at the fac­ It look lhree big tractor-trailers to haul all tories in East Rochester. New York. (The the inventory. the master rolls, and the per­ Morse firm is best-known for their production ­ forators from North Hollywood. California. to of remote throttle control assemblies for boats Bethlehem. Pennsylvania, and plant personnel and earth-moving e'-juipment). have been busy for several months getting it He took a trip to that upstate New York all re- organized for production. By the time community to consult with the management of you read this. things will probably really be the Aeolian-American Corporation. and found humming' out that all the machinery was with hours of In a recent interview with your cditor. going to the junkman ' He quickly made ar­ Richard Groman. one of the new owners. rangements to acquire it and all lhe existing made assurances that the quality of their new masters. and hauled the whole mish-mash to products will be of the finest -- and this in­ Ohio. Eventually they made their way to Wex­ cludes the boxes as well as the rolls them­ ford. Pennsylvania, where Larry Givens and selves. Distribution plans had not been an­ John Gourley produced rolls under the Mel-O­ nounced as of this writing. Dee name. When this business was disbanded, the machines and masters went to the Powells. So now everything is back in the cast, within fewer than 100 miles from Ampico and Aeolian Halls in New York City'

Frunk Thompsoll ofProrinceto\l·/I. Mussuchusells i.1 the chiefenxi/leer oFlhe new cOmpul1L Here we see him operulillX the origillal Ampico per/ilruling IIlllS­ ter rellder. For years. aficionados of the reproducing piano have enjoyed being able to own fine­ quality recuts of the great music rolls on the ,- AMPICO, WELTE. and Duo-An labels, as .- ~ ., ~ .. made by the Klavier Music Roll Company in .~~ California. This firm was operated by Harold ,<=-\ and Mildred Powell. who recently sold it to ~,•.i f new owners in Eastern Pennsylvania who have .-- re-established it as the Keystone Music Roll Belly Cluytoll, The K"l'slOnf: Girl, SpOO!iIlX II repro­ ducillX piano roll. Company. Incorporatcd. Thc new firm has From an historical perspective, it's inter- esting to know that all of this hinges on the Frank TllOl/lp.WIIl and on" or II'e new quick actions of John Morse back in the owners. Richurd Groman, uWllil;nK the' ./inl lIew 1950's. Mr. Morse, owner of Morse Instru- roll 10 come off Ihe perForalOr . • Courtesy of Harvey Roehrs "House Organ" - Submitted by: Tim Passinault -110- 1987 ANNUAL CONVENTION. St. Paul, Minnesota By Terry Smythe, with editing by: Ron Bopp, Ron Connor, Dorothy Olds, and Tracy Tolzmann Photo Credits: Terry Smythe, Dick Howe, Clark Cressman, and Ruby Ahneman

Crawford's Open House Welcome In the beginning, Bill Edgerton had an idea. In midsummer 1983, he called me and we discussed at length the idea of holding a joint MBSI/AMICAConvention in the New York City area in 1986. By early August, the idea was gaining some favorable momentum, so Bill made a formal proposal to AMICA to that effect. I carried it to the Board, and it was favorably received and One of the two stemwheelers used for our riverboat cruise so reported to the MBSI Board of Trustees. They discussed the proposal extensively on 30 August 1983 in Philadelphia, but in While I am a member of both Northern Lights and Snow the end, it was declined. The idea was right, but the location and Belt Chapters, it was simply not possible to be an active partici­ -' timing were not. pant in the planning and execution of the Convention, so I had However, Bill was successful in planting the seed and to content myself with being just another of the happy, delighted warining the pan. Shortly thereafter, Warren Anderson of both attendees. But how proud I felt of their truly stunning achieve­ AMICA and MBSI picked up on the idea, provided additional ment! Even though attendance was far in excess of expectations leadership, and once again proposed a joint Convention for 1987, and planned events, the entire Convention had the image of pro­ this time in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Location and timing gressing like clockwork. I understand there were, as with all Con­ were mOre favorable this time, and both AMICA International and ventions, a few problems; but that they were totally transparent MBSI voted in favor. Warren ran with it, was the spark-plug and to we in attendance was very much to the host's credit, They did initial organizer, and to him goes a great deal of credit for getting a real fine job. the project off to a solid start. I drove in from Winnipeg in the wee small hours of Wednes­ There were many who ·felt quite nervous that it would not day, 22 July, -and passed through a most incredible rainfall in be well attended. A cautious budget suggested a break-even of North Dakota. It held me up for 2 whole hours and I was late approXimately 475 would be needed to meet expenses. By the for the Board Meeting, but little did I know that Mother Nature Spring of 1987, the host Chapters knew they had a winner on had up her sleeve something quite spectacular - a full blown tor­ their hands, and something like 575-600 might attend. In fact, nado with all the trimmings, more about that later. by day I, 675 members were registered, and a whopping 740 As a Board member, I attended the AMICA Board Meeting attended the Banquet. They were successful beyond their wildest on Wednesday afternoon. Iwould like to have attended the MBSI dreams, and in the eyes ofthose attending, it was a smashing Board Meeting at the same time, but that was not possible. Due success. Dorothy Olds said it all when she commented from the tointernatiOnal President Molly Yeckley's unfortunate and untime­ podium how wonderful it was "... to lookout over a sea of smil­ ly passing only weeks before the Convention, Vice-President Ron ing, happy faces, and know at that moment we had achieved the Connor picked up the reins on short notice and successfully got impossible!" us through the Board Meeting in the allotted time. Very much This year, a remarkable number of people came from dis­ appreciated by all in attendance. tant, foreign lands. They included Arthur and Paula Prinsen from Belgium; Antonio and Caterina Latanza from Italy; Norman and Following the BoardMeeting, a smaller group of us wandered over to a local restaurant that featured a decor focusing on movies Alison Douglas, Harold Horsfall, and Craig Robson from Australia; Eiko Inoue and Norio Isogai from Japan; ErnstInauen of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Very nice atmosphere, and their de­ . and Freddie Kuenzie from Switzerland; Lloyd Hells, Frank cent prices were well received. Holland, David Snelling, Heginald and Marie Waylett,and Graham After dinner, we boarded buses to the World Theatre, a lovely and Pat Whitehead from Great Britian; and while not all that dis­ fully restored theatre built in the grand style of the 20's. In recent tant, Canadians included Ron and Mary Barrett, Fred and Claire years, this theatre was the permanent home for the popular Kingsmill, Olin and Brenda Tillotson, Terry Smythe and David "Prairie Home Companion" radio &TV program. Recently, a large leffert. Special mention should also be made of two Americans 3 manual 16 Tank Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ was found, who came a great distance also, from Hawaii, Paul Jouard and restored, and installed. It's dedication was only a few short weeks Charles Scharbach. -111- before the Convention. Local AMICA member, Bob Dumas, along with a group of other AIDS members, spent an enormous amount of time and effort into getting this organ up and running in time. Thank you Bob, for your exceptional efforts. Theatre pipe organs have a super special charm about them that is difficult to define, but easy to accept and enjoy. This .( one was no exception, and organist Tim Stevens led us through a fine selection of golden oldies, then into a couple of silent films. The feature film was a Laurel & Hardy 2 reeler, "Big Business" which I had never seen before, and thoroughly enjoyed.

Wurlitzer 125 Military Band Organ The follOWing morning, Q. David Bowers reminisced about some of the more spectacular instruments he had found in Europe, and the fascinating stories surrounding each. Of particular interest was the story of finding, purchasing, dismantling, and packing a large instrument found in a European cafe, then discovering the owner had no intention of selling the facade, only the long silent organ behind it. Persuasive powers of the highest order were called upon to resolve this unforseen tum of fate. Humorous now, but certainly disconcerting then. The bulk of Thursday was dedicated to 12 Workshops. Not David Powell possible to attend all of them, but of the 3 I did attend, by Nancy Fratti, Mel Septon, and Craig Smith, something new, surprising, playing Jerrilyn Boehland's Upright Ampico Reproducer. and good, did emerge. On a personal basis, I was very pleased with Craig Smith's discussion about refinishing, something I personally enjoy. At the noon luncheon, Ron Bopp, President of MBSI, pro­ vided a multi-media presentation, "A Tribute to Ozzie Wurdeman~ a pioneer in our field, and one of America's premiere restorers of automatic musical instruments. Ozzie's son, Tom, a current member of AMICA, was present, along with many of Ozzie's family and descendants. A very fine presentation honoring so­ meone many of us knew back in the 60's and 70's, and who was part of that scene we all admire so much. That evening, out host Chapters cooked up a truly spec­ tacular show. To do it, they had to be in direct communication with someone at avery high level, to arrange such a display of fireworks, drama and excitement. As we boarded a pair of ex­ cursion sternwheelers, we were greeted by sirens from all comers of the city. How nice of them to welcome us this way! However, Angelo Rulli (our Master of Ceremonies) and his "Monkey Organ" it soon became apparent the sirens really weren't welcoming us, (27-Keyless Pel! Street Organ) but rather warning the local population of tornados in the area.

MBSI President Ron Bopp, with passenger, Elton Norwood & his marionette, dancing to the tune of a street organ driving his Wurlitzer 103 band organ rig -112- Our Captain determined that the danger area was about While we were blissfully enjoying ourselves out on the 10-15 miles north and heading away from our route down the Mississippi River, the entire city was taking a merciless pounding. MississippiHiver, so he elected to continue with the voyage. All Tornados destroyed some 100 homes up in the NW comer of went well for about an hour or so into our journey downstream, the city, thousands of basements were flooded, and miles of and then the rains came. And how they came! Visibility was down freeways were submerged under 4-10 feet of water, and hundreds ./ to yards, lightning was virtually continuous, and clearly this was of cars became totally submerged as their owners naively follow­ no ordinary storm. ed trucks into water too deep. Meanwhile, backat the hotel, those Discretion was the better part of valor and our Captain who stayed behind were all herded into the basement for 2 hours, decided it would be prudent not to be out in open water in the for fear the tornados would blast the huge expanse of exterior event of nearby lightning strikes, so he beached our boat on the glass. Interesting experjence to say the least. river bank, tied up to a pair of tall trees, and we proceeded to Friday broke gloomy, soggy, and overcast, a bad omen for sit out the storm. It's been my experience that collectors tend to . the Street Organ Festival scheduled for the afternoon in downtown be resourceful opportunists, and in this instance, this attribute . Rice Park. However, late in the morning, the skies cleared, the shined through brightly. What could have been an unpleasant sun broke free in golden splendor, and the Festival was on! Some event, turned into a fine opportunity for us to meet more of one 30 or so organs were spotted around the Park, all playing, pleas­ another, swap yams and techniques, and generally have a perfectly ing huge numbers of the general public. I felt immensely proud good time. If we were ever in any real danger; we neVer knew about of what was happening out there, with all that wonderful public it. exposure which hit local news and television. After about 3 hours, the lightning and winds subsided At the Annual Meeting of AMICA International, the Heart somewhat, although the rain continued fiercely, and the Captain of America Chapter presented to the International Officers and decided time had come to run for the dock, which was done to each chapter an audidvisual program entitled: "AMICA without incident. However, to get from the boat to the buses in­ Presents: Automatic Music of Yestery~. The16 minute slide volved a fairly significant distance on foot. As a consequence, & synchronized sound program was made possible and funded we were all throughly drenched, and we all arrived back at the hotel bedraggled, looking like freshly washed puppies, to the by excess monies from the Heart of America Chapter's efforts amusement of those who had stayed behind and were still dry. with the 1984 annual convention in Kansas City. Charles Tyler, Chapter PreSident, directed the chapter's efforts toward this and the audidvisual committee of Ron Connor, Gerold Koehler and Ron Bopp completed the project for the 1987 meeting in St. Paul. A really fine caring, sharing, gesture; very well received and appreciated by all AMICAns. Friday night saw the Mart setup and conducted very nicely. Having never atended an MBSI Mart, this was quite an experience for me to participate in one so big. Not only was there a proper sized room, but all the aisles were roomy and comfortable. Very nice, with all kinds of neat things I had to leave behind. (...Shucks!.... ). While the Mart was being set up, local pianist, David Powell, was entertaining with his keyboard prowess. His style was quite remarkable, and very much of the happy toe-tapping variety, with many complex key changes up and down into 6 & 7 flats, and an endless array of charming bridges as transition from one tune to another. This guy is good! Maybe we will get lucky and see his handiwork emerging in music rolls one day. lor - Dorothy aids, Bernice Carnes, A.J. Todkill "endUring" the River Cruise . Some thought was given to have David do some recording on the new one-of-a-kind upright Yamaha Recording/Playback piano brought in for display by member Don Teach from Shreveport, LA. This is the first North American appearance of an instrument I first heard about some 5 years ago. At that time, a friend in Tokyo sought it out and sent me its literature (in Japanese unfortunately). Clearly, this Instrument is of superior technology, with its state­ of-the-art computer system mounted under the lid. It uses the newer 3'12" disks and is capable of a full range of expression, controllable for each and every note independently. Hand play­ ing was quite remarkable as notes brushed, but not played, did not get accepted by the system, and did not play on playback, a significant shortcoming of another major competitor. This piano was a one-of·a-kind, very special instrument, brought in from Japan for demo purposes only. Documentation is not yet available, and the instrument is about a year away from commercial release in North America. The computer and can: trol rails are not expected to be available in kit form for a year Fay Cressman and Bob Rosencrans or so beyond that. Stay tuned for further developments of this stationed near the life preservers on the River Boat. interesting device. -113 - costume was a truly delightful sight. Very nice Elton, you made a nifty contribution to that display!

,1

"Sally" the Pianocorder playing manikin

Bob and Kay Dumas - Open House Tour With a choice of home tours or the Ordway Theatre, Ielected the Ordway and saw a very fine production of "South Pacific". This theatre is qUite new with a Grand Foyer "in the round': and very beautiful. It was interesting to note that the theatre could likely have accomodated up to 3000 patrons, but the original designers chose to make it amazingly comfortable for a maximum attendance of only 1,800 people.

Richard and Janet Tonnesen at the Radisson

Debusing at the Bob and Kay Dumas House Tour '"

Tracy Tolzman at Rice Park Saturday, the Organ Festival continued in Rice Park, this time to many of the business folks from Friday, but now with their families. A significant hit with children and adults alike was Elton Norwood and his marionettes, which he often had performing Bernice Carnes & Fay Cressman in accompaniment with a nearby band organ. His elegant period off the boat Thursday night & wet! -114- Our Banquet Dinner saw some 740 people in attendance! Incredible! Our table favor this year was a cute, very well built malotte in. the shape of a snowman, initially conceived by War­ ren Anderson. Really neat souvenir now sitting up on top of my Cremona nickelodeon, alongside my miniature Encore Banjo ('80), ./ Wurlitzer Harp ('84), etc. After dinner, the Barbary Coast Banjo Brass entertained us royally, after which their core group stayed behind, providing variety music for a Convention Dance.

New Stinson 165 Band Organ the pride of Jerry and Marilyn Buechner, Waunakee, Wisconsin

Jeff Vincent of Rochester NY, with a variety of street organs, including Molinari and Bacigalupo instruments.

AMICA & MBSI members Mike Merrick, and Tracy Tolzmann's, beautifully restored 1883 Andreas Ruth/Artizan Band Organ.

Galen Bird of Kansas City, and his 24-key Molinari Barrel Organ.

Another very much appreciated souvenir was the Music Roll made available to registrants by Ramsi Tick of QRS. The four tunes on the roll were all reminiscent of the Twin Cities area. QRS now have in place a picture-roll capability, and this roll was nice­ "Barbary Coast Banjo Brass" ly illustrated throughout its length. Special thanks must go to entertained at the Saturday night Banquet. Patricia Anderson laCroix, Warren and Ruth Anderson's Sunday morning saw us gathered for a Farwell Brunch, at ..- daughter, for several of the illustrations which she did as original which many of us bid fond adieu's till "same Time, Next Year!". artwork. House tours were still scheduled for Sunday afternoon, and I had my car with me thiS time, so had the opportunity to visit the Crawfords and the.Rulli's for the first time, and also managed to visit the Dumas' and the Anderson's before being forced to leave early to get Sandy Libman and Dorothy Bromage to the airport on time for their flights East.

./

MBSI Founding Member, Richard Crawford and some of his music boxes - Sunday Open House New Yorkers Kathy and Craig Smith and their 26-Key Bruder Street Organ

/

Q. David Bowers relating fascinating tales of significant "finds".

::- Dale Gunnar of Corpus Christi, Texas and his 35-Key J. Verbeeck Organ

Mart Scene

Was the vision of Bill Edgerton and Warren Anderson / justified? Should we do a Joint Convention again? I have to say "YES" on both counts. Clearly this was a highly successful Con­ vention. I don't recall seeing anyone without a happy, smiling face, Mike and Liz Barnhart - Banquet and I'm willing to bet jf a vote were taken of those attending, an overwhelming majority will vote for a repeat some day. -116 - Banquet Scene

Lee Werkheiser and Ruby Ahneman

AMICA President Ron Connor addressing Banquet ~."'::i).... .', .fJJi)

Galen Bird and Wilma Radjenovich

MBSI President Ron Bopp addressing Banquet

The MBSI Board of Trustees did table a motion to put into place a mechanism for both associations to work closely together to explore opportunities for joint events. The AMICA Board agreed to the proposal. Stay tuned for future developments,

And as I drove home into the setting sun, visions of snowmen, and band organs, and tornados danced in my head. What a fine bunch of memories to bring home!, and how well they will nourish my yearning to attend what promises to be a wonderful 25th Anniversary AMICA Convention next year in San Francisco!

Gloria and Ralph Schack From "Portraits 0/ Musical Celebrities"

From the Collection of Sanford Libman

MESSRS. STEINWAY & SOXS, PARIS, 1867. I have heard the magnificent pianos which you brought from America, and which emanate from )'our factory. Permit me to compliment you upon the excellent and rare qualities which these instruments possess. Their sonority is splendid and essentially noble; moreover, you have discovered the secret of lessening, to an imperceptible point, that unpleasant harmonic of the minor seventh, which has heretofore made itself heard on the eighth or ninth node of the longer strings, to such a degree as to render some of the simplest and finest chords disagreeable (cacophonique). This improvement, in connection with the various others you have introduced in the manufacture of .your pianos, is a great progress -a progress for which all artists and amateurs gifted with deli­ cate perception are infinitely indebted to you. Accept, I beg of you, with my compliments, my highest respects. Your devoted HECTOR BERLIOZ.

"~ 12~'.. " 0. " '. . .

-118- "The barn is alive with the sound of music" by Martin F. Kohn - Detroit Free Press, June 24, 1987 Contributed by Bob Muylaert and Bill Blodgett

If the world were a carousel, which it Furthermore, he says, "The computer There is the coin-operated Link Piano sort of is, the appropriate music would come age owes a great deal to the system and Nickelodeon, which is said to have surviv­ from Dave Stiffler's bam. coding process" that enabled these in­ ed the great San Francisco earthquake. It Here, at the old farmstead where he struments to flourish between the 1880s contains a 300-foot long piano roll - 24 grew up, Stiffler presides over a museum of and 1920s. songs. There is the Bruder street organ, im­ antique automated musical instruments; It seems almost incredible that anyone could ported from Germany in 1913 for years of from nickelodens and player pianos to an have conceived of some of the instruments service at Wildwood Amusement Park, in astounding Belgian organ, built in 1922, found here. In a room that has been made Cape May, N.J. that reproduces the sound of an entire over to look like a tum-of-the-century movie There are many more, including some dance orchestra. theater you'll find the Mills Violano-Virtuoso behind glass that are just to look at. Stiffler What was once the Stiffler family farm which is not only a player piano but a player has stretched the definitions of "automated is now the Music house, on Route 31 just violin as well. At the 1909 AlaskaYukon­ musical instruments" to include early east of Traverse City and north of the Grand Pacific Exhibition, in Seattle, it was hailed phonographs, radios and televisions. There Traverse Resort. There is certainly nothing as one of the eight great inventions of the is even a display case filled with phonograph like it anywhere in Michigan. There may not new century. "Every time I go and do the needles. This means nothing to someone be anything entirely like it in the whole spiel I say I should look up what the other Maggie's age, but I can just remember world. seven were," Stiffler says. phonograph needles in their colorful "The spiel; is Stiffler's shorthand for the packets. They too, summon up a bygone Stiffler, 65, is a retired architect and day, and I catch myself almost dancing out that's practically all he cares to say about hour-long guided tour he, or other museum personnel offer virtually on request. Stops of the Music House as if the world itself himself for publication, preferring to concen­ were a carousel. trate on the wonders collected, preserved on the tour include a performace of "Rhap­ and restored here for the entertainment and sody in Blue" played on the piano by George education of the public - mostly entertain­ Gershwin himself (via a piano roll he made) ment, he says. and demonstrations of many other instruments. Maggie, 5Y2, who was here last year, remembers. "Where," she asks "is that organ that plays by itself?" EVERYTHING IN the Music House plays by itself, just as Maggie did before she acquired her little sister, Anna. But what Maggie, let loose after a long day's travel in the motor home, wanted to hear was the Mortier, the restored Belgian instrument that takes up the entire loft. It is 18 feet high and 30 feet wide - there is all of two inches' clearance between its top and the bam roof - has 1,000 pipes and may be the most wondrous thing rve ever heard. It seems to provide the sound track for an entire period in history. Ask Stiffler which of the things in his museum he likes the best, and he'll waffle. "That's like asking which of your children you like the most:' he says. The instruments, all of which are in working order, appeal on more than one level. They sound good, they look good, they reflect an age when art and technology GEORGE WALDMANlDelroil Free Press were very good buddies. Dave Stiffler. in th~ Music Barn in Acme. with the 1922 Belgian organ that "They make very listenable music," Stif­ reproduces the sound of a full dance orchestra. fler says. "None of it is sad. The other thing is the ingenuity, the craftsmanship. They were all made in the best way people knew how. Spme of them were made to be used up, but not many of them:'

-119 - PIANOFORTES IN THE WHITE HOUSE Emmett M. Ford

The White House could count every variety of piano among its historic furnishings, small and wing-shaped pianofortes, massive squares, grands, uprights, and baby grands. One kind was missing - the new and popular "musical gadgetry" called the player piano. Hawlett Davis offered to donate one of his "advanced electro-mechanical Pianophones" which was bu~t like a phonograph, had bearings like a bicycle, and was advertised to "last a life-time." A Washington piano dealer, E. H. Droop, for Steinway & Sons, wrote to Presi­ dent McKinley (April 24, 1901) asking if he would like to have an upright piano, with "Angelus", (pneumatic attachment) il1stalled in his private railroad car. Both of the offers were

> .. > ":~""""<"'rr~',:~ declined. The American advertisers, saying it was more " ,,!' -'I enjoyable to pump pedals, than to push keys, apparently were o not persuasive enough to convince the White House. It seems strange that Steinway & Sons, who were so involved in furnishing musicians for receptions and parties, were unsuccessful in getting a Duo-Art grand installed in the White House. The company had previously presented a couple of /,."~,,~.;,, ,'...... pianos, one in white and gold, and another with legs shaped like giant eagles.

Franklin Roosevelt was a student at Groton where a new 1867 Chickering grand piano. Aeolian player piano was the "rage of the school", and from The Schubert Club Musical Instrument Collection, it he heard rolls of familiar excerpts from Wagner's operas, "Die St. Paul, MN Walkure" and "Siegfried~ His mother, fond of Wagerian operas, took Franklin to live performances where he heard great The history of the White House in Washington, D.c., from sopranos like Marcella Sembrich, Emma Calve, and Lillian Nor­ 1789 to the present, reveals numerous pianofortes, uprights, dica, in the various roles of the operas. grands, and squares, installed in the mansion. Some years later, when Franklin Roosevelt became Presi­ Many makes were there: Babcock, Erard, Knabe, dent, the late AMICA Honorary Member, Jose Iturbi, had to Shoemacher, Baldwin, Broadwood, Kimball, Chickering, Stein­ notify the first Lady, (1934) that he would be unable to ac­ way, Bradbury, A.B. Chase and some unknown that were cept the pleasure and honor to play at the White House due destroyed in the burning of the mansion by the British, August to his contract with the Baldwin Piano Company to use only 24, 1814. The Astor & Company instrument was possibly the their pianos, and no other brand of American pianoforte. Later personal instrument of Jefferson, and is now in Monticello. when another invitation was extended, he replied in a letter that there would be no pre-occupation for the White House One instrument of unusual design was the Erard when as Baldwin would attend to all arrangements to have a piano the Madisons were residents of the mansion. The Erard had installed in the White House for his recital. Mr. Iturbi did give an international reputation and Beethoven had used one of the recital, so apparently all was agreeable to those concemed. their instruments. This Erard was decorated with Bronze, hav­ ing three legs (colones) four pedals, and a "Tambourin." It was an exquisite instrument with well-worked pieces of ormolu mounts and French tapered legs. The multiple pedal mechanism allowed for theatrical colors, and sound effects, to serve the "fad" of descriptive piano music. The pedals rendered a plucked sound (pizzicato or lute), reedy sound (basson), 'and a more mellow sound, (moderator) by means of a cloth placed between the strings and the hammers. The "tambourin" was produced either by a fifth pedal or a sideways­ moving "genou~lere," which worked a drum (or triangle) - both built into the bass end of the piano. The instrument could be played to produce, among other things, Swiss echo airs, Turkish marches, and battle pieces, - the latter in deference to the popularity of rOOitary music played by the military bands of the day. -120- - BOOK REVIEW ­ RUTH BINGAMAN-SMITH GIVES TCHAIKOVSKY IN AMERICA A PRIVATE RECITAL Elkhonon Yoffe Emmett M. Ford Reviewed by Emmett M. Ford On July 10, 1987, AMICA Honorary Member, Ruth Bingaman­ Smith was a guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Antonioli in Novato, California. Ruth gave a recital for the Antoniolis, and guests, playing piano compositions on the 9·foot Steinway grand and on the 9-foot Knabe Ampico grand. Compositions Ruth played were "Mailied" from Godard's "Carnival SUite," "Variations" from the opera, "La Molinaral" (Paisiello· Beethoven), "Dancer on the Patio" (William Repper) and a Beethoven sonata and some other compositions. Ampico rolls were played for the enjoyment of Ruth and guests Bill Knorp, Jarod Clark, Bob Williams, Mark Robertson and Ruth's cousin, Nelly Egry. Also heard was a tape of Ruth's playing the Chopin B-minor pianoforte sonata. One Ampico roll (64751) was of interest because it was played by one of Ruth's teachers, John M. Steinfeldt playing his composition, "Chanson D'Amour." Ruth r€!COrded some of Mr. Steinfeldt's compositions for Welte. Two of her other teachers were Alberto Jonas and Ernest Hutchinson, both pianists recorded on piano rolls. Tchaikovsky in 1891 The photograph shows Ruth playing the 9-foot Knabe Ampico grand Peter llyich Tchaikovsky did not record on piano rolls but many com­ piano, taken by Bill Knorp. panies issued hundreds of rolls of his music interpreted by the greats of the day such as Bauer, Hambourg, Armbruster, Lerner, Giorni, Reisenberg, Grainger and many other pianists. . Andrew Carnegie, writer, politician, "iron master" and generous philanthropist, was apprized by the twenty-eight year old Walter Damrosch, a conductor in New York, of the need of a new concert hall in New York City. Carnegie allotted two million dollars for the erection of a hall, later named Camegie Hall. Plans for the celebration of the open­ ing of the hall was made by Damrosch in the form of a great musical festival with a large orchestra, huge chorus, and many famous par­ ticipating musicians. Tchaikovsky was not truly accepted and recognized in Russia at that time, but his compositions had been performed in America, and had created a popularity and admiration throughout the United States. The public and Damrosch admired the compositions, and Damrosch used them in his programs. Damrosch wrote to Tchaikovsky inviting him to come to America for the opening of Carnegie Hall. Tchaikovsky accepted, and the com­ poser arrived in America April 26, 1891. The grand opening of the hall was May 5th, (1891) with the composer conducting some of his works. *** The female pianist, Adele Aus der Ohe, performed his piano concerto. HODE TO MY FINGERS" Concerts were given in surrounding cities creating attention and admiration for the composer and his works. Tchaikovsky found the Ruth Bingarnan-Smith Americans attentive to his needs and gave him acclaim, adulation, and from her book of poems "Out of the Blue" opened their homes-to him. He was intrigued with the American way My ten once-agile fingers To slip out of mortality, of life, but was painfully homesick. On my two once-agile hands, Its restlessness and blight, His diary is a revelation of his time and thoughts spent in America, That Swept the keyboard rapturously, And ascend up to reality, where he met prominent Americans and musicians dUring his twenty­ fulfiling Soul's demands Where all is peace and light. five day visit. In music's charm and passion, Then, no more aching bones One item of interest in the book, is the indifference toward him by Translated from the score, and muscles. the Steinway representative, Charles F. Tretbar, who made no effort to Tell me old age is whispering Little fingers, we'll be free introduce himself to Tchaikovsky. Virtuosity's no more. To find a ghost piano, Mayer, Knabe's representative, met him when his ship docked and Thru long, long years since childhood, And wakeup every key. extended him favors and hospitality, and introduced him to prominent Vou have been taught to play The angels will be listening, people. A tour was made of the Knabe piano factory. Mayer then asked In piano's patient practice We will take them the composer to write an endorsement of the Knabe piano. This resulted Of training, day by day. by surprise, in Tchaikovsky asking Mayer to write the letter of endorsement which, [n concerts and recitals, And God, Himself, may smile, Tchaikovsky, after reading, refused to sign. It stated Tchaikovsky found We've achieved some small renown, and say, "the Knabe pianos indisputably the best in America," but in reality he Dear faithful little fingers, "Love's music never dies." found thle quality was not superior to the Steinway pianos. Later Vou have never let me down. Tchaikovsky did release a letter-advertisement of the Knabe piano, but without the phrase about superiority. So we will go on playing Until some future day, There are sixteen photographs. The book was translated from the When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound Russian by Udya Yoffe. Introduction is by Antal Dorati. Oxford Univer­ sity Press, 1986, $18.95. To summon us away. -121- because I succumbed to her delightful persuasive style of finding homes for these orphans. Of my own personal knowledge, Iknow /1', Molly would actually put up some of her own modest savings to protect an endangered instrument where a home was not • ~n 41lRrmoriam • immediately forthcoming. Her ability to find these instruments, lock them up, and find good homes for them was legendary. Molly's activities were not confined to the one-on-one -_.. ,. _-./ relationships associated with finding and placing instruments. Ever mindful of the impact of public exposure, she energetically A EULOGY TO MOLLY YECKLEY accepted wonderful opportunities to put on public concerts in Detroit at the Henry Ford Museum theatre, and in Orchestra Hall commemorating its restoration. On another occasion, Molly travel­ ed to Washington, DC, and worked with John Grant in a segment of the Public Television series - "The Mind". And like so many other dedicated AMICAns, she, Lee and Alex hosted many groups in their home to share the beauty of these magnificent instruments, and spread the word. There is little doubt that Molly was a true missionary when it came to sup­ porting and furthering AMICA's aims and objectives. Frequently over the years, she spoke of her vision of one day participating in the development of a museum of automatic musical instruments. She was not alone in that dream, for it is shared by many AMICAns. However, what a pity it is that so often, it takes the passing of a visionary to provoke the action needed to make good things happen. In this case, in the short space of just one year, Mel Luchetti, Bob Moore, and Molly, all MOLLY YECKLEY with the same vision, and all have left us to what I sincerely believe 1938 - 1987 is a life hereafter where they will occupy a place of honor for their Let there be no doubt that AMICA is maturing. Next year, with many fine contributions. the help and leadership of our Founding Chapter, we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. With this maturity comes an I know Molly would not be pleased if she detected that we ever increasing responsibility to accept the inevitable with grace grieve her passing with sorrow. She would rather we remember and dignity. However, even in the knowledge and acceptance of her for the fine music she loved so much, for the happiness and this responsibility, the pain of losing family, friends, colleagues, pleasure she shared with us with her annual display of period and leaders is not lessened. dress. I can remember when she alone would appear at our Con­ vention Banquet in a flapper dress. Now it has become an in­ This past year has been difficult for AMICA, for we have stitution, and I would ask that we continue this as a fine, lost a number of close associates and honorary members. We are thoroughly enjoyable custom. I know it will happen at this hurting with the loss of Ervin Nyiregyhazi, Abram Chasins, Her­ convention, and let us be mindful of someone who strongly man Kortlander, Alexander Tansman, Bob Moore, Molly Yeckley, influenced this moment of good fun. and founding member Mel Luchetti. This is not the first time we have lost members in our modest 25 year history, and certainly As I prepared these thoughts about someone very dear to not the last, but somehow something a little more than "Too bad, all of us, I was reminded of a perfectly charming 2 minute piece how sad" is called for at this time. by Dudley Moore, given at a special event in the Kennedy Centre in honor of Bob Hope, with President Ronald Reagan in atten­ In particular, I would like us to recall International President dance, Dudley put together his interpretation of the Colonel Bogey Molly Yeckley, whom I first met at the AMICA Convention in March as if composed by Beethoven. In a wonderfully homorous September, 1977 in San Francisco. I was there as a personal act moment, Dudley got "stuck in the loop" of trying to end it. With of desperation to try to recover from a tragedy of my own. It was each attempt, yet another even finer bit of music burst forth from a successful trip, for my spirits did indeed rise to a new high, and his finger tips, till finally his performance does end, but in an life for me was never the same thereafter. image of pleasure and goodwill. Over the years, a major contributor to these good spirits has I too got "stuck in the loop" as I recalled so many fine things been Molly. Always ready to not only help, but also jump in with about Molly. One after another they tumbled out of my memory both feet with positive action. As many of you know, I prize a in great profusion, such that I had great difficulty in sensing when positive attitude very highly, and I found in Molly that elusive at­ enough had surfaced. tribute in abundance. What a joy! .And those who knew Molly as I did, know I speak the truth about her most infectious There is no conclusion, no ending, that might be appropriate enthusiasm. to this moment, as it is infinitely easy to recall the many good things that Molly has done, all in the name of commitment to Behind that bubbly personality, Molly never lost sight that a truly marvellous slice of musical heritage, she tried so hard to AMICA is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of a perpetuate. Let us not let her commitment perish. Let us see to unique slice of musical heritage. It mattered not how the oppor­ it that her dream is not only nourished, but comes to life. She tunities presented themselves to further this aim, for she was most had the foresight to start up a memorial fund aimed at a public resourceful in seizing and running with them. museum that one day would open its doors, and show the world A chance encounter with a humble 78 RPM record by one that the music of the legendary masters will indeed live on into of our Honoraries, met with the same enthusiasm as finding a perpetuity through the magic of their music rolls. complete, unrestored, reproducing grand. I cannot now remember Would you please join in a tribute to a dear friend, remember how many phone calls I received from Molly enthusiastically her for her achievements, and help in the preservation and en­ announcing a new "find", and how quickly we must move on this couragement of her dream, something we should all think very one before it too might join the ranks of the "gutted". positive about. Let us remember a very fine lady - Molly Yeckley. In my own personal collection, there are 4 reproducing pianos Terry Smythe, July 1987, St. Paul, MN -122 - A Eulogy to Molly Yeckley continued ­ The purse full of jewelry you laid down on the counter at N-M - did you realize I was a nervous wreck until you picked it up? .... She was an absolutely wonderful person, you couldn't help The concert in Detroit when you walked off the stage and liking her. That radiating personality just bubbled forth, and of the piano still played , course that HUMOR was just the best. I do hope AMICA was ~ well represented at her funeral, and that it was a beautiful ser­ How much you enjoyed doing the PBS television show on - vice. It takes a big person to accept tragedy in ones life, and to "The Brain" accept it with a smile. Molly made AMICA special and AMICA How proud you were to be a National Officer of AMICA suffers a great loss in her passing. Your telling me about the visits you made to other chapters - Tim Passinault when you were on vacation Our phone calls - did we really talk for an hour each time - sometimes even when we would be seeing each other the next **** day Your filing system - oh well! I know you didn't throw it out, it must be there somewhere I'll always remember: Going over all my '69'86 Bulletins with you so we could find Mike telling me about this girl from Ohio that he met at the 1972 any references to by-laws, amendments and motions passed at Los Angeles Convention - he knew we would really hit it off AMICA Board Meetings The first time we met in 1973 -could it really have been that How relieved you were that the By-Laws were finally being long ago? taken care of Tough as nails, hard as bricks, we were both from the class Your Honda I bought in '86 - fm taking good care of it just of '56 like I promised The beautiful red hair frequently arranged in Twenties style Lee and Alex - I hope our paths will still cross in the future The engaging personality to whom no one remained a Your cats - especially the one that kept biting Mike's toes stranger " Those horrible cigarettes - what if I had been successful in The sparkling smile you gave us all talking you out of using them Your three beautiful pianos you were so rightly proud of Your lingering "bronchitis" -I wish you had told me it all Your cedar chest full of piano rolls Your begging me to go to the Winter Board Meeting - if we Your penchant for finding appropriate homes for available had only known .. .. pianos Your courage in attending Alex's graduation Your knowledge of composers and compositions - you never All the good times there have been steered us wrong on which piano roll to buy The love you had for AMICA - our lives are all richer for hav­ Your dedication to your piano students - we know you ing known you. -" passed on to them your love of music Liz Barnhart How well you handled our honoraries - you always knew what pieces would be best for them to play Your love of anything to do with Jeanette McDonald and **** Nelson Eddy The monthly visit to Dumachelle's Auction in Detroit In answer to a request for an appropriate photograph of Molly The purse full of jewelry - someone was always in the market for this publication, Molly's mother made the follOWing statement: for an antique ring ... I think the picture of her holding the piano roll you ran before The "antique" fur coat you modeled for the Midwest Chapter in the May/June issue would do very well, - with the Epitaph and then wore to the Detroit Convention from the floral arrangement on the Steinway, that we brought to The beautiful old dresses you wore so gracefully the house after the funeral. It really says a lot about her. It said: The neck scarves or high neck dresses you wore to hide the She loved her player piano rolls, but her Lord has called her home wrinkles that bothered you to play her greatest role of all. Your gorgeous rings - one or more for every finger - Thelma Wilke My lovely birthday presents - usually from antique stores Shopping for your birthday present and looking for something related to music Our visit to the Philadelphia Mint with our "klutz's" **** The Polish ship you toured during the 79 Philly Convention - wish we could have gone on it with you Your encouraging us to become National Officers -I never Molly considered all members of AMICA a part of her greater would have done it for anyone else "family". That this feeling was mutually shared, was very much My roommate at the Dallas Annual Meeting - did we get to anything on time? in evidence at her funeral service. AMICAns came to pay their Your arrival with one duffle bag and I had a big suitcase ­ last respects from five states, and from as far as Philadelphia, it made me feel better to know you forgot a few things, including Chicago, and Windsor. Many, many, others, from distant points the garmet bag still hanging on the kitchen door back in Ohio in the U.S. and Canada, who simply could not make the trip, sent The cowboy hats with feathers we got at a dime store in their condolences. Every pall bearer was a member of AMICA. Dallas and pretended they were purchased across the street at - Ed Ward Neiman Marcus The charge cards we applied for at N-M so we could get their fabulous Christmas catalog

-123- In Memoriam continued ... Studied at Juilliard and Curtis Mr. Chasins was born in Manhattan. He was a graduate of HONORARY ABRAM CHASINS the Ethical Culture schools and took special courses at Colum­ bia University Extension School. He also studied piano with ~ Ernest Hutcheson and composition with Rubin Goldmark at the Juilliard School of Music in Manhattan and at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, where he taught piano from 1926 to 1935. In' the summer of 1931 he took a course in musical analysis with Donald Tovey in London. His career as a pianist lasted from 1927 until 1947, when he retired from the concert stage. A protege of Josef Hofmann, Mr. Chasins was the soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra for his first piano concerto in January 1929, and for his second concerto in March 1933 under the direction of Leopold Stokowski. In 1960 he spent a month in Israel at the invitation of the government as special advisor on music festivals and education. Mr. Chasins was the author of a number of books on music and musicians, including "Speaking of Pianists" (1958), "The Van Cliburn Legend" (1959), 'The Appreciation of Music" (1966), "Music at the Crossroads" (1972), and a biography of Leopold Stokowski entitled "Stoki, the Incredible Apolld' (1978). He is survived by his wife, Constance Keene, a concert The New York Times pianist. 1904-1987 From New York TImes, Tuesday, June 23, 1987 Contributed by Robert M. Taylor **** Abram Chasins, a composer and pianist and the former music director of radio station WQXR, died of cancer Sunday at his home in Manhattan. He was 83 years old and had a second home in Los Angeles. HONORARY HERMAN KORTLANDER / Mr. Chasins, who was associated with WQXR from 1941 1900 - 1987 to 1965, became the music director in 1946, two years after the Word has been received from Bill Burkhardt that Honorary station's acquisition by The New York Times. With his help, it Herman Kortlander passed away July 12,1987. He was 87 years became one of the country's most celebrated and emulated AM­ of age. Funeral services were held at St. Stephen Catholic Church, FM music stations. His appearances as host on major programs July 15th. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids, and his initiation of educational projects in conjunction with the Michigan. New York public high school system earned numerous commen­ Bill states "I surely will miss this unassuming gentleman, and dations, a large audience and a Peabody Award for excellence neighbor, and feel fortunate to have know him. After the funeral in broadcasting. service, his son requested that the family members come to my Mr. Chasins composed more than 100 piano pieces. His home to hear some Kortlander and QRS Rolls; so we remembered "Three Chinese Pieces" were particularly popular; Josef Lhevinne, Herman in a cheerful manner. Josef Hoffmann and other famous pianists included them in their I have informed several collectors of Mr. Kortlander's pass­ repertory. An orchestral version of the work became the first ing. These collectors enjoyed personal visits at his home, and we American work to be conducted by Arturo Toscanini with the all learned some interesting details of the early QRS days." New York Philharmonic, on April 8, 1931. His 24 Preludes for Piano (1928) have long been used as teaching pieces. Following a 1972 lecture tour to promote his book "Music at the Crossroads," which took colleges and universities to task for not adequately preparing music students for the professional **** world, he joined the University of Southern California as musician-in-residence. Recognizing the need for a non-commercial arts and infor­ mation station on the West Coast, Mr. Chasins reorganized the student-run radio station KUSC into a channel for classical and CREDIT LINE - modem music, and in less than five years, it became a nationally The source and credit line for the back cover of the known broadcasting entity. He retired in 1977, a year after he .July/August issue of the Bulletin was inadvertently ommited. had received the award of the National Federation of Music Clubs "Heard From the Piazza" originally appeared in the August 1921, / for "outstanding service to American music during the AMPICO Recordings Booklet, and is from the collection of·San- Bi-centennial year." dy Libman.

-124- ccmcaCllllCItiCCClllCffiCffiCRllC3lCffi~~ffiClFJCl{lCllCC~ News from the Chapters

CHICAGO CHAPTER Deland. Rob presented a program of comparisons between old Reporter: Mel Septon phonograph records and identical piano rolls of the same com­ position by various jazz pianists. It was quite interesting to be able to hear the way Jelly Roll Morton, Zez Confrey etc. played the very rolls that we were listening to on Mabel's piano.

Chapter Pres. Rob DeLand "engaging in DIAWGUE" with Simon Ziuin. Music boxes, phonographs, nickelodeons & a reproducing Paul Moss, Marcie Plank, Marty Persky, Simon Ziuin, Joe Pekarek piano greeted members of the Chicago chapter of AMICA as they and Ellie Schwimmer sample the goodies. arrived at the home of Mabel and Simon Zivin for a pot luck din­ ner on May 30th. The meeting began with impromptu listening -< to the many fine pieces in the Zivins' collection. While the members mingled and listened, Mabel, with the assistance of some AMICAn volunteers readied the feast. The Zivins provid­ ed the main course and beverages and each AMICAn brought· a side dish or dessert. This meeting sure helped a lot to uphold the tradition that Chicago AMICAns eat well. After dinner, a short business meeting followed. Bob Taylor gave his final report on the Podolsky Ampico roll project. It was agreed that we would terminate the project after the current sets are sold. Hint: only a few sets left folks!!!

Jerry Biasella, Carol & Rodger Dayton, Barry Schultz, Marty Persky and a Nelson Wiggens 6X orchestrion. As members were leaving, a reminder was given to attend our next meeting, our annual flea·swim-nic in August at the home of Elsa & Joe Pekarek.

Bob Taylor talks about the Podolsky roll project. With the business meeting out of the way, our attention turned to the evenings program, presented by Chapter President Rob

-125 - IOWA CHAPTER Reporter: Al Johnson On Sunday afternoon, July 19th, the Iowa Chapter gathered at the home of Ed and Sharon Poush in Muscatine, Iowa. Short· Iy after arriving we were treated to a vocal solo by their son. The /_. afternoon was spent socializing, and listening to their Weber Duo· Art. Later that afternoon we drifted on to the Muscatine Art Center Museum to view some of their treasurers. In the Laura Musser Museum, which was a private home at one time, we saw several music boxes and an Estey two manual 11 rank player pipe organ. We played many of our favorite rolls. We also held our business meeting at the museum. The main order of business was arranging a meeting schedule for the rest of the year. Our thanks to Ed and Sharon Poush for a most entertaining afternoon. John Amuedo reveals the MIT/Bosendorfer recording piano system to members of Boston Area Chapter.

ROCJ{Y MOUNTAIN CHAPTER Reporter: Don Wick Our June meeting was held on the 21st at the attractive lakeside home of Daryl and Bethanne Stolte in Ft. Collins, Co. Nine members, including Steve & Anita Johnson, who drove over the mountains from Grand Junction, and B.J. Martin, who drove down the mountain? from Estes Park attended. President Larry Kerecman reviewed the recent board meeting he attended and outlined pians for the rest of the year. Our next meeting is plann­ ed for the Dougherty Antique Collection museum in LDngmont on August 16th. Other proposed meetings include a possible outing to hear the Denver Symphony, with a reproducing piano, and a train trip on the Amtrak Zephyr to Grand Junction, to visit the Johnsons in their new home. All in all, it looks like a fun Summer and Fall lie ahead. John Amuedo at the Bosendorfer keyboard The musical star of our meeting was the Stoltes 1917 vintage Knabe Ampica This fine appearing, and sounding, upright was in full voice after recent action work, including new hammers and dampers. We also saw a large scale Steck piano with a Themodist - Metrostyle player action undergoing restoration in Daryl's shop. Daryl demonstrated outstanding unrestored examples of Edison Home and Standard phonographs. Bethanne cooked hamburgers on the grill which we enjoyed along with salads and desserts brought by the guests. Thanks to Daryl and Bethanne, a lovely and enjoyable time was had by all.

BOSTON AREA CHAPTER John at the computer keyboard Reporters: Michael Potash and Ted Read For our spring meeting on April 26, 1987, the Boston Area Chapter arranged with the MIT Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab to _have a private showing of the MITlBoesendorfer Recording Piano. This is the latest word in reproducing pianos, and about 50 members and guests attended the meeting to judge it for themselves. Our host was John Amuedo, who played and demonstrated the piano system: a Boesendorfer Imperial Con­ cert Grand piano linked to a digital computer. The piano has built­ in optoelectronic sensors at the keyboard and pedals to record .,- live performances and has state of the art solenoids for instant replay. The system also has full editing functions. Several hours of recorded performances were available for our listening, and pianists in the audience were encouraged to try their hands at Fred Moyer and John Amuedo evaluate Fred's piano performance the keyboard. as replayed by the MIT/Bosendorfer system

-126 - Boston Area Chapter continued - Currently the MITlBosendorfer piano system is archiving live performances and helping local pianists to analyze and improve their playing. Future uses are many: live performances in two or more halls at once, recreating live performances from old sources such as 78 records and (our suggestion) piano rolls. The AI Lab is redesigning and converting the computer software so that a piano can soon be driven by a PC or small home computer. This would greatly lower costs and make the system more available. Information was exchanged between MIT people and AMICA members. John learned from us that the Ampico and Duo Art systems have much in common with his system and that our paper music rolls are very accurate, dynamic recordings. We saw that a computer-driven, electromagnetic system has been com­ pletely realized. The meeting was not a traditional one, but all the elements of technical interest, music, and fun were there.

The keyboard removed to show electronic circuitry (chips) There have been a few announcements and some articles written about the new MITlBosendorfer piano (see AMICA TEXAS CHAPTER Bulletin Vol. 24, No.3, page 65), and so there was much excite­ Reporter: Wade Newton ment, anticipation, and some skepticism regarding the demonstra­ The second meeting of 1987 for the Texas Chapter was tion. The demo took place at the MIT Wiensner Building, Cam­ hosted in mid-May by Becky Newton and myself at our home bridge, Mass., in the Bartos Theatre, the current home of the in Arlington in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The main at­ MI17Bosendorfer piano system. The Bosendorfer piano itself is traction in our home is a 1936 Aeolian-Skinner Duo-Art pipe one of the finest instruments in the world. Its tone, action, and organ which resided in a mausoleum in Dallas from its 1936 in­ dynamics have been very well known, especially in Europe. stallation until 1977 when it was removed by fellow organ en­ Readers may be aware that the Bosendorfer has several extra bass thusiast Tom Beckett and myself. It was through Tom's persis­ keys, which are playable and contribute to the piands resonance. tent efforts over a number of years that the owners finally ac­ John Amuedo is a research scientist and an excellent pianist. He cepted an offer. By that time, Tom had a house full of organs gave us a briefing on the technical design of the reproducing and kindly allowed me to purchase the organ. . system and its history. During a live performance, the system scans the piano keyboard 800 times a second. (The pedals are scanned at a lesser rate.) The computer measures and records the notes played and hammer speeds (which translate to volume), reminiscent of Stoddard's Ampico recording techniques. The elec­ tronics and software (LISP) were designed by Wayne Stahnke, and the MIT AI Lab is enhancing it. Readers may be aware of several other accomplishments by Stahnke in the piano roll field (see AMICA Bulletin Vol. 24, No.2, page 25, "The Podolsky Roll Project"). John answered many of our technical questions. Next came the moment of truth. John played a Chopin Waltz at the keyboard and recorded the digital signals on a cassette tape. Then the computer read the tape and played the piano iden­ tically. Those who were skeptics about electromechanics were skeptics no longer. Even some mistakes were reproduced perfectly. John showed how such errors could be corrected qUickly by the system editing function. Notes within a chord or elsewhere can be changed in time, pitch, or volume level (dynamics). Next John played a duet or four-handed version of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Becky and Wade Newton in front of their 1936 Aeolian-Skinner He supplied his two hands, and the piano system accompanied Duo-Art Pipe Organ. . him. The show continued by calling up Fred Moyer, a concert Previous chapter meetings at our home have allowed pianist. He played a subtle Mendelssohn Etude. Again the ins­ members and guests a chance to inspect the progress on the tant replay was just as beautiful. Fred felt that he missed a grace restoration of the pipe organ. At those times only visual inspec­ note, and John had the computer add it in. Fred's only criticism tions were possible, but at this meeting those attending got to was that the pedal action could be more precise. Next AMICA hear the organ play. Although the restorationis not finished, the members and their guests were invited to play. These included pipe work and most of the electrical sections are finished. Since a young boy, a jazz improviser, and a local Harvard musicologist. I had temporarily connected an "0" roll spool frame and a 125 John also had many live performances stored on cassettes and band organ spool frame to the organ, everyone was able to en­ floppy disks which he was glad to play for us. joy a variety of fox trots, rags, and waltzes on the organ. A tem­ . Finally someone asked John to open up the piano, and he porary set of "stop" tablets is connected to the organ so that pulled out the keyboard. Interestingly, the hammers have a set various ranks of pipes, and combinations of such, could be heard. of knife edges and optical scanners to measure hammer speeds, Iam currently restoring the console and have a Duo-Art Concer­ and there is a full set of electronic chips. The precision solenoids tola for pipe organ rolls on my to-do list. Other instruments for playing the piano were barely visible. John informed us that available to the guests, and members, included a 1920 He. Bay they are calibrated to maintain accurate dynamic sound levels player piano and a 1922 Chickering 5'4" Ampico grand piano. across the keyboard. This compensates for any physical changes The He. Bay piano has since been sacrificed for more space for in the piano. the addition of four more ranks of pipes. The greed for more and Texas Chapter continued - more pipes seems to be a side effect that afflicts the amateur organ builder. Eventually, a limit is set as to the amount of ex­ LITERATURE EXCHANGE pansion allowed when the hobbyist is threatened with expulsion t.. from his or her home either by the spouse or the organ itself. The business meeting was conducted by President Richard Tonnesen. Of primary concern was the declining membership, at­ - Several AMICAns have expressed an interest in establishing tendance, and active participation of members in the Texas a Literature Exchange. Many members have established exten­ Chapter. Of reCent years only a few regularly attending members sive collections of literature relating to the preservation and en­ have been exchanging the leadership jobs of the chapter. Now that some of these members have moved away, it is getting to joyment of automatic musical instruments. Many others have a be a real struggle to fill all of the positions. It's hard to pin-point need, from time to time, to have access to various items of what is the problem in this sixteen year old chapter, but possibly literature for repair, research, or to secure copies for libraries they the lack of a larger variety of instruments in our area, the poor may be establishing. If sufficient interest is shown, we might con­ availability of instruments at affordable prices, and a general bum­ Sider establishing a central exchange whereby literature could be out of the subject may be some of the causes. requested, exchanged, traded, or otherwise disseminated to the But for those who made it to the meeting, they were reward­ satisfaction of all concerned. If you as a collector, research per­ ed with a chance to see,· hear, and- play the very nice Tanzbaer son, repair or preservation aficionado, or what have you, feel this player concertina brought to the meeting by John McClelland of might be a good idea, please write the publisher and express Austin. The instrument that John brought was a demonstration yourself. Your response will determine if we need to consider the model and was complete with several rolls, the original packag­ ing box, and instructions. John talked about how he acquired it, matter in depth. Please check the masthead for mailing address, how it operated, and discussed its construction in regards to the if you choose to respond. quality standards of the time of its manufacture. To those of us not accustomed to playing such an instrument, it was much like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. *****

HERMAN JAMES UNGER

John McClelland proudly displays his mint condition Tanzbaer Player Concertina ****

."

That Special Roll

9·11 ~ 1985 Universal Prass Syndicate "Jutish Medley" Duo-Art 7274-4 played by the composer Percy Grainger. John C. Semmens, Po. Box 15, East Melbourne, 30002 Victoria, Australia. "You forgot the stooll" ./ *** I am looking for an 88-note roll that I can't seem to locate in my area. It's title is: "You Belong to My Heart." Can you help? Thomas Contributed by John Grant Nalasco, 9 Grand Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830.

128 - Technicalities

SEEN AND HEARD AT THE CONVENTION IN ST. PAUL

capabilities. If you don't like the flutes you can change them with a push of a button to violas, or any other voice you have created on a synthesizer. This is just a small example of what Midi can do. Midi signals are sent via a Midi cord with only five wires. Cur­ rently only three of the wires are used. They send, not only infor­ mation that tells which notes are playing, but also the velocity of each note to the 128th degree. It is hard to imagine that you can measure the velocity of a key 128 degrees but Midi does with each key on the keyboard. Midi also allows the synthesizer player to change the sound of another synthesizer from the main keyboard. The main keyboard usually has keys to playas well as quite a few other controls for sound creation. The second syn­ thesizer may not even have a keyboard. When the rock band TOlD tour they use a special Yamaha grand piano with Midi "ouf, so they can play their synthesizers and have the feel of a real piano. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie are also using similar Yamaha grand pianos. The 1987 Lionel Richie tour starts the show with a white grand piano rising in the middle of the stage playing a piano solo. It is just a matter of time, with what the stars of today have, that it will be available tomorrow at your local music dealer. I ad­ mit thay they don't have the romance of our prized reproducing antique pianos. But with this modern technology, there could be hope for a whole new generation of music appreciaters that just may fall in love with an antique music maker. MX 100 Off from the main floor of the National Association of Music Merchants show in the Hilton Hotel in a little room, that was hard The following is an excerpt from "WHAT'S NEW". to find, was the highlight of the show for this writer. A player An informative letter, printed by AMICAn Don Teach, of his piano in a very good studio, with MIDI! This was a player that impression of what he saw at a recent National Association has been around for at least five years. It has MIDI in and out. of Music Merchants trade show. It plays with its own internal floppy discs. It can record hammer velocity with 128 degrees of loudness on each key. This means The Japanese seem to have more interest in the computer that there is no need to split the keyboard. MIDI "in" allows you than the average American. Electronics have come a long way to play it with a sequencer or other keyboard. MIDI ''out'' allows in the music business, with the computer touching every facet you to play other keyboards, or record to a sequencer. One of of the industry. The current hot buzz word in the music business the floppy discs that was sitting by the piano was a recording is "MIDI", Midi allows one manufacturer's equipment to talk made by Teddy Wilson, before he passed away. The manu­ to another manfacturer's equipment. A person who plays the facturer of this particular piano has flown several American ar­ piano or synthesizer is now known as a keyboard player. Syn­ tists to Japan to record performances over the past five years. thesizers can sound so real on records now that one would argue Yamaha manufactures this piano currently in Japan, for the that the trumpet sound is a trumpet, when in fact it is a syn­ Japanese market only. They asked me not to write about it thesizer. Listen to the theme for the television show St. Elsewhere. because they did not want to have consumers walking into dealer­ It is mostly synthesizer. ships asking for it before they had a chance to show it to their Midi is short for "MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DIGITAL dealers. I tried to get my hands on a brochure, but was unable INTERFACE." A hot product for keyboard players is known as to, which is fine with me because Ican not read Japanese. Yamaha a sequencer. This is a recorder that uses no tape and records demonstrated this piano with an external sequencer player play­ digital information only. That means no audio signal is recorded. ing eight synthesizers and an electronic drum machine. I personally You can now record a trumpet voice on your synthesizer and play was most impressed when they let the sequencer, built into the .it back as a violin voice or any other voice you may desire. Some piano, play a Teddy Wilson solo of "Take The A Train". There sequencers can controll 16 synthesizers or other Midi equipment were also floppy discs designed to teach you how to play the at one time. Even the conventional piano is not safe from the elec­ piano. (I wonder where they got that idea.) tronic age with electronic pianos sounding more realistic every Once again, although the new equipment may not have the --/" day. With this electronic sequencer you have a modern day player romance of the old music machines of the past, they do bring piano capable of producing a complete orchestral score. Besides back memories. Let us hope that the new instruments can also keyboards, other Midi equipment includes electronic drum bring in some new appreciation for the old. machines that sound anywhere from real to electronic. Just think, Don Teach, Shreveport Music Ca, 10043 Stratmore Circle, a complete Seeburg H weighing only 39 pounds with full editing Shreveport, LA 71115 -129- Technicalities continued - BOSENDORFER IMPERIAL GRAND

WITH COMPUTER-BASED REPRODUCTION SYSTEM ./ Emmett M. Ford

Bosendorfer 290-5£ Computer Based 9'6" Imperial Grand

The Bosendorfer 9'6" Imperial Grand No. 290-5E has been going back to, the piano action and pedals. There are 4 custom ,. introduced to the public with an installed compl\ter-based boards in the computer: 1 Keyboard; 2 activator or playback in- reproduction system. It is the result of 14 years development and terface; 3 disk drive interface; and 4 the processor board or Cpu. testing in Vienna, Austria_ The Bosendorfer piano is now a divi- On the back of the computer are connectors for input and out- sion of Kimball International, Inc. of Jasper, Indiana. . put lines to the piano. One to monitor input and output, one to The grand, the largest in production today, has a 97-note t~e disk drive input a~d output,. ~lus tape in and out jacks. The keyboard with 9 additional notes in the bass, and genuine ivory sIgnal on these. tape J.acks IS dl~tal data that can .be recorded and ebony keys. The extra 9 bass notes will accomodate the com- o.n any magnetIc. ~ed.1Um. Th~ SIgnal: are not mUSIcal frequen- positions of Bartok Busoni and Ravel which require extended Cles, but merely dlgttalmformation that IS re-translated by the com- bass notes. ' puter, and solenoid drive boards, to activate the piano action and pedals. The power switch to the computer has a key to prevent The action is especially equipped with optical sensors for unauthorized u.se 6f the playback mechanism. each key and each hammer, and the sensors do not alter the touch . .. . and sensitivity of the piano in any way. Each sensor is read . The.dual ~lsk drive consls~s of two st~ndard drive~ t~~t use (scanned) every 800th of a second, or every 1.25 ms, computing 6-mch, :mgle SIde, double den~lty, floppy dl~ks. The un~t !S mter- the press and release of each key and the velocity of the motion faced wIth. the co~put~r, allowmg the dumpm~ ?f the dlgttal per- of each hammer. Optical sensors are used, instead of mechanical ~ormanc~ mformatIon mto a workspace for edltmg. Performance switches or devices, so there is nothing to encumber the normal mform~tIon c.an also be ~tored, or dumped, ba~k to .other working of the piano action. magnetIc medIa (tape machme) for back-up. A dual dIsk umt pro­ vides greater flexibility and increased work and storage area. 5ensors on the sostenuto, sustaining and soft pedals, Recording and playback can be done directly to and from disk, compute every movement of the pedals. if desired, without first storing (recording) it on tape. Under the piano, at the rear of the action, are all the elec- The terminal and computer keyboard is a standard 12" tronic and mechanical components that recreate the original per- monochrome monitor. Communications with the computer is formance. There are 97 voltage controlled solenoids that act like through a standard A5Cll output keyboard with numeric pad. linear motors and activate the piano action from underneath the . back of each key. There are drive boards for each solenoid that The 2905E s~~t~m can r~cord an? play back dIrectly to and translate the digital information (i.e. the digitally encoded readings from tape an~ utthtIzes an mexpe~s1Ve home ~tereo cassette from the optical sensors during the original performance) from recorder. The SIgnal from the 2905E IS monophomc and only uses the computer into the appropriate voltage to drive the solenoids one channel of a s~ereo cass.ette ~eck It can also ~ecord an? play /' to recreate the original motion of the keys and hammers. This ba~k to a floppy dls~. ~o. edIt a dIsk, the console IS placed m. the is a closed loop system, with the digital information constantly edIt mode and each ~ndlVldual ~ot~ of ~ performance can be VIew- updated to the drive boards at the scan rate (1.25ms). ed on screen; shOWIng the pomt 10 tIme the note occurred, the , . . note name and keyboard location, and the velocity with which The heart of the 2905E system IS a computer whose sole the note is played. Any aspect of these parameters can be edited, purpose is to process the digital information coming from, and notes can be added, or deleted, and can be altered in time, -130- 'fechnicalities continued -

duration, and velocity. Pedal information can also be displayed and edited. Under the "Merge" software program, you can also (Thanks to Hal Vincent, Musical Engineering Manager of Kim­ ball International (Bosendorfer) for permission to use the infor­ join pieces together, add or delete time in a piece, change mation in this article and to print the photograph of the Bosen­ .-/ ternpos, insert or delete sections of material, and extract arbitrary dorfer 2905E grand piano. e.m.f.) segments of a performance. The unit has self-calibration software to automatically insure that playback on one piano is consistent with itself or another piano. Several self-diagnostic programs are EDITOR'S NOfE: provided to aid in set-up and adjustment of the system. In June 1987, Bosendorfer Pianos of Vienna, and Kimball Advantages of the 290SE are many. Actual and live piano International of Jasper, Indiana, announced two additional piano performances are recorded and you can see the keys move up models equipped with a computer-based system. These models, and down at the exact speed at which they were initially played. the 275SE nine-foot Bosendorfer Concert Grand, and the 225SE seven foot four inch Grand, are in addition to the 290SE nine­ The 290SE can be used in teaching piano to illustrate the foot six-inch Bosendorfer Imperial Grand. Approximate pricing actual sound reproduced and, thru the computer display, the information is as follows; keeping in mind the cost of the com­ virtues and shortcomings of a student's technique, as they listen puter system remains constant, regardless of piano size. to their own live performance from the audience's perspective, and evaluate performances for accuracy and interpretation. Other 7'4" $40,000.00 + $25,000.00 = $65,000.00 advantages are many. More information may be obtained by 9'0" $50,000.00 + $25,000.00 = $75,000.00 writing to Bosendorfer Pianos of Vienna, Kimball International Inc., p.0. Box 480, Jasper, IN 47546. A 7Yz minute VHS video 9'6" $60,000.00 + $25,000.00 = $85,000.00 presentation is obtainable for $12.00.

***

,N..\Yk"'k.~"v,~~~!L..\lk~!I.!.~~~'~!I.!.t~t~:.M~~!I.!.~~!4~~!b~~!I.!.~Ib..~~'k~"""~ Our hUl

From March 1894 uThe Delineator", contributed by the Woodville Historical Society.

DENNIS AND PATTI (516) 775·8605 ~ ~--­ VALENTE 32 So TYSON AVENUE ~~ ~, FLORAL PARK. NY 11001 U=4r .Antiqur J4onogrnp4 &bop - oCcmon's 'Ptzzf.l' 1Oi4no 5c.q-.ce MAKERS OF QUALITY MAIN SPRINGS Robert Ie Sonja Lemoa Repair Ie Restoration of RESTOR"TIO"'S AND REPAIRS JlttVtr 'ian...~ ~idltlobeon.&. (Jrt!t__hioa MUSIC BOXES· MECHANICAL MUSICAL ANTIOUES Bus. (916) ~9~-'26~ A HOME OF . • ~447 La Grande BI.d. A tt THE ELECTROPHONE CYLINDER RECORD CO. &• Sacramento, Ca. 9'Sn ~;:;';)~ Res. (916) 428-617S • STEEL TALKING MACHINE NEEDLES RECORD SLEEVES

-131- ****************************************************************************************** CLA.SSIFIED ****************************************************************************************** FOR SALE ,/ KURTZMAN, 1920's Player Grand Piano, recorder expression STEINWAY DUO-ART GRANDS, art case & modem case, system, excellent condition, rolls incl. Asking $4,000. contact J. A. restored and unrestored, mahogany & walnut. Other pianos available. Gray, (703) 893-2900 (weekdays) 442-0714 evenings. Parts available: D-A stacks, pumps, top action for very late D-A. Wurlitzer Automatic player piano rolls, 9-5/8" wide on core. Eight PIANO ROLL AUCTIONS. Since 1970, we've been conduc­ rolls, 10 tunes per roll, best offer. Randolph Herr, 111-07 77th Ave., ting monthly auctions of vintage reproducing and 88-note rolls. We Forest Hills, NY 11375. (718) 520-1443. also issue re-cuts of all types of rolls and produce our own exclusive original rolls of classic jazz and ragtime performances. We now serve HAINES AMPICO "A" GRAND, 5',1928. Bench, 200 rolls; many AMICAns, so won't you give us a try for your roll needs? Mike $3,500.00 or best offer, or trade for upright Ampico? Dave Malcolm, & Fred Schwimmer, Box 145, Hubbard Woods, IL 60093. 4 Long Ridge Road, Acton, MA 01720. (617) 263-0353. MASON & HAMLIN AMPICO "A" GRAND PIANO, 6'2", AUCTION - PIANO ROLLS, reproducing, 88-note, organ, Seria1 No. AAR 33574,1926, mahogany case. Instrument and player records, sheet music. Send name & address to: Larry Norman, 17700 mechanism are original, complete and unrestored. Comes with bench Avalon Blvd., No. 295, Carson, CA 90746. & roll cabinet. This size instrument is rare and sound is wonderful. PLAYER REED ORGAN: Wilcox & White Symphony; 58 note, Price $9,100.00, Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle, Concord, mint restoration. Ornate carved mahogany cabinet w/large griffins MA 01742. (617) 369-8523. supporting keyboard. $4,250.00 w/over 100 rolls. Photos $2.00 HAINES AMPICO GRAND, 5',1931 with "B"Drawer, 50 rolls refundable. Timothy E. Westman, RD 2, Box 275, Woodsville, NH & bench, $6500.00 (OBO). Larry Brown, 20 Casey Drive, Mid­ 03785. (603) 747-3758. dletown, RI 02840 (401) 847-0529. REPRODUCING PIANO ROLLS, For Sale or Trade. New/old 1928 Marshall & Wendell Louis XV Ampico "A" Grand Duo-Art, Ampico, a few Welte & Recordos. Can supply leads if I with matching bench, mahogany case. Refinished & restrung, player don't have rolls. SASE for list. Also want Rollmonica, Playasax rolls. restored, price $10,000. Jerry Goldstein 3530 Bainbridge Avenue, Anyone interested if I reproduce boxes, re-cut rolls, etc? Have, or Apt. 21, Bronx, NY 10467. (212) 246-6000 Ext. 244 days, can point you to Duo-Art, Ampico Parts. Don Winter, 1971 231-8465 evenings. Geronimo Trail, Maitland, FL 32751. (305) 644-6411. SEEBURG MORTUARY ORGAN -mint unrestored condition. HUPFELD HEllOS KEYBOARD ORCHESTRION. Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ - plays great. H Schwab, 1440 Meteor Featured in Bowers Encyclopedia; most complete instrumentation Cir., Pittsburg, PA 15241. (412) 221-6909. of its type, includes violin, cello, clarinet & lotos flute pipes, accor- _ dion, snare and bass drums, orchestra bells, cymbal, expression' AMPICO UPRIGHT, Franklin serial No. 76638. Beautiful case. piano, six roll changer. Complete in all respects, excellent condition, Genuine ivory keys, small chip on one key. Plays beautifully, no leaks. complete with 80 rolls - $28,500.00. Also Regina 27" changer with Professionally restored a few years ago by well known local piano 14 discs, comb restored, plays well, refinished oak case - $11,500.00. company. $6,000.00 for qUick sale. (512) 828-7806, San Antonio, John Armstrong, 911 6th Ave., Ft. Worth, Texas 76104 (817) Texas. 332-1945 days or 927-5988 nights. NICKELODEONS (2) "A" Roll, leaded glass, coin-op, with 88 note rolls, 65, Recordo, Themodist. New, old, variety of selec­ mandolin bar and box pump. Excellent condition."Build ups". (1) tions. Some additions, SASE for new list. Tim Wheat, 9773 QUin­ $5,000 (1) $4,000. Tony Misiano (617) 233-1851 Mass. cy, Mnpls, MN 55434. WEBER - Duo-Art Upright. Unrestored $1,200.00, restored MILLS VIOLANO ROLLS. VG originals. Over 40. SASE for $4,500.00. - Original Welte Upright 1906, electrified in 20's, list. Tim Wheat, 9773 Quincy, Mnpls., MN 55434. unrestored $1,200, restored $4,200.00. - Marshall & Wendell Ampico Upright, unrestored $1,200.00, restored $5,700.00. ­ ROLLS, A collector cache. 525 large, medium, small, Themodist Fischer Ampico Baby Grand 5', unrestored $2,200.00, Metrostyle, Universal. Rolls and boxes in very good condition, mostly restored $6,500.00. Nicholas Fiscina, 20-17 Jackson Ave., West classical. Welte-Mignon, Weber, Kingston Upright. Original, J- Islip, NY 11795. (516) 661-9270. unrestored, very nice $2,000.00. Duo-Art Stroud Aeolian Upright. Original, unrestored, excellent $2,500.00, Heintzman Upright, HOWARD (Baldwin) Recordo ReprodUcing Baby Grand 65/88 note, tracker bar selector, original $1,500.00. Newcombe, 5'2". 1925, rebuilt, refinished, superb condition, 25 rolls. $6,300/offer. Upright 88 player, styled cabinet, original unrestored $1200.00. Richard & Jan Rozakis, 1525 Gover Lane, San Carlos, CA 94070. Dynavoice - portable electric player. Sits on keyboard, original, (415) 591-7230 evenings. unrestored $275.00. Lloyd Wagner, Montreal (514) 688-4640. CHICKERING UPRIGHT w/bench, autopiano double value Remote Rotary Pump for reproducing piano in nice mahogany stack. Negative bearing middle of long bridge, otherwise excellent. case; works but needs recovering - $150.00 Photos available. Unrestored condition $450.00. David Severance, 2911 Seaport Dr., Wanted: Aeolian-Hammond Organ Rolls. Ron Bopp, Rt. 5, Box 622, Lewiston, Idaho 83501 (208) 746-6196. Joplin, MO 64801. (417) 782-1199. WEBER DUO-ART PARLOUR GRAND, 1920's player pro­ fessionally restored, beautiful sound, mahogany case, ivory keys, in­ cludes bench. Piano rolIs also available - some original Duo-Art rolls. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE $7,000.00 (OBO) Marianne Kiesling, New York (718) 441-1382. PIANO ROLL AND PIANO RECORD AUCTION, in my Oct. 1987 rare record list No. 21; Great Waller 78's, Arden-Ohman, Gershwin Rolls, Rachmaninoff on Edison, plus regular rare of 1890-1940 wax cylinders, Berliners, Orthophonics, literature SASE. Wally Wood, Box 8153, LaCrescenta, CA 91214.

-132- ..+ WANTED .... if" SEEBURG.KT WITH VIOLIN PIPES ([ do not want flute pipes or xylophone). Prefer it to be very well restored, or if unrestored, BROADMOORE AUTOMATIC it must be tyotally complete. I will also consider another make with . equal or greater instrumentation, however it must be complete. INSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS '--/ Charles Hildebrant, Box 52, Oldwick, NJ 08858. (201) 439-2256. Disc and Cylinder Music Boxes Wanted. Also music box Restoration of orchestrions parts, discs, or anything music box related. Top prices paid. Arnold and reproducing pianos Levin, 2634 Woodlawn Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. (312) 564-1587. our specialty. For Early Ampico "B". Subdued mechanism and control for Finest materials used. underneath piano. Used in late 1929 & 1930. Ampico roll 71683 "Song of the Sea". Larry Smith, 2349 247th Street, Lomita, CA 90717. "Each part is treated as the most important Reproducing Grand Piano. Recently restored, prefer mint con­ part in the machine." dition. Lxated near (200 mi.) of West Va. Robert Jacobson, 215 N. We are authorities on authenticity. Court St., Lewisburg, WV 24901. (304) 645-1913. Prices of restoration vary according to the grade of MUSIC BOXES WANTED. Buying disc and cylinder music work you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect." boxes, monkey organs, unusual organettes, musical clocks & wat­ ches, mechanical birds, automata, etc. Martin Roenigk, 26 Barton No trade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedures Hill, East Hampton, CT 06424. (203) 267-8682. thoroughly with any customer. Drawer, motor governor, play and re-roll mechanism, & linkage con­ ~ 20 years experience - trol for 1923 Kimball Welte-Mignon 5'8" Grand Piano. Les King. 112 Chaney, Belleville, MI48111. ~ ref;~;~~~~~:~~;::~:::;~:::e.t. ~

San Fernando, CA 91340 ~ 818/365-6231

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Surprise and delight the organists and pianists on your gift list with this Super­ The Perfect Size Keyboard© Scarf. This 6-foot 88-note keyboard is precision knit in beautiful black and white acrylic and Gift Idea! trimmed with an attractive black fringe. The scarf is warm, soft and lots of fun to wear! Never out of fashion, this novel gift is sure to make a big hit with that special musician. Just $19.95 plus $1.50 for shipping and handling. Order an extra one for yourself, and we'll ship them both for free! Money back guarantee of satisfaction. r CliP"and";nd"this ;po';;"';ith-;-ur-;;;ck"";" 1 money order to Catalog Music Supply, SPANISH ART CASE p.o. Box 641 Wayne, New Jersey 07470. 1 AMPICO 1o Send me one scarf for $19.95 plus $1.50 ship- ping and handling. MARSHALL & WENDELL, 1o I want one too! Send me two scarves for 1 just $39.90! 1930, enameled wrought iron between I Name ... 1 twin legs, lotus flowers carved com­ 1Address ~ 1 pletely around top & bottom of case, City/S,atelZip '" Please allow 2-4 weeks delivery. J< unre~tored, beautiful matching bench, L ------NJ residents please add 6% sales laX. $4500 or best offer. Al Pulis - (314) 888-6551.

-133 - ANNOUNCINGI FREE ;---- A Complete Catalog of AEOLIAN CATALOGUE! 1()IUIln:\IVlr Reproducing PiaDo RoDa (u.s. and Briti...) The Fall ARTCRAFT 325 pages, hard bound with dust jacket Catalogue Now at printer'., for re1eaM __rtIy should be in your hands already. If not, write or 'phone us for NEXT DAY mailing service! Price: $40.00 It's the biggest ARTCRAFT brochure ever, featuring Mozart, Liszt, Gershwin, Joplin and Plus $2.50 Postage and Handling the sensational Word Roll, The Preacher And ($5.00 outside of U.S.A.) The Bear - complete with dialogue and sound California Resident's add 6% Sales Tax effects! AMPICO and DUO-ART rolls too! Check or Money Order u.s. Funds (Banks) only 20 Pages - 28 Releases! ManTo: Cbarle. Dari. Smith ARTCRAFT Music Rolls 825 South Myrtle Avenue P.O. Box 295 Momvria.~onUa91018 Wiscasset, Maine 04578 U.S.A. Telephone: (207) 882-7420

FOR SALE

1929 MASON & HAMLIN Model "B" Ampico Automatic Musical Instruments RA, 5'9" (ser. #40587) plain Mahagony. Totally Organ Builders restored 10 years ago by Dave Saul. Case is original. very good to excellent. Music Rolls and Books $22,500.00 Computer Operated Instruments

1925 STEINWAY Duo-Art, Model "OR", plain Walnut case (6 legs) with beautiful original hand Organs of various types available, painted design around rim (perimeter), top of new and used - delivered to your door. lid and fall board. Duo-Art action perfect; by Hand-cranked book or roll operated organs both Dave Saul and Art Reblitz. (ser. #234943). also the unique 'Harmonist' player system. $20,000.00 Send $2 for details and colored leaflet to: GIL KUYKENDALL, Collector 4311 Churchill Downs Drive ALAN PELL MUSIC Austin, Texas 78746 36 Broadgate, Whaplode Drove, Spalding, Linconshire. PE12 OfN & Phone (512) 328-4430 422-2220 Tel: 0406 330 Tl9 England

-134- 1929 STEINWAY DUO ART XR WALNUT ART CASE from the estate of Elwood Hanson

- original finish, strings, action, and ivory keys in perfect condition

- Duo Art mechanism professionally rebuilt and regulated

- complete with large Duo Art roll collection

$28,000 or offer for more information, please contact: PIEDMONT PIANO COMPANY 4382 Piedmont Avenue - Oakland, California 94611 (415) 547-8188

-135 - AMICA Audio-Visual Tape File 314" SUPER SUBJECT V.H.S. BETA U·MATIC 8MM Film U-MATIC ONLY . ,F CoverinQ Pneumatics X No.1 Pasadena Interviews Ruth Bingaman Smith - Julius Burger Recoverina OrQan ReQulators X No. 2 Pasadena Interviews RebuildinQ Duo-Art Valves X Louis Alter - John Honnert ReQuJatinQ the Duo-Art X No. 3 Pasadena Interviews Matilda liart - Ursala D. Hollingshead - 1975 Buffalo / 1981 Texas Convention X X Pauline Alpert Bethlehem Convention (1982) X No. 4 Pasadena Interviews Davton Convention (1978) X X Rigg - Cherney - Beckett, Abram Chasins, Werolin, Armbruster/Flint. Philadelohia Convention (1979) X(2) X(2) No.5 Pasadena Interviews X(2) San Francisco Convention "(1970) XX Ruth B. Smith, Julius Burger, Louis Alter, John Honnert, Matilda L. Hart, Ursula D. Potoourri of Performances X Hollingshead, Pauline Alpert, Armbruster, Thev All LauQhed X X X(2) Armbruster/Flint. Shura Cherkasskv Interview X X No. 6 Pasadena Interviews Werolin interview with Victor Zuck and Ms; Mana-Zucca Interview X X X Smithsonian. NOTE: All 3/4" U-Matic Tapes are to be copied on V.H.S. format. Copies in V.H.S. Format only - $15.00 each postpaid. . Send orders to: Harold Malakinian, 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, Ml 48098 (Make Checks Payable to AMICA International) *******************************************************************

r FOR SALE 1916 COINOLA Original Exterior - All New Interior Mandolin Stained Glass $6,995.00 Contact - CARLEE CASPER 2122 Union Street SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. (415) 929-0509

1927 WURLITZER APOLLO Restoration for Mr. F. Wurlitzer, S.F., Calif FOR SALE: 1927 Steinway 6'5", Duo-Art totally restored throughout. Pictures/tape available. $20,000.00. I r7 Tim Wheat, 9773 QUincy, Mnpls., MN 55434 (612) 547-5972 wkdays, 780-5699 res.

-136- . r\and b& Openshaw's .COLLECTOR'S ~,---/ - ~t.~~\\~GOt~ CLASSICS ~\tA\TED EDIT\O~ REISSUES OF RARE OLD ~LAYER ~IANO ROLLS ~

'JELLY ROLL' GEORGE MORTON THOMAS

SCOTT JOPLIN ,I JAMES SCOTT JAMES BLYTHE GEORGE I -~PETEWENDLING' BOTSFORD I J.LAWRENCECOO111 1~llrr\,~llllllf' JOSEPH LAMB I ROY BARGY 1lI I ,"U,,-\J ' eHAS. STRAIGHT l I JAMES P. JOHNSON ." HERMAN AVERY WADE I EUBIE BLAKE EDGAR HAYES "BUCK" JOHNSON And many other outstanding "LEDGENDARY GREATS" o a I «)BLUES~' S HO RJ\GTIME ~ NSTRUMEt,rfi'V$' T JAZZ To receive a copy of our very latest l:­ t list send your name and address to I., :' 1'lo..'D & l'..'s~!,~'SO~LECTOR'S CLASS\CS ~ ~!'~~ OPEi"'l C i -. I 163 MAIN ST. THOMASTON, MAINE 04861 PHONE 207 354-8033 THE ETUDE MARCH 1925 Paye 201 ULB,RANSEN The'Registering Piano

WeWant a MusicTeacher in Every Community -to take advantage of an opportunity that we know and broaden the scope of your work i~ a modern field. exists. There is also an opportunity for the vocal teacher. We want to get in touch with a number of mu' Many people who would not otherwise cultivate sic teachers who are not afraid to pioneer-to try their voices wiII do so when they can play their own something new. accompaniments on the Gulbransen. You can help the Gulbransen Dealer in your com­ We are convinced that, with a little effort and co­ munity, and in turn help yourseLf. operation, an entirely new and fertile field for the' Many Gulbransens are being sold to people whose music teacher can be opened up. interest in learning to play by hand is aroused by Your local Gulbransen dealer may be aware of the ownership of a Gulbransen Registering Piano; many opportunity, or he may not. At any rate, the way to others are being sold to people who master perfectly get action and have a point to work from, is for you the playing of the Gulbransen by roll and pedals, to get in touch with the makers of the Gulbransen but who need instruction in interbretation. Registering Piano, which instrument, as you prob· Both these classes of people require the ably know, has set new standards in aid of the piano teacher and musician. It is personaL pLaying of the piano. We invite vour opportunity to increase your earnings your correspondence.

GULBRANSEN COMPANY 824 North Kedzie Avenue . CmCAGO

NationallyPriced Gulbran!len tlnh prkes br~nded in tht:: b:lc1I. J l'lr.'l intcresW in r(,3mln~ mOI~ about lh,­ AI~ __ old e:anmce. You with c-VCl'y g~nuine Gulb:-ansen Registering Piano.

To Gulbransen Owners: The GuLbransp.')'I. is too ,{in,e to negLect. Haw it tuned at Least twict. a yooT