The AMICA News BulletinAutomatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association

//

G.SC~IRMERIINC. 3 E. 43rd ST., N.Y.CITY

THE BOSTON MUSIC Co.

January/February 1987

PRICE 40 CENTS(IN U.6.A.)

BOSTON, MASS.

Volume 24 • Number 1

The AMICA News BulletinAutomatic Musical Instnunent Collectors' Association

DOROTHY BROMAGE, PUBLISHER12071 767-4446

45 Fores~A..dCape Elizabeth, ME 04107

.-----

CHAPTER OFFICERS

NEW PUBLISHER

PUBLICATION DEADLINES FOR 1987(TO BE ANNOUNCED)

IOWAPres: Rex FrittsVice Pres: Leland ZimmerlineSec-Treas: Ed PoushReporter: AI Johnson

BOSTON AREAPres: Judy WelshVice Pres: Michael PotashSec. Bill KoenigsbergTreas: Philip KonopReporter: Donald Brown

FOUNDING CHAPTERPres: Gene McGrawVice Pres: Diane LilibridgeTreas: Lou KleinSec/Rep: Pat Stutts

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAPres: Jerry PellVice Pres: Frank & Shirley NixTreas: Pat HodgeSec: Susan PellReporter: Susan Pell

Ed Ward

191 Riverview Dr. Woodville, OH 43469

(419) 849-2616

After this January/February 1987 issue, all matters pertaining to theAMICA News Bulletin are to be addressed to him.

Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors'Association, a non-profit club devoted to the restoration,distribution and enjoyment of musical Instruments using per­forated paper music rolls, AMICA was founded In San FranciscoIn 1963.

ADVERTISINGC..........: 10lt per word. $1.50 minimum.

• See Bulletin Deadlines on this page. Payment must accompanyorder. Make checks p.yable to: AM/CAINTERNATIONAL

HEART OF AMERICAPres: Tom HellsteinVice Pres: Charles TylerSec/Treas: Billie PohlReporter: Katie Hellstein

SIERRA-NEVADAPres: Bob PattonVice Pres: Richard RileySec-Treas: Gail ShinnReporters: Julie Riley and

Bob Patton

SOUTHEAST AREAPres: John O'LoughlinVice Pres: Norman ArnoldSec/Treas: David BurkeReporter: David Burke

CHICAGO AREAPres: Mel SeptanVice Pres: Marcie Plank/

Gloria TaylorSec: Jerry BiasellaTreas: Marty PerskyReporter: Mike Ehart

NORTHERN lIGHTSPres: Jerrilyn BoehlandVice Pres: Tom WurdemanSec: Tracy TolzmanTreas: Robert & Katherine

DumasReporter: Ruby Ahneman

ROCKY MOUNTAINActing Pres: Owanah WickSec/Rep: Art Reblitz

Don WickTreas: Jere DeBacker

TEXASPres: Bill FlyntVice Pres: Richard TonnesenSec/Treas: Janet TonnesenRep: Haden Vandiver

PHILADELPHIA AREAPres: Frank DiamondVice Pres: Jay AlbertSec: Bob RosencransTreas: Bob TaylorRep: Paul Woelbing

SOWNY (SOUTHERN ONTARIO.WESTERN NYI

Pres: Carl GuhlowVice Pres: Garry LemonSec: Chris BarleyTreas: Mike WalterRep: Harold Hodgkins

MIDWESTPres: Liz BarnhartVice Pres: Barry LeedySec. Russell & Jeanne BlossTreas: Alvin WulfehuklReporter: Margaret Frazer

.100.0050.0025.00

7V2"x10"7V2"x43/4"3%"x43/4"

• Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreigncountries must be drawn on a U.S. bank.

Display AdvertisingFull PageHalf PageQuarter Page

• Each photograph or half-tone $7.00.

• See Bulletin deadlines on this page.

• We recommend display advertisers supply camera-readycopy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed tocorrect size at your cost. We can prepare your advertisementfrom your suggested layout at cost.

• Payment must accompany order. Typesetting, layout or sizealteration charges will be billed separately. Make checkspayable to: AM/CA INTERNATIONAL.

• Checks or money orders from advertisers In foreign countriesmust be drawn on a U.S. bank.

• All ads will appear on the last pages of the Bulletin at thediscretion of the publisher.

Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA'sendorsement of any commercial operation. However, AMICAreserves the right to refuse any ad that is not in keeping withAMICA's general standards or if complaints are received indicat­ing that said business does not serve the best interests of themembers of AMICA according to its goals and bylaws.

Single back issues of theBulletin are available from

the Publisher for $2.00 each.

LADY LIBERTYPres: Lenny FinkelVice Pres: Oliver VitakisSec: Margery VitakisTreas: John EllemsRep: Dennis Valente

GATEWAYPres: Roger WiegandVice Pres: Deanne WileySec-Treas: Mary WilsonHist-Rep: Marilyn McGartland

AMICA International

-

1987 CONVENTIONST. PAUL MINNESOTA

AMICA/MBS Joint ConventionJuly 2]..28

Co-Hosts:Northern Lights Chapter of AMICA

Snowbelt Chapter of Musical Box Society• • • • •

• 25th Anniversary Convention •1988 - San Francisco

Host: Founding Chapter

• Do you .... to become a member of AMICAlWrite to Membership'Secretary.Annual tee for U.S. member!> $22Canada and Mexico (air\ $28Other non-U.S. countries (surface; $28New and lapsed members add processing fee $5

• HB your HeIress changed?Write to Membership Secretary.

• Do you have a contribution for the Bulletin?All subjects of interest to readers of the Bulletin areencouraged and invited by the Publisher. Every attemptwill be made to publish all articles of general interest toAM'CA members at the earliest possible time and at thediscretion of the publisher.

AMICA International News Bulletin

Volume 24 Number 1 January/February 1987CONTENTS

FeaturesIndex to AMICA News Bulletins 3Robert Armbruster 4Abram Chasins 5Alexandre Tansman 5Sparkling Piano Melodies 5Happy Birthday, Hote!.. 6One Man's Opinion 7Roll Cabinets 7Knocky Parker Remembered 11The Stoddard-Ampico 16The Electric Gulbransen Player

with Recordo Expression 16

DepartmentsAMICA International 1That Special Roll 6News from the Chapters 8Classified Ads 20

Cover: Bob Hunt, of Kennebunk, Maine contributedthis colorful sheet music, found in a flea market, for useon the Bulletin Cover.

* 1 *

INTfRNAnONAl. OffICERS

PRESIDENT Molly Yeckley(419) 684-5742612 Main St.. Castalia. OH 44824

PAST PRESIDENT Terry Smythe(204) 832-398255 Rowland Ave.• Winnipeg, ManitobaCanada R3J 2N6

VICE PRESIDENT Ron Connor(501) 636-1749RoutE' 4. Rogers. AR 72756

SECRETARY Mel Septon(312) 679-34559045 North Karlov, Skokie, IL 600n

TREASURER Larry Norman(213) 538-946117700 Avalon Blvd. 11295, Carson, CA 9074(

PUBLISHER Ed Ward(419) 849-2616191 Riverview Dr.. Woodville, OH 43469

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Will Wild and ValeriE' AndersonNew membership~

(803) 734-852iPO Box 172. Columbia. SC 29202

BOARD REPRESENTAnVESFounding Chapter: Phil McCoySouthern California: Mary LilienTexas: Bob SmithMidwest: Vincent RiccaPhiladelphia Area: Bob RosencransSOWNY: Jan DrewniakRocky Mountain: Larry KerecmanLady Liberty: John DeParisIowa: Alvin JohnsonBoston Area: Sanford LibmanNorthern Lights: Lowell BoehlandSierra-Nevada:Chicago Area: Jerry BiasellaHeart of America: Ron BoppSoutheast Area: John O'LoughlinGateway: Del Sewell

COMMITTEESTECHNICAL, Harold Malakinian

2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI 48098ARCHIVES, lim Weisenborne

73 Nevada St., Rochester, MI 48063

PUBLICATIONS, Ed Ward191 Reverview Dr.Woodville, OH 43469

AUDIO-VISUAL, Bill Blodgen73 Nevada St., Rochester, MI 48063

,AFFILIATED SOCIETIES· See May/June 1986 issue for addressesThe Player Piano Group (Ensland)The North West Player Piano Association (Ensland)Netherlands Mechanical Olpn Society - KDVAustralian Collectors of Mechanical Musical InstrumentsDutch Pianola AssociationSociety of Friends of Mechanical Musical Instruments

(Germany)

Exit DorothyThis is my 63rd issue as Publisher of the AMICA News Bulletin.

This is my last issue.Of course, I have mixed emotions about leaving the volunteer

position that has brought me contact with so many great people andso many great experiences. Iwill hardly be twiddling my thumbs fromhere on, however. Heading up the group that is planning the 1989Convention will keep me out of mischief, for one thing. For another, Ihave in mind some items that Ican prepare that may be of use in theBulletin and I also hope to pursue some other AMICA projects thathave been put on the back burner, pending a let-up in the Bulletinactivity.

I am happy to report that Ed Ward will be taking over. He is asaware as Iam of how AMICA members rely on the Bulletin. Ed and Iare working to achieve a smooth transition. The backlog of material Ihave is being sent to him, as well as ads and chapter reports thatarrived after January 10.

I expect that, for a period of time, I will still be in touch withmembers on various Bulletin matters, and Iwill do whatever needs tobe done to "pass the baton." Ed knows what I found out in 1980­the first issue is the hardest. None of them have been a snap,particularly since I have been working at a full·time job all the while.The challenge yielded excitement for me, of course, and as I did thelayout on each Bulletin, I could hardly wait to see what was going tobe on the next page!

I think everyone's life divides into chapters. In the 6Y2 year chapternow closing for me, I've learned a great deal and enjoyed contactswith people all over the world, including Honorary Members whosefriendship I will always cherish. Significantly for me, this chapter hasbeen a chance to be creative.

To supportive Presidents of AMICA International, I am grateful:Bob Taylor, Terry Smythe and Molly Yeckley. I acknowledge my"teachers" in California in the early 80's, as Igot the hang of editing,layout, etc.: Tom (Fox Litho), Kip (VIAtype), and Charlie (MPQPrinting).

Many letters have come my way ( I love to get mail) and every oncein awhile, someone would add a "P.S." and say they enjoyed theBulletin and keep up the good work. I could tell there were Bulletinreaders out there, then, and it meant a lot. And to the contributorsout there, thank you! Please continue sending material- send to Edthose items you feel would interest other AMICAns. If it is intriguingto you, it will surely catch the eye of others as well. And - it will beyour chance to be creative.

Membership Renewal for 1987-'-

Renewal notices have been mailed to all members. In the event thatyou were a member in 1986 and have not received your 1987 renewalform, please contact the Membership Secretary right away:

Will Wild and Valerie Anderson

Membership Secretary· AMICA

PO Box 172

Columbia, SC 29202

(803) 734-&521

AMICA's SilverAnniversary Convention

by Alj Werolin

Not too many of us have had the opportunity ofcelebrating a silveranniversary. Take it from one who knows. It is a great, never·to-be­forgotten event. You will have the unique pleasure of participating insuch a celebration if you are planning to attend AMICA's 25thAnniversary bash in San Francisco in June of 1988.

Are you saving your pennies? Now is the time to begin puttingaside some funds for travel and hotel to attend the annualconvention on June 23rd thru 27th, 1988. The rest of your once-in-a­lifetime experience is up to the Founding Chapter, and, BOY, are weworking at it! We are so excited with the fun and games and music ~

and performances and concerts and recitals and sightseeing andhonoraries and instruments and technical gizmos and prizes andhome visits and camaraderie and fellowship we're putting togetherthat we can't wait for the Anniversary Convention to begin!

The President of the Founding Chapter, Gene McGraw, hasappointed a convention committee headed by that venerable proSally Lawrence. Some AMICAns may remember that she headedthe very first AMICA convention and the very successful 1977convention in San Francisco. She has many able assistants who areplanning all sorts of surprises and special events for your edification,enlightenment and enjoyment. We're afraid to leak out too muchabout what we are working on for fear the Convention will beoversubscribed, but we assure you there will be no disappointments,or we'll refund your money directly into our Chapter treasury!

We'll keep you posted as time draws near, but MARK YOURCALENDAR NOW FOR JUNE 23RD - 27TH IN 1988 and bookyour low-cost excursion fare to San Francisco. Celebrate AMICA'sSilver Anniversary in '4ger style!

Library of Congress and AMICAIf you go to the Library of Congress, you will find the AMICA NewsBulletin! At their request, a complimentary copy of each issue goesto Washington, D.C. Our classification number?

MLIOSO.A43

* 2 *

-...J..J

~J) IfJ

~?'LE"i iHE" 600Q

/"""

InstrumentsMiscellaneousObituariesPeopleRoll ReviewsRolls and MusicTechnicalities

Index to AMICA News Bulletinby Dorothy Bromage

Here is a list of each index that has been produced for the AMICANews Bulletin.1969-1973

This five-year index was created by George Baley, It consists of 24pages and has these divisions:

Biographical InformationRolls and MusicAMICA InformationInstrumentsTechnicalitiesAdvertisements

1974-1976This three·year 8 page index was compiled by Carole Beckett. It i

in one master alphabetical form and includes cross-referencec.divisions as follows:

AMICA InternationalAmpicoBiographicalChaptersCollectorsDuo-ArtHonorary MembersObituariesOrgansPianos, generalRoDs and MusicTechnicalitiesWelte

1977-1979During these three years, the index appeared in the December

issue of the corresponding year. The format follows that of theprevious index.1980-1982

A three-year 8 page index was prepared by Dorothy Bromage andMaury Weingart. Title and author are given under these subjectdivisions:

AMICA InternationalBiographical SketchesBoard & Committee ReportsBook ReviewsCollectors and CollectionsConventionsDisk ReviewsHonorary Members

1983The index for 19&3 was prepared by Dorothy Bromage and Maury

Weingart and appears in the December issue. The format is thesame as for the previous Index.1984-1986

A three-year index is "under construction" by Dorothy Bromageand Maury Weingart.

A copy of the complete set to date (1969-19&3), 8~xll 3-holepunched, can be obtained by writing to the Publisher and sending$4.00 to cover copying and mailing. Make check payable to AMICA

.. International and send with your request to Publisher.

Ed Ward191 Riverview Dr.Woodville, OH 43469

* 3 *

NEW PUBLISHEREd Ward

191 Riverview Dr.Woodville, ON 4.3469

(419) 849-2616

After the January/February 1987 issue,all matters pertaining to the

AMICA News Bulletinare to be addressed to him.

Welte Subscription Project

Terry Smythe and Ken Caswell are putting together another Weltesubscription recutting. They would like suggestions as to titles thatshould be recut.

Suggestions should be mailed to Terry Smythe at his new address:

55 Rowand Ave.Winnipeg, ManitobaCANADA R3J 2N6

"HaDey's Comet Rag" Projectby Tim Passinault

To give you all an update on the proceedings of the "Halley'sComet Rag" roll, I received 22 orders with a deficit of 4 needed tocommence the project. However, due to the late arrival of the Augustissue of the Bulletin, the September 15th deadline had alreadypassed, leaving a few to write and submit their checks hoping thatthey could still reserve a copy. I am sure many that wanted a copydidn't bother on account of the passed deadline.

After keeping the few that ordered waiting for many months, Ipersonally purchased the remaining 4 and sent the order to RamsiTick, President of QRS, on November 25th. An arrival date of lateJanuary is expected.

I am currently requesting those of you that would like one of theremaining 4 to send in your bid of at least $13.00. The 4 highestbidders will be notified of their win. Please do Dot send in yourcheck until you are notified. I must mention that there are only 26 ofthese unique instrumental rolls to be made. Here's your opportunityto own a truly unusual, one-of-a-kind roll that will be a very valuableroll in the future. Terry Barca, ofAustralia, has purchased 8 of the 26already!

AMICAbly,Tim PassinaultlOS Hemlock StreetMunising, Michigan 49862

AMICA INTERNATIONAL

.~

HONORARY MEMBERS

r--

From the cover of the June 1925 Duo-Art Monthly, contributed byMolly Yeckley.

The following is an excerpt from the June 1925 Duo-Art Monthlypublished by the Aeolian Company.

ROBERT ARMBRUSTERAmong the young American concert pianists now before the

public, Robert Armbruster enjoys an exceptional and well deservedpopularity, which recent recital tours in the East, the South and theMiddle West have strengthened and extended. His playing disclosesnot only technical proficiency of a high order, but artistic sincerity,musicianly understanding, poetic insight, and remarkable inter­pretive ability.

Mr. Armbruster was born in Philadelphia, in 18%, and began toplay the piano in early childhood, winning local renown as a prodigyand making his first appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestrawhile yet a mere lad. He received his musical training in the city of his

* 4 *

Photograph ofRobert Armbruster, taken by Molly Yeckly during her1984 visit to his Los Angeles home.

birth, studying for several years with the late Constantin Sternberg,who signally honored the young pianist by dedicating to him his lastbook of essays.

Besides his ability as a pianist, Mr. Armbruster is something of amaster of the rare and difficult art of making attractive programs, for,to an extensive knowledge of the whole field of piano music he adds asingularly acute understanding of what the public likes best. Herecords his playing exclusively for the Duo-Art Piano, and for the lasttwo years he has been responsible for the selection of the PopularSalon Music recorded for the Duo-Art. Incontrovertible evidence ofhis success in satisfying the music-loving public, and of his popularity,is the fact that out of the last year's 200 "best-sellers" in Duo-ArtMusic-Rolls, no less than 41 are Duo-Art Records by Robert_/\Armbruster.

Here are just a few of Mr. Armbruster's most popular Duo-ArtRecords which should be in the possession of every owner of aDuo-Art Piano.

./

Abram Chasinsby Bob Taylor

Recently I heard that AMICA honorary member Abram Chasinshad suffered a severe heart attack. Ispoke with Abram by telephoneand I am glad to report that he is in good spirits, on the road torecovery, and he continues to work on his autobiography. A get wellcard or note would be appreciated by Abram, I am sure. You maywrite him as follows:

Mr. Abram Chasins200 E. 78th St., Apt. 6B

New York, NY 10021

INMEMORIAM

Alexandre TansmanBob Taylor (Philadelphia) has sent this announcement of the

memorial service for Honorary Member Alexandre Tansman.

Monsieur et Madame Francesco ZANUTTlNI;

Monsieur et Madame Gianfranco MARTINOZZI;

Alessandro, Arianne, Roberto et Barbara;

Mademoiselle MoniQue eRAS;

Et louie la fa mille ;

Ont la douleur de vous faire pari du deces de

Monsieur Alexandre TANSMAN.Compositeur de Mu~que

leur pere, grand.pere, beau.lrere et parent; survenu Ie 15 Novembre 1986, dans sa

90' annee, en son domicile. 3, rue Florence Blumenthal, 75016 Paris.

Regrets I

L'inhumalion aura lieu Ie Mardi 18 Novembre au cimetiere de Saint.Mande Sud

Rue du General Archinard, Paris 12'.

ON SE REUNIRA a la Porte Principale du Cimeliere a 15 heures 30 precises.

34, rue des Vignes • 75016 Paris.

Via del Tiro A Segno 205 Lucca (Italie).

* 5 *

Sparkling Piano Melodies PlayedBy Pauline Alpertby Emmett M. Ford

Browsing in flea markets can result in finding something amazing and ararity of some kind. Recently, I found a 4-10 inch 78 rpm album (SonoraMS 0460) of the playing of Honorary Member of AMICA, PaulineAlpert.

The records and album are in exceUent condition with a photographof Pauline on the cover.

Selections Pauline plays are Chopsticks; Dream of a Doll (one of hercompositions); Parade of the Wooden Soldiers; Toy Trumpet; In aCountry Garden (Grainger); Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 (Liszt); SweetSue and Where or When.

Listening to her amazing playing one recalls her Duo-Art piano rollsand can comment, "That's Pauline's playing without a doubt."

For AMICAns who were fortunate to hear her playing at some of theconventions will recall how she amazed everyone with her technique,making it sound like there were "twenty fingers" instead of ten.

Duo-Art Nos. 11068, 11078, 11088Piano instruction rolls

Raymond KnappVictory HighwayExeter,.RI02822

Duo-Art #023"Prelude" Op. 28 No.3 (Chopin)Played by Busoni

Antonio LatanzaVia Crescenzio 19Rome 00193 ITALY

Happy Birthday, Hotelby Bill Dean

November 7, 1986 the Hotel Bethlehem (site of the 1982 AMICAConvention) celebrated its 65th Birthday with a lavish bash!

There were hundreds of people in attendance, the majority inclothes of the era of 1921. It was indeed a sight, and the activitieswould make our Califomia friends envious!

In the Ballroom was a 7 piece Dixie-Land band, dressed in theproper attire for the occasion. In the various Lehigh Valley suites wasset up mock gambling, and the speakeasies were of the 20's.

Some of the 1921 era girls.

Mr. and Mrs. Decker, owners of the Hotel for the past severalyears.

Enjoying Bill Boab's Duo-Art at the Hotel Bethlehem for the 65thbirthday celebration of the opening in 1921.

In the Continental Room, the Duo-Art of AMICAn Bill Baab wasplaying away, as the crowds feasted on the most delicious horsd'oeuvres, including a clam bar, shrimp trees, as well as the Hotel'sfamous deviled clams, roast bee~ and dozens of other items.

There were huge ice sculptures to complement the occasion. Thepiano was indeed one of the stars, at her Birthday!

Hope to see you all at the '87 Convention!

* 6 *

.--­,

r

r

One Man's Opinionby Richard J. Howe

~" In 1929 or so, Lyon & Healy, Inc.; Steinway & Co.; and the AeolianCompany commissioned Robert R. Updegraff to prepare a reportwhich would "crystallize the major forces working for and againstmusic." In his 350-page report which was published in 1930, Updegraffexamines all of these "forces" in great detail. A copy of the report isavailable in the Music Research Room at the Lincoln Center Library inNew York City. Although most of the report is not worth reading, thesection entitled "Mechanization of Music" contains some interestingcomments as follows;

The music industry, like nearly all others has bumped into theMachine Age.It was inevitable that any art so difficult to master as music shouldhave attracted the attention of inventors, bent on developingmachines that would produce music mechanically. It was inevitablthat the piano should be mechanized, and that a machine like thephonogragh should be developed to reproduce band and orches­tra and vocal music mechanically. But it was equally inevitable thatthe public should tire of mechanical music.The reproducing piano was fore-doomed to a brilliant but briefcareer. It offers an amazing example of the operation of humaninstincts; a wonderful instrument was welcomed; the public listen­ed, awed, at first, missed the satisfaction of creating and theelement of human expression, and turned its back with discon­certing suddenness.The public instinct was right. In mechanizing an art the inventorhad, in the very perfection of its performance, spoiled that art. Themechanical piano promises one day to be as obsolete as theold music box, leaving the piano business worse off than had it

...../ never been invented.And not only is this true because of the public reaction againstmechanical piano playing. It has had another unfortunate influ­ence--an advertising influence which it will be difficult ever to livedown. The perfection of the reproducing piano led to a generaloveremphasis in piano advertising on perfection of performance.This, and the actual perfection of reproduction, set a dischargingstandard for "the student of music, and made parents feel that astheir sons and daughters would never be able to arrive at suchperfection, it was hardly worth the trouble and expense of havingthem take lessons. True, some of these reproducing pianos haveused to excellent advantage in teaching music; but for every onethat has been helpful and inspiring a score have been dis­couraging.And we face the fact today that music is in the midst of the Mach­ine Age; that the industry has tried to apply the machine principleto the piano; and that the piano and the industry are worse off forthe attempt.

* 7 *

Roll Cabinetsby Dick Price

Referring to the Bulletin in which you mentioned roll cabinets, !thought that other members might like to see what [ have done, aswell as share what they have done to solve the problem of storingrolls.

The roll cabinets sold in the 1920's were, to my mind, singularlyhideous. They were also grossly inefficient in their use of spacebecause they sat on legs rather than going down to the floor. Even if [could find one I WOlllcln't w;mt it

On the other hand, I did want to store my rolls in a handsomecabinet. Finally I found these bookcases which you see in theaccompanying photograph. As you can see, they are deep enough tohold rolls without having the rolls stiCk out - which is the problemwith most bookcases manufactured today with an 11W shelf depth.Each bookcase comes with three adjustable shelves plus hardwarefor a fourth inside the enclosed bottom space. They came throughmy local dealer from:

Tradition HouseP.O. Box 114

Hanover, PA 17331to whom you should write for your local dealer. With their brass doorpulls and holly inlay (at the top) they are a welcome addition to myformal music room. The piano is my 5'8" Knabe Ampico B whichAlan Ughtcap has restored to buttery perfection.

19CI:JmCllmCmC/ljICIH~~:JCPdCC~ClI~~~

News fl-."'" tIle CIlo'llters . ,r--

~lHfm,~mCflCllcmCDc~acm~~CCRIJ:!l!aCll»~IllCijC!llC«ClIRfl:.*I"aCl!lCa~.

PHILADELPHIA AREAReporter: Paul Woe/bing

The November meeting of the Philadelphia Area Chapter washeld at the home of Jim Chadwick and Herb Yorgey in Drexel Hill,Pennsylvania. .

To slip through Jim and Herb's front door is to be transportedback in time to the quiet warmth of the Victorian era. Along with asplendid collection of phonographs and furnishings, the featuredinstruments of the day were the grand Knabe Ampico and themagnificent Aeolian Solo Orchestrelle. To hear this instrument, withits ability to play two manuals at once with the power, richness oftone and coloration of a pipe organ, is an experience to behold.

Herb Yorgey

Jim Chadwick, Collin Clarke, Lee Werkeiser.

Jay Albert, Dick Price.

At the meeting, we had a follow-up discussion to the convention oflast June. Bob Taylor also told us about the 'moving experience' ofrelocating the Keystone Music Roll Company (formerly KlavierMusic Roll Co.) to the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania area. Extensiveresearch is being done to produce a strong roll library and discoverways to best serve customers. We look forward to a tour of thefacility this Spring with its perforators and three different reproducingpianos.

r

/""'<

Lee Werkeiser, Faye Cressman, Collin Clarke.

'* 8 '*

LADY UBERTY CHAPTERReporter: Dennis Valente

../ The principal attraction of our November 9th Lady LibertyChapter meeting was the formal Victorian Townhouse (c. lS70)belonging to member Richard Karlsson. Located in an area knownas "millionaire's row" around the tum of the century, this well­preserved historic residence is also the home of members Richard'Rubin and Robert Immen. Along with a spectacular view ofdowntown Manhattan, this towering relic also possesses a reputationof being haunted. The only occasions where ghouls were cited at thehouse were Halloween parties (up to 275 guests) and during thefilming of "Camage," (a Bhorror flick). Of course The Lady LibertyChapter convened to appreciate the musical relics of a more currentvintage,and bid farewell to two of our most active members, Ed andMillie Freyer.

Richard "roll man" Groman makes the claim that he can play thisWeber 5'8"Grand (1918) with either his hands or his feet or both, butFrank Thompson is unimpressed.

,~ Eo and Millie Freyer admiring the Chapter's gift to them, as......i presented by Prez Lenny Finkel, while John Martin and members

look on.

Popular and well-liked because of their great knowledge, sharingof knowledge, and warm, friendly personalities, the Freyers were thefocus of our meeting. We all wished them well in their new home inCalifornia. Ed plans to continue cutting nickelodeon rolls after theirmove this winter. The Freyer's knowledge of pianos, rare roll-cutting,and parliamentary procedure, as well as their congeniality, will be anasset to their new friends, as it was with us. Chapter President LennyFinkel presented them with an engraved silver tray as a token of ourappreciation and friendship.

We were promised "an eerie fog" in the meeting notice but had tosettle for light rain. At the old Van Bredenburg home, John DeParismakes his way to the meeting.

A group is more likely to sing along with an automatic piano as it isbeing pumped manually. This theory was fortified by witnessing ourgroup sing along with the grand piano, as it was a foot-pump EnglishWeber (Themodist Metro-Style 5'8"). We heard the Estey L. manualfull· pedal reed organ played by a few of our members, and sawRichard's Steinway XR currently being restored. Richard alsocollects 19th century furniture and early dISC Talking Machines.

The business meeting was shortened to devote more attention tohonoring the Freyers and to enjoy a slide presentation by KeithBigger. We welcomed new member Jilck Allison to our Chapter. Hisone bedroom apartment and garage on Long Island means puttinghis walnut upright Stroud Themodist player and his Kranich & Bach5'4" Grand up for sale. Jack needs the space for his Weber Duo-ArtGrand, his upright player, radios, phonographs, organs, and thoseother things our residences are required to accommodate (refri­gerator, stove, bed, etc.}.

The meeting was capped off by a wonderful presentation by KeithBigger. The slides and expert commentary featured "The BestOf ... "many meets and places Keith has been through the years,including some of the most famous pipe organs on the East Coast.The excellent camera work and interesting, informative discussionwere well received by the membership.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAReporter: Susan Pell

The August meeting of Southern California chapter was a veryspecial one at the private museum of Mike and Marilyn Ames in SolanaBeach, California. The museum is the result of a labor of love and veryhard work by the Ames family and is a wonderful setting for greatcollections of engines, music boxes, organs, reproducing pianos,orchestrions and clocks. The ceiUng alone is worth the trip! (Seepicture) Family and friends painstakingly added paint and gold leaf toeach individual ceiling "tile" and the effect is beautiful. It makes a greatbackground for the Tiffany lamps which hang "upside down" from theceiling. Some of the lamps are real, some reproductions, but all arelovely. There is wood paneling throughout and theatre carpetingmaking a rich backdrop to the Ames' wonderful collection whichincludes: 27" Regina Music Box, 72-Key Decap Dance Organ, MillsViolano, 1930 Mason Hamlin Ampico B Reproducing Piano, Wurlitzer157 Band Organ, Wurlitzer Style 30 PianOrchestra, Wurlitzer

Our host, Mike Ames, describes his wonderful collection, includingthis "Encore Banjo. "

A superb Wurlitzer Style 30 PianOrchestra--A highlight in the Ames'collection.

* 10*

Outgoing Vice President, George Baker, left, congratulates incomingVice Presidents, Shirley and Frank Nix.

A 72-key DeCap dance organ, complete with saxophone, accordionand temple bells! .~ _____

The beautiful facade of a 97-key Mortier under restoration. (Also notethe ceiling and lamps above it!)

./

(

r

Piannino, Wurlitzer AX Nickelodeon, Seeburg Orchestrion, PhillipsPaganini, Westinghouse Steam Plant 1912, EUiott 9' Grandfather Clockwith chimes and much, much more.

We held a brief business meeting where our new Vice Presidents,Frank and Shirley Nix were introduced. Our outgoing Vice President,George Baker, is moving to Montana. Mary Li~en gave the 80members attending a report of the AMICA convention. A mart tookplace early and refreshments were available the whole day. After allthis, Milke Ames took the floor and provided us with a historical andtechnical background not only of his large and comprehensivecollection, but on the museum itself.

One of the highlights was the beautiful Mortier 97-Key Facade -Mikehas had this work of art lovingly restored and the organ itself will,hopefully, be running later in 1987. It was a wonderful meeting and Mikeand Marilyn's museum is a most fascinating place to visit.

Milke, ever the supporter of AMICA and related instruments, shareshis collection in other ways as well. We recently ran into him at theAntique Gaso~ne and Steam Engine show in Vista, Ca~fornia. He hadbrought his Wur~tzer 157 and a European Fairground Organ. It was areal treat and special to have someone cart those sized instrumentsaround for the pub~c to enjoy. Hats off to Mike and Marilyn Ames fortheir continued hospitality and generosity.

'" * * *With Halloween close at hand, the Southern California Chapter

headed to a "spooky" place - the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood,California{or "different" meeting. Forty-Six members were beguiledand bewitched aU afternoon. First, we met Irma, the piano playingghost. The i~sible entertainer conjured up music on request from aBach Toccata to. the Star Wars theme. But the biggest highlight of theday was the private magic show performed for us lucky AMICAns byRon Wilson. Mr. WilSon. is a superb magician who is not only a VicePresident of the magic castle, but has been named Magician of the Yearand Close-Up Magician of the year. We were most fortunate in havingthis talented and charming gentleman perform for us - he's usuallytouring the world on cruise ships with his wonderful act. It was a greatshow! Afterward, ever-hungry AMICAns went to a magnificentbrunch.Some of the chapter members followed the intrepid Rosemary Deasy(she had arranged this special meeting for us) to the Griffith ParkMerry-Go-Round, which she and her husband, Warren, now own. Thisis a standing invitation to all AMICAns - stop by and listen to thewonderful band organ and take a ride on a beautiful merry-go-round,which is being carefully restored.

* * * *Christmas time brought us once again to the lovely home of Dick

and Mille Rigg, in La Habra, California. This is becoming a tradition, anda wonderful one. Every year, Cashmere, the wonder dog, plays betterand every year there seems to be more food. The Ampico Grand wasin grand form and everyone, including our sister society members fromMBSI, had a wonderful, merry time.

We did attend to some business, however. It was time for the annualvote for officers. The Southern C~forniaChapter's slate of officers for1987 are: Jerry PelJ, president; Frank and Shirley Nix, Vice President;Pat Hodge, Treasurer; Susan PelJ, Secretary!Reporter; Mary Lilien,International Board Representive. After business it was back to eating ­diets are suspended at the Riggs house at Christmas. Thanks again tothe Riggs.

* 11*

The "Rag Times" is a publication of the Maple Leaf Club. In theJanuary 1987 issue is this wonderful article about piano roll artist,Knocky Parker, who passed away September 3, 1986. "Rag Times"Editor Dick Zimmerman is a noted ragtime pianist, himself. (Viewersof the IV show, "Mr. Ed, "--if they are lucky--would find Dickshowing another of his talents and performing the "ring and the rope"magic trick).

KNOCKY REMEMBERED

by Jim Turner

I f it had not been for KnockyParker, there would probably beno Maple Leaf Club today! A

startling statement, but not too far-fetched.

Why? Because of the impressionKnocky's ragtime made on a young Stan­ford engineering student by the nameof Richard Zirrmerman sqne 25 yearsago. The founder of the Maple LeafClub and its president for all of its20 years, Dick says that a fellowstudent in the Stanford dormitorieshad a COPt of Knocky's "Professor'sProgress" album. "It was a revelationto me, II recalls Dick. "Here was Sqne­one making real music out of ragtime.All the ragtime I had heard before wasloud honky-tonk playing on out-of-tunepianos with tack-hanmers. &It thisrecord was lyrical and the phraseswere beautifully shaped."

It was a turning point in Dick I S musi­cal life, and thankfUlly so. At lastcount Dick has himself recorded noflOWer than 17 alblllls of great ragtime,unearthed and published volumes ofvaluable information on the music'shistory and, of course, presided Ollerthe world's most influential ragtimeorganization.

Terry Waldo was the first to point outan interesting phenomenon withinKnocky's musical personality. '!hatis, during live performances, Knocky'splaying was very loud••• terrificallystrong, allllOSt banging. In fact, his rappellation "Knocky" derives fran anincident when he was- a boy: once whileplaying, his powerful fist actuallybroke off a piano hanmer 'vhich waslaunched clear out of the Piano and"knocked" him in the head! &JbieBlake is quoted as advising a clubowner what to do with the piano afterKnocky played it: "First call a car­penter, then a tuner.·

Yet on his records, Knocky alwaysplayed with great delicacy and grace.Charlie 'l11anpson likened these recor­dings to the legendary Chauvin fortheir quiet lyriciElll as well as theiradvanced harmonies and left-handtenths.

Knocky was sensitive to criticismabout his "complete" Joplin set ofrecordings. Some writers had sug­gested that it was in questionabletaste because some of the repeats hadben left out and Knocky sometimesaltered the notes on the scores.Knocky wished that those critics hadrealized that the record company hadforced him to fit all the materialonto 2 discs, a nearly impossible feateven without repeats. At that time, norecord company was interested in is­suing such a project, fearing that thepublic would find an all-classic­ragtime LP boring. 'l11e label whichtook the chance was Audiophile, andhow fortunate we are that they did!Knocky also felt strongly that theintegrity of Joplin's compositionscould be maintained wi thout strictadherence to the printed scores.

Here's an eni<JM that I've never beenable to understand. Never during the

Ckle of my fondest recollections ofKnocky is fran just two years ago.Dick Zimnerman, Robbie Rhodes, RobinFrost and I were into our third nightof the Old Tam Music Ball RagtimeFestival in El segundo, California.Ckl the first two nights, we had uncor­ked a ceranonial bottle of chCIIIJ;8gneon stage to CXI1IlIEIIIOrate the 10th yearof the event. 'Ihis night, haorever,1lI1ch to the delight of the audience,just as we PORle<! the cork, who shouldappear waltzing up to the stage withtwo cases of champagne and 300 glas­ses, but Knocky Parker! During inter- rmission, the whale house enjoyed sha­ring the bubbly!

Tampa Ml!GAZINE, April 1981

Knocky was also a master of westernSwing. He was a manber of the origi­nal Light Crust Doughboys and madehundreds of recordings with the groupfor RCA and Columbia.

He was also a master of Dixielandjazz. He recorded extensively withDoc Evans, Qner Simeon and many otherjazz groups. He even organized aDixieland band made up entirely of hisfellaor teachers at USF called "KnockyParker and His Red Hot Profs.·

"Pw/ right, aw right, I shall," heresponds. He sits at the piano in thedark and, without music, plays a widemedley of tunes as the film runs on.Later, a student says, "He's a genius.He sits there playing continuously andnever seans to make a mistake."

An unconventional classroom, to saythe least! But Knocky's antics werebacked up wi th solid scholarship. Hehad taught English at Columbia Univer­sity where he earned a Masters Degree,and served as the Olairman of theEnglish Department at Kentucky Wes­leyan College. He has studied at theUniversity of Southern California andearned a doctorate from Nashville'SGeorge Peabody College.

More famillar to the ragtime world,however, are Knocky' s accomplishmentsas a pianist. He performed with JCIlIeSP. Johnson, Louis Armstrong and RayO1arles. In 1960, he beccme the firstto record the complete works of SCottJoplin. Later that decade, he wasalso the first to record the completeworks of James Scott and Ferdinand"Jelly Roll" Morton.

He was also a maS1:er of the blues.His early tutelage came from suchblues giants as Blind Lemon Jefferson,who taught and encouraged Knocky whilehe was still a teenager in Dallas. In1986, Knocky was nominated for a Gr~my Award in the Best Traditional Bluescategory for his recording with bluesgreat Big Joe Turner enti tled "Big JoeTurner with Knocky Parker and HisHouserockers."

Parker is a whirlwind of activity andenergy. He moves rapidly to the cen­ter of the room. He drops the ratsnest of papers on the piano and turnsto shake hands wi th two students inthe front row. "Hello, how are you?Good to see you. So glad you carne."He draws his words out in a liltingTexas drawl. Between sentences heoffers a wide grin which breaks hisface into a collage of sharp lines andhighlights a mischievous twinkle inhis pale blue eyes.

Knocky said simply, "I'm a professorwhile I'm in Tampa and a pianisteverywhere else.~

Writer James Lane wrote his impres­sions of attending a film class at USFtaught by Knocky, the popular campusguru:

More than 200 students, young and old,scatter thanselves throughout the roomKnocky the college professor. He waschattering noisily. Adjacent to thefront of the stage is a brown uprightpiano. Promptly at six p.m. Parkerwalks in to intermittent applause andcries of "Knocky! n He is nei therparticularly short nor tall andslightly stocky. He walks in quicklywearing a look of pre-occupation,holding a disheveled stack of booksand papers, and trailing several stu­dents.

So, who was this guy Dr. John W."Knocky" Parker who died on Septanber3rd of last year, and why was he notbetter known. 'l11e answer to the lat­ter question lies in the fact thatKnocky the pianist had an al ter-ego:a tenured full professor of English atthe University of Southern Florida atTCIIlpa for the last 24 years of hislife. Noted jazz historian AI Roseaptly stated, "Max Morath played 300concerts last year; Parker doesn'thave to do that ••• he doesn't have toplay to eat."

'Ihe CIlIeni ties over, he looks up andshouts, "Good evening, students," andclass begins. "I want to tell you,students, about a very strange affairin which I was involved last evening."What follaors is a detailed account ofhis adventures the previous night withan infClllous "Fontana girl." FontanaHall is a private dormitory north ofthe USF campus. Parker's fictitious

~ 2 ~ RAG TIMES~ JAN1987~Another ragtime mover-and-shaker adventures there have become tradi- I first met Knocky in 1973 at EubieTrebor Tichenor also credits Knocky tions in his film classes. 'l11e story Blake's 90th birthday party .at theParker as a major influence. lv:;cor- ends with Parker leaping out of a home of Milt Larsen in Los Angeles. Iding to Tichenor, he was inspired to third story window sometime early the was truly fortunate to have been able /~

become a ragt:.me pianist only after next morning as the building erupts to count him as a friend and here are·his first visit with Knocky in 1960. into flames. a few recollections, not in any parti-Of course, Trebor went on to co-author cular order, which might be of inte-"Rag~ And Ragtime," the most defini- Before the laughter dies•••a screen rest:tive book published on ragtime in descends from the ceiling, whilerecent years. He is also a leading Parker stands on the stage and thrustscontanporary ragtime stylist and 'a his arms forward while yelling:charter manber of the internationally "Everybodyyyy, 'roll 'an Rick!" (Rickrenowned group The St. Louis Rag- is the evening's projectionist.)timers. After the first class, the students

always join him in his ritual call.'Ihen, as the lights dim and silentfilm flickers on, Parker's studentscoax him to the piano wi th cries of"Play it, Knocky!"

• 12.

RAG TIMES

Knocky does 0 dance step for his USF students.

~ JAN19ff7~

Knocky--1986

".-{'

Knocky and daughter, Linn --1986

REMINISCENCES

OF KNOCKY

Knocky--April 1974

Knocky--May 1968 Knocky with his "Red Hot Profs"--Iate '60's

~ JAN1987~ RAG TIMES~ 3 ~___---..J,""".

enti re time I knew Knocky r would he I

perform piano solo in public. Heexplained that his health had beenpoor and he was not up to it yet. Hewas hapPi to play wi th other ~ople

and even recorded a great deal invarious ensembles. For exan:ple, therewere piano duets like "Eight On TheEighty-Eight" (EUphonic) and sharedduets in concerts with Robbie Rhodes.There were piano-and-organ duets withBill Coffman including at least threeLPs on Jazzology. There were variousjazz band recordings such as thosewith Carol Leigh (GHB) and Roy Book­binder (Flying Fish) .

Ctlce I visited Knocky at his daugh­ter I shane in Los Angeles and foundhim alone at the keyboard. He wasreading through sane rags in a largefolio. I can truthfully say that hisplaying was every bi t as good as onhis best records and also that themyth of his being unable to read musicwas just that: a myth. He read quitewell.

In closing, may I say that KnockyParker I s best recordings, like "010Rags" (Audiophile AP--49), are among myfavori te all-time ragtime performan­ces. I feel extremely grateful that Ihad the honor of kna..ring this greatmaster of music.

Knocky (far right) with The Light Crust Doughboys

r-

NEW PUBLISHEREd Ward

191 RivelView Dr.Woodville, OH 43469

(419) 849-2616

After the January/February 1987 issue,all matters pertaining to the

Al\lICA News Bulletinare to be addressed to him.

* 14 *

r-"

:~GRI{,June 22-28, 1986

-Photo by David and Linda Phillips

Knocky Parker at Home Playing One of His Old Recordings

Blake, Carol Lee and others. Heremembers all of them with greataffection.

It was at a place called Claudia's inDallas that Parker first met and play­ed with Big Joe Turner, one of thefounders of rock 'n roll. "We would tearthe place up and they would love it," heremembers. "We became very goodfriends just in the two months that hewas there in 1941."

Forty years later Parker went to seeBig Joe perform in New York City.When the singer saw him he turned tohis wife and said, "I know that man; Iknow him real well."

SO IT was that Parker returned toNew York in May '83 to record withTurner. The session was completelyunrehearsed. "He stamped his feetfour times and we played the tempo hehad established," Parker says. "Hedidn't even tell us the names of thesongs 'cos he didn't know himself whathe was going to sing. He'd make up hisown words as he went along."

This album was one of the five nomi­nated for a Grammy in the "traditionalAmerican blues" category.

Parker described his trip to LosAngeles for the awards celebration:"The fun for me was being with myfamily and the grandchildren and see­ing it through their eyes and then beingwith those extremely gracious peo-

. pIe."Parker, himself a very gracious man

with a twinkle in his clear blue eyes andmany nice things to say about manypeople, is keen to see that the tradition­al music he grew up with and plays sowell will go forward as a meaningfulpart of the American heritage.

By DAVIDand

LINDA PHILLIPS

NO ONE was more surprisedthan John "Knocky" Parkerwhen he discovered that analbum he recorded with Big

Joe Turner had been nominated for aGrammy this year. "My world is aworld of player-piano rolls, films andrecords," says the 67-year old Parker."I teach the correlation of music, art======== and film as it

belongs todifferentdecades and======,== periods."

And, indeed, he is a semi-retired pro­fessor in the English department at theUniversity of South Florida in Tampa.

So how did Parker come to find him­self i'l the ballrooms of the Bonaven­ture Hotel in Los Angeles, chit-chattingwith Barbara Streisand, Stevie Won­der and other glittering stars?

Born near Dallas, he has been play­ing piano since infancy. "When I wasborn, my dad had just bought a player­piano and, as an infant, I gravitatedtowards it," he explains. He wouldwatch the keys go down and then playthe same notes himself.

When he was 4, he would accompanyhis father on trips to Dallas. "We'd goin a place called the Lone Star Saloon,"he recalls. "I went up to the piano, s-atdown and knocked off whatever tunes Iknew." That was where he met BlindLemon Jefferson, Hot Lips Page andother blues and jazz giants.

Parker has been recording since hewas 17 and has played with many well­known musicians around the countryincluding Louis Armstrong, Eubie

II Played With Legends of the Music World

Knocky Parker, Professor ofBlues Piano~;jM.$.:'!11J..GIf!.'?~'" ..\'ir,~*-:A*ib~~~"":'8t .~

(~-========~I ~/ !"

•c:;;•

Contributed by Tim Passinault

August 21, 191& THE l\lUSIC TRADES 3'

PLAYERPIANOS

Chickering-Stoddard-Arnpico PraisedUpon the order of Glen Bros.-Roberts Piano Co. of

Ogden, Utah, a Chickering-Stoddard-Ampico player­piano was shipped some time ago to the Utah StateBuilding, Panama-California Exposition at San Diego.That it gave the most complete satisfaction is indicatedin the following letter which was written by Mary A.Littlefield, hostess at the Utah State Building, to tht>Glen Bros.-Roberts Piano Co.:

"It is with pleasure that we acknowledge the courtesyot· the beautiful Chickering-Stoddard-Ampico player­piano which you so kindly have allowed us to exhibitin our building at the Panama-California Exposition,San Diego, Cal.

"It has proved to be one of the most attractive fea­tures of our building.

"The sweetness of tone and the absence of thatmechanical sound common to most player-pianos give';the impression to those entering the building that.someone is playing, and they evince great surprise whenthey find that it is a 'player-piano.'

"If you could only hear the beautiful complimentsgiven this piano you would feel more than repaid forsending it down.

"It is certainly a gem among player-pianos."Again thanking you."

The Electric Gulbransen Playerwith Recordo Expression

byMarkZahm

The Stoddard - Ampicoby Mark Reinhart

I submit this trade paper article from 1915 to stimulate interest inwriting about this often misunderstood and maligned form of theAmpico. The term Stoddard-Ampico in general been looselyassigned to all Ampico players built prior to 1920. This can be verymisleading. Several variations exist with great differences betweenthe expression systems in addition to the control hardware. TheStoddard-Ampico of 1912 bears little resemblance to that of the1916 mode1.1 encourage some enthusiast of the Stoddard-Ampicoto shed some light on this little appreciated antecedent to the "8"model Ampico.

Jv1)c:.110'\:E>\O~

/"

/"

These diagrams are of the expression and control units used in anupright Gulbransen player, #291950. The player unit is #154203 andis dated Oct. 1928.

A few points to note with this system:1.) The manual expression to be used on "88" note rolls is

controlled by the center of the three foot pedals.2.) While the Rewind/Repeat signal lines can be taken through

the cut out slide valve it is perhaps better to tube them directlyso that they always work, regardless of the REPRO-ON/OFFswitch.

3.) The Expression Box is regulated by turning the 4 knobs up ordown for less or more vacuum. Each is connected to a flatspring that presses against a "pillow" pneumatic. Wheninflated these pneumatics push up a small dowel and lift aflap-valve. The height of lift determines the amount ofvacuum.

4.) Rear connections on the Expression Box and Governor havebeen indicated by dotted lines.

S.) Switches to control Repeat, Silence and Sustain are located inthe spool box. All of the tracker bar connections follow thestandard format found in all Recordo diagrams.

* 16 *

To Sio.c~r-

1~ Th VAC. ~ \t!t'T:'

/"""

L:-\l) ;:'~r' ~o>'

o 0

@

VP TO (;ATe" ~r

) (oPi:tJ w~~"" 1>~w.\\' '5 CDL.I.4'i>,:s£2) I

~~~.­C2l.NOU:>Unr'

)'<C'f:l»'dL/Jfl~~/CZhl7/1J'V'A.

t/(;:)tu.s::'"

?/-Ll7'hnJ#tI'U

JP;:44.... ::.o0

~

~O\9;3'ijS.><=Jr\fJ\}4\tw

G

o 0000 0 0 0

/

Tt> 1!1.Etntl.IC.:3WITZH DIt/ AI~TDI(

D~P"r PAlJ:VMAr1C,

NEW PUBLISHEREd Ward

191 Riverview Dr:Woodville, OH 43469

(419) 849-2616

After the January/February 1987 issue,all matters pertaining to the

AMICA News Bulletinare to be addressed to him.

CLASSIFIED

/"'

FOR SALE

OLD PIANO ROU$, over 30,000 rolls in stock, and sheet music. Cataloguesavailable. Ragtimes, Bqx 367, Port Washington, NY 11050.

GASKETS: Duo-Art, Ampico, Simplex etc. $17.50 per set. Pouches, lifterdiscs, valve facings. Send large self-addressed stamped envelope: FullsoundPlayer Piano, Box 1875, Pontiac, MI 48056.

QRS ROLLS at 25-35% off list. Send 52¢ stamped envelope for latest catalogto Baley's, 310 Grandview, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

1926 MASON &HAMLIN AMPICO A GRAND. 6'2" Mahogany case, SerialNo. AAR 33574. Instrument is original, unrestored, and complete, withbench and roll cabinet. Ivories intad, bridges perfed, sound is wonderful.Price $9,900.00. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle, Concord, MA. 01742.(617) 369-8523.

1924 MARSHALL & WENDELL upright Ampico Piano. Serial No. 104642,mahogany case, original, unrestored, complete, with roll cabinet. Usesright-side-up valves, double valve adion. Price $1,600.00. Bill Koenigsberg,77 High Pine Circle, Concord, MA 01742. (617) 369-8523.

2 WEBER UNIKAS - One restored and one 80% restored, 7' AR Duo-ArtSteinway (some player parts missing) - walnut case perfed - $7,758. (816)942-6269.

88 NOTE ROLLS for sale. New, old, variety oftitles, priced to sell. Send SASEfor list. Tim Wheat, 9773 Quincy, Mnpls, MN 55434.

STElNWAY DUO-ART GRAND, 6'2",1929, Serial #268346, in walnut finish.Everything is original, unrestored, complete, features moving tracker bar,mint ivory keyboard. Price $8,000.00. Contad Bill Koenigsberg, 77 HighPine Circle, Concord, MA 01742. Call (617) 369-8523.

HARDMAN WELTE-MIGNON GRAND. Mahogany with burl inlay semi artcase, with bench. Piano and player recently rebuilt, refinished, andrestored; including new strings, new hammers, and remote high-speedvacuum pump. Very nice original ivories. $6500.00. Michael White, 212 W.Norma, Houston, Texas 77009. (713) 869-5762.

PIANO ROLL AUCTIONS AND RECUTS. Send now for your copy of ourmost current 88-note piano roll aUdion, being prepared now for mailing inFebruary. In it, you will find many great pop tunes, as well as ragtimes, bluesand medlies, including a listing of what we have available in our Colledors'Classics line of recuts of rare piano roll performances. Send name andaddress now to Don Rand & Ed Openshaw's Mechanical Musical Antiques,163 Main St., Thomaston, Maine 04861.

14 - 65 NOTE ROLLS $45.00 Canadian Funds, 2 - rolls lOW Width, with pins$5.00. Also want spring-loaded roll editing punch and replacements tips(Page 108 in P. P. Co. Catalogue). Arthur Pellerin, 9 Trinity Ave., Dartmouth,Nova Scotia, B3A-4H6. (902) 463-2040.

..

88-NOTE ROLLS for sale, $1.00 each. Rolls and boxes in good (or better)condition. 50 roll min. Bill Oldham, 6 Tarry In., Orinda~ CA 94563. (415)254-4697.

KNABE, 1919, Ampico 5'8" Grand, Mahogany with bench. Piano over­hauled, case refinished, Ampico rebuilt by Don Dunifon of Springfield,Ohio - $9,850. Fred Mull, 209 East Beaumont Road, Columbus,OH 43214.(614) 268-1358. ?

CRANFORD, N.J. 1987 SHOW DATES: Sunday, April 26 and Sunday,September 20, 8 am - 4 pm. Best Western Coachman Inn, Exit 136 GardenState Parkway. largest show and sale of vintage phonographs, music boxes,and automated instruments in the Eastern United States. Buyers from fourcontinents attended the last Cranford event - come see why. No earlybuyers' fee. Free pick-up service to close-by Newark Airport. Adm. only $3.For further information, contad lynn Bilton, Box 25007, Chicago, Il60625.(312) 677-7455.

EXCEPTIONAL GEORGE STECK DUO-ART UPRIGHT GRAND. Rebuiltand refinished by the best craftsman. Beautiful full grain walnut mirrorfinish, original ivories, restrung, etc. Even inner control rods replated. Pianohas superb tone and remarkable expression. Deep full-bodied sound notfound in most grands. $4250.00 or best offer. len Wert, 221 N. lansdowneAve., lansdowne, PA, 19050. (215) 622-4200 or 284-0674.

88-NOTE METRO STYLE CONCERTO ROLLS by all composers. Write orcall Peter McKenna, 229 Marlborough St., Boston, MA. (617) 262-2475.

WANTED

ORIGINAL AMPlCO, DUO-ART, WELTE-MIGNON and other reproduc­ing systems' monthly roll bulletins, roll catalogs, sales brochures, repairmanuals, photos, advertising, technical information, etc. Also need salesbrochures and advertising for other pianos and player pianos. Dick Howe,9318 Wickford Drive, Houston, TX 77024. (713) 680-9945 (call coiled).

WELTE ROLLS - Dick Howe, 9318 Wickford Dr., Houston, TX 77024 (713)680-9945.

WURLITZER 97- (or 98-) NOTE CONCERT ORGAN ROLLS, 1111< incheswide, or the opportunity to borrow same, or the opportunity to correspondwith anyone having even a single roll! Dave Bowers, Box 1224, Wolfeboro,NH 03894. r"-

VIDEOCASSETTESVHS or Beta 2

TO OBTAIN A LIST WITH PRICES

AND DESCRIPTIONS, WRITE OR CALL

AUDIO-VISUAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Bill Blodgett

73 Nevada Street

Rochester, MI 48063

l~~...

(.

!I

~- J-n-H~'{i?-~~~~C!I"..' ..--~

MUSICAL ANTIQUESspecializing in Reproducers, all grands.

refinishing, and all player pianos.

COMPLETE RESTORATIONFACILITIES

OWNER OPERATED17 years of experience in each related field

of restoration.

CASE AND VENEER REPAIRSany carving can be duplicated

FlNEST HAND-RUBBED MIRRORS FlNISHESOR SATIN FlNISHES AVAILABLE

ART CASES RESTORED

Concert Q,lality Regulation

Lowest Prices, Known References,

Guaranteed Work.

(313) 651-8498

only the worlds finest known grades of materials areused. They are always fresh and continually checked.

Hot glue and original materials used throughoutwherever possible.

~~AMICA~~_-n,~

1'---

Craig Brougher

3500 Claremont Independence, Mo.(816) 254-1693 64052

~. ~'W

~~~ ~1oCcl11on's l'laztt' 'Pi4no 5e.Gice

Robert '" Sonja LemooRepait '" Restoration of

'laller Jian01l. ~ttlu1D~on_ 8c (l)rtIp_triOll.

~Bus. (916) 393-5263 &

~. 3447 La Grande Blvd. Ati

Sacramento, Ca. 95823~a Res. (916) 428·6178 .

The Automatic Music Omtpany

Sales and Restoration

Orchestrions

Reproducing Grands

Band Organs

Player Piarws

RESTORl\TIO'lS ;>'10 REPAIRS

MUSIC BOXES· MECHANICAL MUSICAL ANTIQUES

HOME OF

THE ELECTROPHONE CYLINDER RECORD CO.

32 So TYSON AVENUE

FLORAL PARK. NY 11001

(iqr Alltiqur 'IIqonogrttpq &hopMAKERS OF QUALITY MAIN SPRINGS

Tim]acksanBox 752

Quitman, TX 75783

( 214) 763- 2 9 18

We cooer the full srope of restoration. Lifetimeexperience with a rommitment to quality and originality.

Your instlUment is our pride and reputation.

(516) 775-8605DENNIS AND PATTI

VALENTE

~

STEEL TALKINGMACHINE NEEDLES RECORD SLEEVES

The first listing of most frequently requested roll selectionsauailable for sale from stock has been mailed to all AMICAmembers and former Klauier customers. If you haue notreceiued this listing by March 1 please call us and we willsend you a copy. This initial listing contains Ampico andDuo-Art rolls, and will be supplemented in mid-1987 by amore extensiue catalog and a wide selection of choiceWelte-Mignon recordings.

KLAVIER DMSIONKEYSTONE MUSIC ROLL COMPANY INC.

Box 650Bethlehem, PA 18016

215-866-8821

I-.,

,/'.

Proud of Your Instrument?Have It RestOl'ed by Experts.

Here Is what the Plano Workshop Does:

Specialize in rebuilding all types of player pianosand other automatic musical instruments

Restring, rescale and repin instruments

Replace pin blocks, soundboards, hammers and otheraction parts

Regulate piano action to proper specifications

Hand rubbed refinishing

Restore antiques

Over 20 years research and development inrebuilding pianos

Piano keys recovered, sharps & naturals

Send all or part of your instrument for properrestorations.

PIANO WORKSHOP3166 W. 33 St. Ph. 216-631-1777Cleveland, Ohio 44109 24 hr. answering servo

CF.60C2..ql.25i!2Sii!2Si!22522522R52!i22Si22522Si22Si~!25ii!5i!Si!5!5ii!2.25i!2!ii!2~

BROADMOORE AUTOMATICINSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS

Restoration oj orchestrions and reproducing pianosour special~.

Finest materials used.

"Each part is treated as the most importantpart in the machine."

We are authorities on authenticity.

Prices of restoration vary according to the grade ofwork you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect."

No trade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedurestil thoroughly with any customer.!ii

20 years experience­references proudly given upon request.

Laurence Broadmoore, Owner1709 "C" First St.

O~ San Fernando, CA 91340

818/365-6231

0'