TheAMICANews Bulletin of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association

AMICAand the

MusicalBoxSociety

Volume 22 May/June 1985 Number 4

AMlCAlnternational JYews BulletinDOROTHY BROMAGE, PUBLISHER

(207) 767-4446POBZ75CCB

Cape Biubeth, ME 04107

$100.00SO.OO25.00

CHAPTER OfflaRSPublished 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.

ADVERTISINGClassified: 10¢ per word, $1.50 minimum.• All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the preceding

month. Payment must accompany order. Make checks payableto: AMICA INTERNATIONAL

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

Display AdvertisingFull Page 7V2"x10"Half page 7V2"x43/.4"Quarter page 3Ve"x4W'

• Each photograph or half-tone $7.00

• See Bulletin deadlines on this page.

• We recommend display advertisers supply camera-ready copy.Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to correctsize at your cost. We can prepare your advertisement from yoursuggested layout at cost.

• Payment must accompany order. Typesetting, layout or sizealteration charges will be billed separately. Make checkspayable to: AMICA 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 indicatingthat said business does not serve the best interests of the membersof AMICA according to its goals and bylaws.

FOUNDING CHAmRPres: Phil McCoyVice Pres: Isadora KoffTreas: Bob WilcoxSec/Reporter: Jack & Dianne

Edwards

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAPres: Warren & Rosemary

DeasyVice Pres: Jerry PellSec: Holly & Peggy

HollingsworthTreas: Larry NormanReporter: Bill Toeppe

TEXASPres: Wade NewtonVice Pres: Lorane SmithSeclTreas: Carole BeckellReporter: Janet Tonnesen

MIDWESTPres: Edwin WardVice Pres: liz BarnhartSec: Lawrence & Margaret

FrazerTreas: Alvin WulfekuhlReporter: Sue Ricca

PHILADELPHIA AREAPres: Bob TaylorVice Pres: Frank DiamondSec: Frank BasilTreas: Len WertReporter: Bob Rosencrans

SOWNY (SOUTHER ONTARIO,WESTERN NY)

Pres: Janet DrewniakVice Pres~ Carl GuhlowSec: Alice GuhlowTreas: Mike WalterReporter: Fred Buchwald

ROCKY MOUNTAINPres: Jere De BackerVice Pres: Steve JohnsonSec: Don WickTreas: Steve McCormickReporter: Art Reblitz

Fehrman

NEW JERSEYPres: Oliver VitakisVice Pres: Lenny FinkelRec Sec: Millie FreyerCorr Sec: Margery VitakisTreas: John EllemsReporter: Richard Groman

IOWAPres: George AplandVice Pres: E.H. BreckenfelderSeclTreas: Marjorie AplandReporter: Jack Niewoehner

IOSTONAREAPres: Judy WelshVice Pres: Michael PotashSec: Bill KoenigsbergTreas: Philip KonopReporter: Donald Brown

NORTHERN LIGHTSPres: Jerrilyn BoehlandVice Pres: Tom WordemanSec: Tracy TolzmannTreas: Robert &Katheryn

DumaReporter: Ruby Ahneman

SIERRA-NEVADAPres: Bob PallonVice Pres: Vicki MahrSeclTreas: Audrey WintersReporter: Bob and Sonja Leomon

CHICAGO AREAPres: jim Edwards IVice Pres: Carol Dayton &

Mabel ZivinSec: Bob & Gloria TaylorTreas: Bill &Dee KavourasReporter: Mike Ehart

HEART OF AMERICAPres: Tom HellsteinVice Pres: Charles TylerSeclTreas: Billie PohlReporter: Katie Hellstein

SOUTHEAST AREA:Pres: John O'LoughlinVice Pres: Norman ArnoldSeclTreas: David BurkeReporter; David Burke

GATEWAYPres: Del SewellVice Pres: Paul StelznerSeclTreas: Jean Wiegand

Reporter: Marilyn McGartiand

Single back issues of theBulletin are available from

the Publisher for $2.00 each.

BULLETIN DEADLINES FOR 1985

For January/February issue January 10For March issue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. February 10For April issue March 10For May/June issue May 10For July issue June 10For August issue July 10For September/October issue September 10For November issue October 10For December issue November 10

AMICAlnternational

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1985 CONVENTIONDffROIT, MICHIGAN

JULY 17-21

HOST: MIDWEST CHAPTER

• Do you wish to become a member of AMICAIAnnual fee for U.S. members $22Non-U.S. fee $28New and lapsed members add processing fee $5

• Has your address changedlWrite to Membership Secretary.

• Do you have a contribution for the BulletinlAll subjects of interest to readers of the Bulletin areencouraged and invited by the Publisher. All articles mustbe received by the 10th of the preceding month. Everyattempt will be made to publish all articles of generalinterest to AMICA members at the earliest possible timeand at the discretion of the publisher.

See Bulletin deadlines on previous page

Original Bulletin articles, or material for reprint that is ofsignificant historical quality and interest, are encouragedand will be rewarded in the form of AMICA membershipdues discounts. (Chapter reports and Forum inquires are

•excluded.)

AMICA International News BulletinVolume 22 Number 4 May/June 1985

CONTENTSFeatures

Otto Schulz 78The Musical Box Society 80Trouble Shooting Tip for the

"late Style" Duo-Art 91H.K. Sandell, Renaissance Man 94Quick Tip for Restorers 96

DepartmentsAMICA International .75News from the Chapters 83Classified Ads 9;7

The Cover: Saluting AMICA chapters - the backbone ofthe organization. Their projects are many. The Heart ofAmerica and Northern lights chapters are currently work­ing with local MBS chapters on cooperative projects. SeeNews from the Chapters.

• 75·

'NTfRNAnONAL Off'URSPRESIDENT Terry Smythe

(204) 452-2180547 Waterloo St., Winnipeg, ManitobaCanada R3N on

PAST PRESIDENT Robert M. Taylor(215) 735-26621326 Spruce St., #3004, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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

SECRETARY Richard Reutlinger(415) 346-8669824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117

PUBUSHER Dorothy Bromage(207) 767-4446P.O. Box 275 Cape Cottage Branch,Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Will Wild and Valerie Anderson(New memberships and mailing problems)

(803) 758-8846P.O. Box 172, Columbia, SC 29202

TREASURER Tom & Dorothy Olds(218) 326-24881327 Crystal Springs Rd., Grd Rpds, MN 55744

BOARD REPRESENTATIVESFounding Chapter: Howie KoffSouthern California: Dick RiggTexas: Haden VandiverMidwest: Vincent RiccaPhiladelphia Area: len WertSOWNY: Rick DrewniakRocky Mountain: Dick KroeckelNew Jersey: John De ParisIowa: Alvin JohnsonBoston Area: Sanford LibmanNorthern Lights: lowell BoehlandSierra-Nevada: Bob MooreChicago Area: Jerry BiasellaHeart of America: Ron BoppSoutheast Area: John O'loughlinGateway: Del Sewell

COMMJTTEESTECHNICAL, Melluchetti

3449 Mauricia Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051

ARCHIVES, Jim Weisenborne73 Nevada St., Rochester, MI4l1063

AMICA GOALS, Robert Moore3100 Sagittarius Dr., Reno, NV 89509

AUDIO-VISUAL, Howie Koff4271 No. First St., #1, San Jose, CA 95134

PUBLICATIONS, Dorothy BromageP.O. Box 275 Cape Cottage Branch,Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

AFRUATED SOClmESThe Player Group (England)The North West Player Piano Association (England)Netherlands Mechanical Organ Society - KDVAustralian Collectors of Mechanical Musical InstrumentsDutch Pianola AssociationSociety of Friends of Mechanical Musical Instruments

(Germany)

MICHIGAN INN,SITE OF THE1985 DETROITCONVENTION V

<1920'S DANCE ATSATURDAY

o

BANQUET

Last call to sign up for what may just be thebest AMICA Convention ever! The Mich­i~an Inn in Southfield, Michigan will be thesIte of the 1985 Detroit Convention. Itsspacious accommodations and central loca­tIOn make it the ideal choice. Hospitalityrooms, workshops, a fascinating retrospec­tive exhibit on piano advertising and a ban­quet complete with the Hotel Savarine Soc;:j·ety Orchestra providing authentic 20's-'cemusic all form the basis of a great c m·tion. Add other special events such as anexcursion to Car-Rail Museum and Sundayhome tours hosted by Johl1 & Nan Flint,.bhn & Ruih Owens, and Jim Weisenbome.and you're bound to agree that this will bEa convention you'll remember for years tccome. Look for registration informatior:on the inside covers in this AMICA Bulletin

Detroit'8!

REGISTER NOWl

....... h·'. ,

AWAY...

A

THE FLINTS

IT'S ONLY AFEWWEEKS

CAR RAil MUSEUM

Idea of the Month:Kitten on the Keys

By Dorothy Bromage

According to my observations, a certain piano solo has been avery frequent inspiration to artists, including cartoonists and photo­graphers. When Zez Confrey wrote the instrumental novelty,"Kitten on the Keys," he probably didn't realize how much themental image aroused by his song title would result in illustration("Zez" is a nickname. He was born Edward Elzear. I'm sure a lot ofAMICAns have the Ampico roll, played by Herbert Clair (#60621E).)

I have the start of a collection of such illustrations and have beenthinking of featuring them to show the variety of art that can betouched off by music.

Do you have a favorite "Kitten on the Keys" picture? Send it ora good copy and we'll have some fun with the collection.

MEADOWBROOK HALLBy Emmett Ford

I would like to suggest that AMICA 1985 Convention attendeesacquaint themselves with Meadowbrook Hall, which will be on oneof the tours. Reference is made to Dennis Ferrara's interesting and

~ '. excellent article in the February, 1972 AMICA News Bulletin,~' pages 18 and 19. Much detailed information is given about the

Aeolian Organ.

12th International Congress onAcoustics, Toronto, Canada

By Annabel Cohen

A call for papers has been issued for the 12th InternationalCongress on Acoustics which will be held in Taronto, Canada,from July 24-31, 1986. In keeping with tradition, the Congress willprovide an open scientific forum in all fields of acoustics, includingmusic and musical acoustics.

The Congress will include Special Lectures, Structured Sessions,Conftibuted Papers, Poster Sessions, Workshops and an Exhibi­tion. Contributed papers on research in music perception <lIldcognition, musical acoustics, and musical <lCOUStiCS education aresolicited. Further information about the Congress can be obt<linedfrom Mr. John Manuel by calling (416) %5-4120.

The Congress Proceedings will include the Special Lectures andauthors' contributed papers accepted for the Programme.

To receive circulars and registration forms, please write:12th International Congress on AcousticsSecretariatBox 123, Station QTaronto, Ontario, C:lIladaM4T 2L7

In order to promote the Congress progmmming for the musicalresearch sessions, please drop <1 note, indicating your interest as amusic researcher, to the Co-ordinator for the Music and MusicalAcoustics Sessions, Dr. Annabel J. Cohen, Erind'lle Campus,University of Toronto, Mississauga, OntilTio, Can,lda, LSI. ICb.

The Catgut Acoustical Society is planning ,l s)ll'ci,ll meeting onMusical Acoustics in Montreal July 21-23, 1986. For further infor­mation write to Catgut Acoustical Society, 112 Essex Avenue,Montclair, N.J., USA, 07042.

KRING VAN DRAAIOR8ELVRIENDEN

FESTIVAL OF BARREL ORGANSFrom Dan Kamp in The Netherlands, we have the following

schedule of the FESTIVAL OF BARREL ORGANS:

AmhemUtrechtGroningenBreda

May 19June 2August 17September 7

Kring van Draaiorgelvrienden translates "ring of turning organfriends." We know them as an Affiliated Society of AMICA, TheNetherlands Mechanical Organ Society (KDV).

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Call for BarbershoppersOr "Have Pitch Pipe - Will Travel"

By Dorothy Bromage

John Grant has suggested a barbers.hop quartet might be formedsome time during the AMICA Convention in Detroit in July. I amsure he is right about there being quite a few barbershoppersamong the musical people who comprise the AMICA membership.This is one reply, and I hope there will be others (well, at leastTWO). I have copigs of a lot of barbershop music, from the timewhen I organized and directed (for 1Y2 years) the Pomona ValleyChapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement ofBarber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA) inCalifornia. After I moved to San Francisco, I turned into a SweetAdeline (no remarks, please!) and founded and directed a chapterthere. Some of my fondest memories of living in San Francisco aresinging in the Gold Dusters Quartette. Back in California, I sang inanother Sweet Adelines Quartette, the Merrinotes Quartette, oneof the quartettes in the Sweet Adelines Chapter I founded anddirected in the Pomona Valley.

Well, there are my credentials. I would love to make some happyharmony with other barbershoppers - male and/or female. I cansing any part from bari in a male quartet to tenor in a women'squartette, so let's get some more feedback to the idea and seewhat parts we have represented. If a foursome develops, and I amnot needed, then I will be the most appreciative "crow." (Allbarbershoppers know that to be a person who sits on the fenceand listens.)

Interested parties, please contact John Grant directly: 12318Kemmerton Lane, Bowie, Maryland 20715.

PAUUNE ALPERT MAKINGGOOD PROGRESS

By Alf Werolin

Pauline Alpert, AMICA's well-loved Honorary Member, is gettingalong fine, according to her nephew Alan Benet. She took a badfall in her home a short time ago and was in the hospital for sixweeks.

Now she is living at the Concourse Nursing Home, 1072 GrandConcourse, Bronx, N.Y. 10452. While her physical condition hasimproved considerably since her fall, her attitude and outlook onlife could be a lot more positive, we are told.

How about sending her a greeting, a note, a song, or whatever,to cheer her and let her know how much we AMICAns love her?

Erwin NyireghyziA1f Werolin reports that Honorary Member Erwin Nyireghyazi has

had surgery and is in intensive care at St. Vincent's Hospital in LosAngeles, California. Cards may be sent to him in care of the ClarkHotel, 426 South Hill Street, Suite 633, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

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MBSI "SUNBELT" CHAPTERTO JOIN IN ON SILVER

DOLLAR CITY ORGAN RALLYBy Bill Pohl

In the March 1985 Bulletin, the 4th Annual "Heart of America"Chapter June 29 Band Organ Rally was announced. At that time,plans were in the mill to make this a joint AMICA and MBSI event.We are happy to announce that it is now official, and the MBSI"Sunbelt Chapter has joined in the effort to make this the first ever"combined" AMICA and MBSI Band Organ Rally.

This should "double the fun," as many members who are notactive in both clubs will now have the chance to meet new peopleand see different band organs.

As this will be an official chapter meeting for both groups, wehave arranged for a room for the business meetings on Sundaymorning rather than during the banquet Saturday night. Thesemeetings will be staggered so that people who are members ofboth organizations can attend both chapter meetings.

Headquarters for the rally will be the Mountain Oak Lodge,which is one-half mile from Silver Dollar City. They furnish ashuttle service to and from SDC all day.

Silver Dollar City is excited about the band organ rally and willbe giving our club members a "break" on ticket prices. Peoplebringing organs will get in free, of course.

For the rest of the details, please contact Bill and Billie Pohl,5715 S. Clay, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-887-4419 and get readyfor some real Ozarks hospitality.

OttoSchuIzBy Barbara Schulz Larson

I rece!1tly had the pleasure of meeting Warren Dale and RonSanchez, both members of AMICA International, and they gave me acopy ofThe AMICA News Bulletin. It occurs to me that readers mightlike to know about my father.- He is Otto F. Schulz, now 82, and the grandson of Matthias Schulz,

who founded the Schulz Piano Company. My Dad grew up in theplayer piano business. He still is of keen mind and good health and is astorehouse of information about the player piano business.

After he stopped making pianos in the early '30's, he manufacturedthe Auto-typist for nearly 50 years. The Auto-typist was theforerunner of the word processor. It ran with a perforated roll. Myfather's heart has always been in the player piano business.

Here is a bit of his writing - 2 letters written to me in March 1985.

Dear Barb:

Excuse the delay in answering your interesting letter about themusic store in Monrovia.

When player pianos became a popular fad about 1900 my Dadwanted to make them but had no player action so he bought themfrom Seeburg and Simplex. The latter were in Springfield, Mass.and Papa installed them in Schulz pianos. Simplex sent a youngSwede, named Adolph Gustafson, to teach us how to put them in,and my father liked him, and recognized he was a bright young2O-year old. He asked Gus if he could make player actions and

.r-

,r-

Gus said sure, so Papa said come to work for me and build themhere. There were a few obstacles. One was a patent on thepouches, so Gus, who was nothing if not ingenious, developed the"pouch-pneumatic" which was inside the vacuum chest and liftedthe valve that opened suction to each key pneumatic. They wereexpensive to build, but were dependable, fast and long-lived. Weused them right until the 1920's when the patent had run out.

The Auto-typist had first been built by a player piano man whowas intrigued with the Hooven mechanical device that operated a#5 Underwood typewriter. We took over his failing company in1932, after we had gotten out of the piano business due to theadvent of radio. We had made 11,000 pianos in '23 when I started,8500 of which were players, but by 1930 it was down to about 1000and 200 players, so we rented out our big factory to people likeStiffel Lamp and Sellstrom.

In selling Auto-typists, I called on the credit department ofMontgomery Ward who were just across the river, and their creditman told me they wanted to send out typewritten letters after themimeographed ones proved ineffective. They were essential wherethey made a specific demand or a threat in the letter. "We don'twant to tell people we're going to sue them with a multigraphedletter. They'll think we have thousands of deadbeats." They had 10different letters and they wanted us to build a machine that wouldhave all the letters on the roll and be able to select the one theywanted. The machine could be selecting while the girl was hand­typing the name and salutation. I said, "Just change the roll eachtime," and they said no - you build a machine that will select. Iknew the coin-piano people had built such machines and drovearound the saloons in South Chicago looking for one with asuitable transmission. I found that saloon keepers would give themaway if you would get a mover to haul them away. They had beenreplaced by coin-operated phonographs and radio. Out of three or

,/ four I found the Western Electric had the most compact selectorand it used large rolls that would accommodate the 10 letters Wardwanted, so I got a mover and hauled one to the factory and Gusand George Carlson tore it down and built the Auto-typist Wardswanted. It was a big success for collection letters and also to selectparagraphs to answer "personal" correspondence. We sold over100 each to Boystown, National Jewish Hospital in Denver, andOral Roberts in Tulsa. Oral started with a small battery of two orfour, and kept adding every year until he had over 100 answeringletters to people who needed his prayers and healing power. Alsothe insurance and title companies were good prospects includingseveral large title companies in L.A.

A few years ago a Word Processing Association awarded IBMand me plaques for being "founders" of word processing. That isironic because we were in "word processing" 32 years before IBMcame into it in 1965, but I guess they thought they couldn't affordto ignore them. Rudolpf Ganz cut a lot of "reproducing" pianorolls. We used them on the Aria Divina reproducing action we builtand put into our grand pi .mos. We had started using Welte actionswe imported from GerJTlClny and then made our own. I don't wantto go to Detroit. If my good friend Noel Seeburg were still alive Iwould go. He sold me the Western Ele.:tric transmission patent for$10 if I agreed to only use it on busines:1 machines. He told me whocould make the transmissions and let them buy parts from him.

Love, Dad

• 79·

Dear Barb:

I was very interested in your last two letters. Here is an answerto the one about the Sohmer store.

In the last half of the last century New York had many smallpiano factories that retailed most of their production in area stores.Sohmer was one of the larger and more respected. They alwayshad a good product. Others were Krakauer, Fischer, and of courseSteinway, the largest and most successful of the "small" factories.There was one large plant, Kohler & Campbell, that turned outalmost as many as all the small ones but of lower grade. In Chicagowe had half a dozen factories of the Kohler size, Kimball, Gul­bransen, Schulz, Steger, and Cable.

In the beginning they were all centered on 14th St. east of 5thAve., near Steinway's showroom and Steinway Hall which waswhere the concerts were held. Later they all moved up to 57th St.following Steinway's lead (about 1940). Steinway moved their fac­tory out to Queens. I notice that Sohmer is now made in Ivoryton,Conn. which is the home of the Pratt, Read Co. the largest makerof piano keys and actions. I suspect that they have bought Sohmerand retained one of the Sohmers as President. There is nothing inIvoryton besides Pratt, Read Co.

An interesting aspect of Sohmer, is that they are the only pianofamily whose sons went to Princeton besides ourselves. Harry J.was in the class of '07 and Harry Jr. in '40. I don't know if therehave been more.

Tomorrow I am going to try to bring down your other letter anddiscuss player actions in my next total recall.

Love, Dad

ROLL-PLAYED MUSICNOMINATED FOR

"GRAMMY AWARDS"By Dale Gunnar

It is not common for a phonograph recording of a mechanicalinstrument to be considered for awards.

The record "Fats Waller at the Organ" has been nominated forthe Historical Category of the "Grammy Awards." The recording isof a Compton Theater Organ fitted with a roll player.

The music is taken from player piano rolls hand played by FatsWaller in the 1923 to 1927 period. The piano rolls were transposedto organ player configuration by Ronald Curtis, who spent severalweeks studying old Waller organ recordings to get a feel whereWaller would have changed stops.

Stereo LP #MHC-4937Y or cassette #MHC-6937Z are available@ $8.50 plus $2.25 shipping and handling (members get a discount)from:

The Musical Heritage Society1710 Highway 35

Ocean, New Jersey 07712

THE MUSICAL BOX SOCIETYBy Dorothy Bromage

As Publisher, I receive infonnation from time to time aboutorganizations that deal with subjects of interest to many AMICAns.In Bulletin articles and Chapter reports, one may find these lettersfrom time to time - usually with no explanation: "MBS."Theomission of a translation is understandable, since the Musical BoxSociety is a long-established and active organization which countsmany AMICAns among its members. However, new people arejoining AMICA all the time, and it is possible that information aboutthis group has not found its way to all the rest of you; so I amincluding some parts of the attractive Society brochure in this issueof the Bulletin. You will note that player and reproducing musicalinstnnents are included in its field of interest, as well as those thatare, strictly speaking, musical boxes.

You may wish to contad them. To join, write the contactaddress or reproduce this fonn. Fill it in, send it off and becomethe recipient of what this organization has to offer.

,/

rl1 USI<::+l~B0x50<::1 ~TY~ED r. 194' L MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSMECHANICAT ED TO ALLDEVO

-APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

I hereby apply for membership in the MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONALand agree, if accepted as a member, that I will abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society. I enclose $5.00 for myinitiation fee and $15~00dues for one year - total $20.00. (Husband and wife may be listed as one membership.) Checks shouldbe made payable to "Treasurer M.B.S." andsenl with this application to:

Mrs. C. W. Fabel, Secretary, M.B.S., Box m Rt. No.3, Morgantown, Indiana 46160, U.s.A.tJ.."':;-

f

CIRCLE TITLE: Miss Mrs. Ms. Mr. Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Dr. & Mrs. Other .

Name: ·rasi:················· .. ·············· .. ·· .. ·· ·.. ·· '~'(;si""'" ,;1iliii·· ..·..·..· ·wW.'i·j!\rSi·Niimii ·• ·

Address: "'1'ty ······························§i.i:8·or·~oii,;1iy···· ···..,..···..·•· ···~Ip·· ..· ··..·..·Street ../

l·····Area··COdii···J······ .. 'fiilePhonil·riiiimb...... ·· .. . ··..·..········· ··..·~lii,;iitUre··········· ..··..····· ·..• ..

Introduced by: ..

• 80·

MUSICALBOXES-A Fascinating

hobby! Musical boxes combineall the appeals of art, history,

craftsmanship, and music all into one. Amusical box doesn't just sit there; it isever-willing to perrorm for all thosewho care to see it. Playa musical boxin a room full of people and all elsewill stop. Cares of the moment will beforgotten as the musical boxenraptures the audience with thesparkling melodies of yesteryear!

"Musical Box" is a popular termcovering all types of automatically­played musical machines, from smalltable-top instruments that use acylinder or disc to play tunes on asteel musical comb to largeorchestrions and carousel organswhich have the musical capability of asymphony orchestra or a military brassband! In-between these extremes aredozens of other types of mechanicalmusic- makers - including reproducingpianos, automatic violin-playingmachines, clocks with musicalattachments, musical toys andnovelties, the familiar player piano,and many more.

• 81·

EACH MEMBERreceives a complete

Directory of Members,which puts you in touch

not only with all yourfellow enthusiasts wherever

they are in the World, bu t also _(lists the various museums in America, .~

Europe, and elsewhere where musicmachines are displayed.

It's easy to join the Society; the only requirement for

membership is an interest in automatic musicalinstruments. You don't have to have a collection tojoin; many members derive enjoyment of the hobby byreading about the instruments or by owning recordings­of them.

The yearly dues are small, as the Society is inter­ested in expanding its membership and is anxious foras many folks as possible to enjoy the beauties of thesemarvelous examples of craftsmanship of by-gone days.

THE MUSICAL BOX SOCIETYINTERNATIONAL is a non-profit(chartered by the New York State Boardof Regents-eligible to receive tax-deductible gifts) international society ofpeople dedicated to the enjoyment, study, andpreservation of automatic musical instruments.From a modest beginning in 1949, it now hasseveral thousand members.

The Society has several regional chaptersaround the country, whose members have meetingsseveral times each year. There is also an International

Convention each year,held in a different part ofthe United States toenable everyone toattend from time totime. Members receiveseveral publications,including the scholarlyBulletin which includesresearch papers,historical articles andtechnical information, aswell as the Newsletterwhich tells what's goingon within the Societyand which containsadvertising space forthose who wish to buyand sell musical boxesand related materials.

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1lICCRl&::lllllCmCIlJCH~C~R~CRlC\lC~~~~~~~~

Netvs fJ·f)"" t'"e C'''R'lJteJ·s

NEWJERSEYReporter: Richard Groman

Since we can't stand being away from each other for any greatlength of time the name change committee of the New JerseyAMICAns gathered at the home of Mary and Robert Reinhart,neophytes of our chapter. The weather was miserable, but most ofthe members showed up anyway. Actually Piscataway, N.J. looksbetter in the rain. The meeting started at two p.m. when all ourmeetings start The meeting was not fraught with any argumentsabout picayune things, thank God, just the discussion about awonderful new name. We need your help. Should notre nomnouueau be: Colonial (sounds like a bowling league), Metro (morestars than there are in heaven), Mid-Atlantic (member F.D.LC anequal opportunity lender except in Ohio), Liberty (Lee lacocca'ssweetheart) or should it be something exciting? Send your ballot tothis writer c/o The Orchid Room in the Hollywood Hotel, OceanCity, N.J. When that was over we settled down for some fun andfood, AMICAns' two favorite activities.

The Reinharts have a very eclectic collection of things. Robertcollects stamps, cinnabar boxes, old post cards, and Hudsonautomobiles, of which he has four. We couldn't get any Qf the carson the road because of bad weather so we all just peeked undertheir cloth covers to admire them. Does anyone remember theHudson Terraplane and/or the Hudson Hornet? I'm now con-

/ vinced two uglier cars have never been produced by anyoneanywhere. No wonder they are no longer in business. But thenagain the 1950's were a pretty ghastly time despite Mamie, thepoodle cut, and Sputnik.

Mary collects bottles, Victorian sock darners (which she doesn'tuse) and Richard Clayderman records and photos. The mostbeloved pianist in the world inspired the Reinharts' interest inmusical instruments. Robert and Mary just restored a rarely beauti­ful 1924 Marshall Wendell Grand Ampico. Robert says he is goingto put new hammers on it this summer. The plano has a "bell-liketreble." Fortunately, all that is needed in addition are some adjust­ments, a recovering of the pneumatics and a few tubes, and thenthey are as good as new. Mr. Reinhart recently got a Duo-Artupright at auction. The thing has been so water damaged it maynever play. They also have a few phonographs and music boxesand an interesting nineteenth century automaton.

Our next full chapter meeting was held in New York at theMurtogh Guiness Collection.

Mr. Guiness was kind enough to open his home to our mem­bers. About twenty people showed up to see and hear some of theworld's rarest mechanical musical devices. The Hupfield Phonolistand Popper "Rex" were particularly exciting to hear. We also weretreated to a delightful continental buffet The afternoon was sobusy with musical treats we didn't have time for our normalbusiness meeting, So discussion of a name change will have to waituntil next month. Our thanks to Alan Lightcap for arranging APerfect Day.

FOUNDING CHAPTERReporter: Dianne Edwards

The February meeting of the Founding Chapter took place onthe 23rd at the Santa Clara home of Elmer and Lou Klein. TheKleins had recently installed a Pianocorder in their grand, and weall had ample chances to listen to and to investigate this relativelynew method of piano automation. The Kleins also have an oldEnglish pumper that has been restored. So, between those mem­bers who can play with their fingers, and those who can play withtheir feet, a musical evening was enjoyed by al1.

A short business meeting was held. Highlights included the re­election of the present slate of officers for the chapter, PresidentPhil McCoy, Vice President Isadora Koff, Secretary/RecordersJack and Dianne Edwards, and Treasurer, Bob Wilcox. It wasdecided to have International Honorary Member, and also aFounding Chapter honorary member, Johnny Honnert, flown infrom his home in Florida to entertain us at the April meeting. Manyof us had the pleasure of meeting Johnny at the Pasadena Conven­tion in 1980. It was also decided to have the chapter by-laws remainstatus quo regarding the one year term of office for chapterofficers. A new chapter directory will be printed and distributedsoon. New members, Don and Melba MacDonald and VeronicaColeman, were introduced. It was also decided to hold businessmeetings at every chapter meeting.

Having accomplished the business at hand, and reminding all ofthe melodrama at the Opry House in New Almaden to be held onMarch 16, we continued to visit, eat, and to enjoy the music andgenerous hospitality of Lou and of Elmer.

FOUNDING CHAPTERReporter: Jack Edwards

The weekend of April 19 was a very busy one for the FoundingChapter. We didn't have only one meeting, but a festival ofmeetings designed to meet, to get better acquainted with, and tohonor one of AMICA's most ebullient honoraries, Johnny Honner!.

Johnny stayed at the homes of Aif Werolin and Tom and IdaFryer during his stay in the Bay Area, and he was shown SanFrancisco, the East Bay and much of the San Jose-Santa Claraareas.

The first event in the festival was a reception held at the home ofDoug and Marsha Ramsey. Johnny held court on their new/oldMason Hamlin. One surprising event of that evening was the factthat on one occasion, Johnny almost finished a song. The eveningwas fun, and all of us who attended the very successful Pasadenaconvention were very happy to reacquaint ourselves with Johnny.

Phyllis McCoy was delighted that Johnny refused to allow her tocancel the yearly tacky party. So we all showed up on Saturdayevening at the McCoy's in our loudest clothes ready for anything.Phil's friends, the Monterey Bay Classic Jazz Band showed up andplayed for a good part of the evening. Johnny joined right in. It wasdifficult to tell who was having the most fun. It didn't really matter.There wasn't a contest.

They keep great By VERA GRAHAM Times Staff Writer

HILLSBOROUGH - Imaginewalking Into your living room, sitting down, closing your eyes and listening to the great Rachmaninaff, Paderewski, Grieg, playing your piano.

What's unusual about that in this age of electronic wizardry?

Plenty, say members of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors Association, or AMlCA, who met recently in their homes in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

They are the proud owners of what is known as the reproduc­Ing piano, which, like the player piano, uses perforated rolls. Except the reproducing piano alone explains Al Werolin of Hillsborough, uses rolls produc­ing,he recording artists' exact depth of sound and resonance.

Wetolin is a well-known retired management consultant and business leader and former president of the San Mateo Couaty Development Associa­tion.

The Werolin home resounds not only to classical music but the no~talgic favorites of the early '205 - "Tiptoe Through the Tulips," "In a Little Spanish Town" .and countless others. His collection exceeds 1,000 rolls for the treasured reproducing piano.

Seated at the piano this week was Johnny Honnert of Miami Fla., who made a record 161 popular musical selections for player piano between 1926 and 1930.

Honnert, in his 70s, is still ever the entertainer, ready with a story and a quip. His eyes sparkle as his fingers dance over the piano keys, duplicating a piece of music just played on the roll.

There's a big difference between the player and reprod­ucing pianos, says WeroHn.

"Most player-piano rolls are produced mechanically by an arranger who 'types,' or perfor· ates, the holes that represent notes on sheet music. They play at one volume, wi tb no expres­sion or feeling.

"Around 1920, another method was developed by which some rolls for the piano were 'recorded' personally by well­known pianists who played the mmic OR a special piano that produced a master roll. This roll faithfully reproduced the pian­ist's own interpretation, his style and the expression he gave the music. Copies of it were made and sold.

Times Photo bY Mike Russell

APPRECIATING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC It's Johnny Honnert at the keyboard and AI Werolin, retired business executive, ready with the music rolls. Honnert made a record 161 music rolls back in the '20s and '30s for the .reproducing piano. Werol!n is a fan and collector.

"In essence, when you play the roller on a reproducing piano, it is as if you had the artist himself playing before you," says Werolin.

Watching the keys move and realizing one is hearing the music as played by Rachmani­noff leaves a listener awed.

After the reproducing piano plays a Johnny Honnert piece, Honnert himself sits down at the piano and duplicates it.

"I started playing the piano when I was 11 - and I haven't

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./r-<

quit," he says. Then he grins. "At one time,

to capture the public's fancy, I would play with one foot wrapped around my neck... can't quite get up to doing that today." -r--­

Honnert's father played the drums and his young son seemed naturally to take to the piano. Honnert had his own orchestra in the 1920s, the heyday of the mob and prohibition. It was a wild and a great time, he says.

Honnert was a popular per·

• •plano mUSlC alive fonner, traveling and appearing on radio stations throughout the Midwest.

Does he miss the "good old days?"

"Not one bit. These are the good days," says Honnert. "Everything is so much better today. Just look at the cars. I traveled in a Model T, and I'd get one or two flats per trip. I'd have .to stop and patch and pump up the tires on my way to work..."

Honnert's musical rolls came under several names, Jack Honnert, Johnny Honnert, John Honnert, John Matthews (using his middle name).

"That," he explains,"was be­cause companies wanted people to think they had a lot of musicians, not just a handful turning out music for them."

Sears sold the roIrs, as did Columbia, Supertone, Challenge and others, at$2 apiece.

Honnert still perfonns on special occasions and loves it, he says. He's delighted when asked for an autograph, he adds.

"To think someone knows and rememb~rs..."

Organized in 1963, AMICA's Founder's Chapter has 75 mem­bers. They hold qmferences arid .share their latest musical acquis­itions in each other's homes.

There are 1,500 members in AMICA chapters throughout the world. Werolin says it takes a love of music and antiques.

"We hunt all the time for old rolls - and pianos. We were lucky to find our Mason & Hamilin (a grand piano), which was built in 1926."

He says that 500 reproducing pianos, at mOSt - uprights, grands and spinets - exist in the United States.

Werolinand Honnert pull out what seems to be a drawer under the keyboard; it holds a place for the rolls, and there are various levers in handsomely decorated bronze.

Then Werolin undrapes the bottom of the instrument, re­vealing an intricate maze of machinery, tubes and wires, each connected to a key. The only "modern" touch isan electrical cord that plugs into the wall and provides power for the pneumatic pump.

Three of the four reproducing piano manufacturers went bank­rupt, Werolin says. The firststarted around 1910. By 1931,

. there wasn't enough business to

The reproducing piano

uses perforated rolls which produce the recording artists 1 exact

depth of sound.

Welte, AMPICO, and American Piano Co. instruments.

"Peering into old barns, and some out-of-the-way places is not a bad idea," he suggests. "People junk them. They're old. Unless they appreciate their value, they just want to get rid of them.

"What's even more fun, is that if you're mechanically inclined, as I am, you can put them back together again. It's a challenge, but it's worth it. My wife and I also have a great time, hunting around antique shops to see if there are some old rolls for reproducing pianos around,"

There are some special high points in such a pursuit. Rece~tly, the Dauf?hters of the Arnencan Revolution met at the Werolins' home and sang the Star Spangled Banner as the piano reproduced the accompan­iment as played by Rachmani­noff.

Some great musicians and composers cut such master rolls, among them Rubinstein, Go­dowky, Levitski. Each made about 10 roller-recordings.

Some reproducing pianos were made as early as 1880, Werolin says.

"The AMICA organization is dedicated to collecting and restoring automatic musical in­struments which were popular during the first quarter of this century," he says.

"Every conceivable musical instrument has been automated and many incorporate features now found in electronic comput­ers. However, these unique musical devices operate pneu­matically, that is, by air and vacuum, since they were in­vented long before the word 'electronics' was conceived."

The popularity of these auto­matic musical instruments was at its greatest between 1915 a.nd 1930," Werolin adds.

AMICA chapters meet monthly and a convention is planned in San .Francisco in 1988.

"Young people who think they have discovered something when they find a reproducing piano are always welcome to join in the fun and learn something. Electronics can move aside for our pneumatics!" Werolin·says.

Times Ptlolo by Mike RUS5ell

MUSICAL MAGIC keep them all going. The perforated rolls as played by the reproducing piano

Collectors, Werolin says, are captures the music as originally performed by some of the always looking for Duo Art, world's greatest pianists.

·85 •

Johnny jams with the Jass Band.

You like the smile on Johnny's lips - check out the eyes.

Nobody has a better time than Phyllis.

The next afternoon, many of the revelers travelled to Orinda to visit Johnny at Bill Wherry's home. Bill was, as always, the excellent host, and Johnny loved seeing Bill's extensive collection. Johnny really got interested in Bill's collection of (fully legal) slot Il}achines, until we told him that he couldn't keep the winnings ... after all, all the coins were Bill's. It was at Bill's that Bob and Roberta Cherney handed over the duties of welcoming founding members to Sally and Dale Lawrence.

Monday evening, several members took Johnny out to dine in the south bay town of Saratoga, where Johnny had been staying with the Fryers in their lovely home. After dinner, we all went to that home for some more music and good conversation.

Tuesday found a few of us gathering again at the McCoy's home for a goodby. It was here that we engaged in the last few tasteless ( remarks reminding 'Johnny, who lives near Miami, just whose home team won Super Bowl XIX, plus many thank-you's. We thanked Alf Werolin and his wife Marjorie for hosting and enter· taining J.ohnny. We thanked Tom and Ida Fryer for similarly opening their home to Johnny and to us. We thanked Doug and Marsha Ramsey, and our Chapter President, Phil McCoy and Phyllis for their constant hospitality. And, of course, we thanked Johnny Honnert for his contribution to our passion, and to our weekend.

Johnny enjoys a full rest.

IF YOU HAVE MISSED AN ISSUE OF THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN, PLEASE WRITE OR CALL THE PUBLISHER.

(

.86 •

MIDWEST Reporter: Sue Ricca

March 23, 1985, we met for dinner at T.G.LF.'s then on to Jim Wisenborne's, in Rochester, Michigan for dessert and music. Jim

) and Bill Blodgett provided us with a very interesting evening during which we were awed by all the restoration projects they have undertaken. Of particular beauty was the 1922 Steinway 6'6" OR Duo·Art art case which Jim tells us was originally the piano for the G.M. "Fisher Body" family. [t had no bench until Jim commis· sioned a carpenter to make one. The resulting bench, hand carved from a solid piece of Mahogany repeats the carvings of the piano in an inverted fashion for style and stability. Quite a work of art.

The 9' concert grand Steinway was in the process of being fitted with a Vorsetzer push·up piano player. Jim's kitchen was quite a

../

Bennet Leedy & Jim Weisenborne with an organ roll.

Jim Weisenborne holding a small pipe in his basement.

A blank production roll that would have been punched to go through production perforators· master roll in comparison to the finished roll.

Betty Malakinian, Mike & Liz Barnhart in the Flint's music room. John Owen in the KITCHEN telling Lawrence Frazer and Bill

Roll cabinets can be seen sporting note·wall paper and song· Blodgett how he is going to re·model his kitchen in similar fashion

sheets above. and, . never mind Ruth's objections·

• 87 •

IOWA Reporter: Jack Niewoehner

The Iowa AM1CAn's first meeting of 1985, hosted by AI :Johnson and his mother Clara, was held on an absolutely beautiful March 9. ( The first order of business was to playa few rolls on AI's Steinway Duo-Art and Mason and Hamlin Ampico B. I selected my favorite Duo-Art roll; "Rhapsody in Blue" played by George Gershwin; and Tom Dawson remarked that he had played that roll once for a fan of Gershwin's music whose only comment was that it was OK but the he (Gershwin) didn't play it right.

We held a short business meeting followed by a delicious buffet lunch, and followed that with a video·tape presentation about the upcoming AMICA Convention in Detroit.

AI has hosted a number of meetings at his home and felt the need to provide something special for entertainment. Our afternoon entertainment therefore was a performance by a very talented local pianist named John Thompson. He really gave AI's Steinway a workout, playing a wide range of music including current pop, old standards, rags, boogie woogie, etc. [t made for a very enjoyable afternoon and renewed our appreciation of the skill of a live pianist.

Wally Donoghue, 1922 Steinway OR Duo·Art.

lively place to be: it was complete with a Lyon & Healy 3-tier organ and a "Tom Thumb" recordo upright which was undergoing restoration.

Their basement is completely packed with three pipe organs. The console playing units are up in the house. Jim has masterfully NORTHERN UGHTS y­

! provided for the music to enter the house through grills (which he Reporter: Ruby Ahnemancut out) in the dining room Ooor. We saw master organ rolls and learned of the process of making new rolls. A computer was programm~d with a very extensive file of their roll collection. We all The Northern Lights Chapter met Saturday, March 2, 10:30 a.m.

enjoyed hearing Tim Needler's renditions on the Steinways. We at the new Ordway Theatre in St. Paul. The Musical Box Society

even enjoyed working on a Convention favor. was inviled to this meeting. We had an interesting tour of the 46

Sunday our business meeting was hosted by Nan and John Flint million dollar building designed by Benjamin Thompson. It has one

and their daughter Dawn. The major discussion centered on large and a smaller theatre for opera, dance and musical companies.

finalizing details for the upcoming Detroit International convention, At 1:00 the group met for lunch at Lee's Village Inn. They have a

July 18·21, 1985. We enjoyed re·visiting the Flints, (see AMICA Mason & Hamlin in the dining area. Gene Skarda kept the piano

4/83, p. 73,74) and being entertained with Ampico and Duo-Art playing while we enjoyed our lunch.

music. Can you imagine anyone having 7,000 rolls stored neatly in -----....alphabetical order, available at a moment's whim? They do! They

also have quite an extensive collection of cylinder and disc phono· graphs, as well as the piano, band organ, and calliope collections. An interesting looking 1916 Grinnell upright with a Hammond Solorvox remains to be heard on our next visit.

The meeting concluded with a visit to CAR·RAlL, a private museum which will be one of the featured events of the '85 Convention.

~

Jerrilyn and Lowell Boehland by their Oriental Fischer Ampico.

• 88·

I

AMICA and MBS members touring the New Ordway.

/

Gene Skarda playing the Mason & Hamlin at Lee's lnn wIth Lowell Boehland and Denny Dahlman looking on.

/

The New Ordway Music Theater in St. Paul.

We were invited to the home of Jerrilyn and Lowell Boehland in Minneapolis after lunch, for our meeting. Some very good ideas came up for discussion for the 1987 convention that AMICA and MBS plan to host.

The Boehlands have a lovely collection of automatic musical instruments - Mason & Hamlin Ampico, Link, music boxes and juke boxes. They provided us with good entertainment the rest of the afternoon. Thanks to Jerrilynn and Lowell we had another pleasant day and Northern Lights meeting.

HEART OF AMERICA Reporter: Katie Hellstein

It isn't every wife who'll tolerate a hole being cut in her dining room wall! But Shirley Morgenroth went along· albeit'reluctantly . with the idea, and now a Stinson Calliola Band Organ calls that spot "home." The Don Stinson (Bellefontaine, Ohio) reproduction is the latest of Paul Morgenroth's treasures and he just had to provide it a special showcase!

Forty·six members and guests of the Heart of America Chapter gathered at Morgenroth's "Blueberry Hill" in Grain Valley, MO., for our spring meeting April 14. Twelve pounds of their home·grown blueberries delighted our taste buds as lunch included blueberry muffins and cobbler.

The Morgenroth's collection . attractively displayed throughout the house , reflects the variety of their interests. Two beautiful Reginas share the music room with a 1923 Duo·Art OR Steinway. 1984 Arnica Conventioneers will recall Ruth Bingman Smith's can· cert on this piano, and her signature on it makes Paul especially proud of the instrument.

Jukeboxes - a Rockola 1432, Seeburg 147, 1935 Mills - you name it, you'l find it in some comer of the large house. But with all the outstanding machines he owns, it's evident that Paul's real true love is the radio! A beautifully refinished Majestic has been rescued from a life of cobwebs, mildew and neglect and lo! it speaks! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as evidenced by Paul's description of an Atwater-Kent 1929 creation; and occupying a place of honor is his recent birthday gift of a giant 1927 RCA Model 9-55 Radio/ Phonograph. Four automobiles could have been purchased that year for the cost of this prize.

Incoming president, Tom Hellstein, was "officially" installed with the presentation of our club's AMICA Charter. Bill Pohl announced final plans for the June 29 band organ rally to be held at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. We are co-sponsoring the event the with Sun Belt Chapter of MBS, and are looking forward to show­casing twenty or more band organs throughout the theme park. We're digging out turn of the century costumes and for one day we'll be some of the "good 01' boys and gals."

·89·

(

Shirley, Paul and Paul, Jr. greet guests from their Steinway.

Tom Hellstein admires the 1927 RCA. At right is Paul Morgenroth - same model!

The gang was all here!

Charles Tyler, club vice-president, presented a mini program on the Lambert Record Company which was in operation for one and a half years before it ran into patent trouble and was bought out by Edison and Columbia. Of special interest are the pink wax records made during Lambert's short business life, and a 5-inch pink cellulose concert record. These command a nice price in today's market.

• 90·

Ron Connor, Charles and Robbie Tyler and Paul Morgenroth admire the Stinson Calliola.

/~

Future AM/CAn Angie Winkler presides at the Steinway.

1984 Conventioneers will also remember the bus tour stop at the Jerry Cusick home. Jerry recently passed away, and his son Doug· came to the meeting to announce a university scholarship fund at the Cusick's church. Doug also reported that that grand lady, The Dutchess, a 1928 Mortier, has found a permanent home on the stage of the Fest House at Worlds of Fun Amusement Park.

After the meeting, Paul Morgenroth, Jr. and Barbary Murry, music teacher from Grain Valley High School, teamed up for Paul's tenor sax rendition of David Bennett's "Concerto in G Minor." Paul is scheduled for state composition with this composition, so we were treated to his dress rehearsal.

Mike Hanchett had brought along his Taube model airplane and the fine spring weather got us kids out of doors for a while to watch him maneuver the craft. (A nesting goose on the lake took a dim view of these proceedings and her scolding honks rivalled the plane for noise.)

Inside once more, we entered the 21st century by way of the Morgenroth's digital compact disc player and sound system. The pure tone of the discs and the quality of the sound system heightened our enjoyment of Strauss Waltzes and even a Bob James composition. /

So with our feet in the 20th century and our hearts and minds divided into the 19th and 21st, we left as the Steinway joyfully proclaimed Offenbach's "Can-Can."

SEE YOU AT THE BAND ORGAN RALLY JUNE 29 IN BRANSON, MO. Y'ALL COME!

TROUBLE SHOOTING TIP FOR THE "LATE STYLE" DUO-ART

ByMarkZahm

/ The re-building of the Duo-Art governor is fairly straightforward but a potential trouble spot is found in the "late style" Duo-Art (those with the governor in the spool box area).

If after re-building you find the tempo control is erratic, especially at points slower than 70, the problem might be under the tempo slider.

In this style unit there is a support block for the governor slider which holds the pivot pin and flat spring. This block touches the under-side of the upper board and in part covers the elongated slot over which the tempo slider moves. Dirt and graphite are forced thru this slot and are deposited onto the support block until it is packed in. Consequently the slower tempos are obstructed or at

/ best reduced.

CONNec.r 7D ~

1 ft.1rN$MI~S I D/oJ SUPpcy<T &.ec1iC rtJ;<.

(ote..~ I)lA~ItJ.G-

~ e. '11'1 IN») PIVOT- p/N:

The remedy is simple enough after removing the front cover plate. First: remove the 2 screws that hold the support block in place and carefully pull the block out, releasing the governor slider and spring if necessary. You should then find the top to be covered with the dirt that has been forced in.

Second: gently scrape it clean and while it is out take a tool and check the slot to be certain that no dirt has remained packed in it. Care must be taken when returning the block and re-attaching the pin and spring.

After all is in place and screwed down, check to be certain that the slider is free moving by closing and opening the pneumatic. The slider should move forward and back without lifting or binding.

As this area is not open to visual inspection it is easy to overlook, so it should be done routinely during the rebuilding.

6:'v~#~ .:5L.IOEA(

• 91 •

------

H. K. SandeD, Renaissance Man By Mark Reinhart

H. K. Sandell, remembered primarily for his invention of the Violano-Virtuoso, was a pioneer in many areas of electrical tech­nology. The cited patent is evidence of his experimentation in the field of picture transmission or, as it is known today, television. Figures I, 2, and 3 show the recording device. Figure 4 shows the image transmitter circuit. Figures 5 and 6 demonstrate the projection device. Figure 7 is the receiver circuit. The assignee of this patent is Herbert S. Mills.

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ART OF TflANSMITlINr. PICTURES AND THE UK'£'

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1,423,737. lJatentcd July 25, 1922.­3 SHH TS-SHH T 2.

Quick Tips for Restorers By Don Teach

Star Chemical in Hinsdale, IL has a spray lacquer now that matches the red used by Cremona on the pneumatics. Their part number is 86470-VT-ll Classic Vari-Tone.

Sherwin-Williams, Acme. and Martin-Senour are all made by Sherwin-Williams and intermix with each other. This is important, because different brands of lacquers usually don't mix well.

I was glad Terry Smythe took the time to write about his rebuild­ing experience. I do not want to come across as a critic because so many members out there could contribute to the Bulletin and don't, possibly because they are afraid of criticism.

Terry points out that he supports the use of a sprayed-on clear lacquer finish. I strongly support the use of lacquer, also.

I would like to see a question and answer column in the Bulletin and would answer any comments you may have. Perhaps several members could get together and answer the questions_ For example, suppose Mr. or Ms. Member submits a question to the Bulletin for several others to answer.

Sample Question:

How do you rub out a lacquer finish?

Sample Answers:

Member A reports: I sand the finish with #360 wet or dry sand­paper until smooth. I follow this with dry 0000 steel wool with the final rub down using soapy water and 0000 steel wool.

Member B reports: We sand the finish smooth and spray a light coat of lacquer as the final finish. We then use pumice with water and piece of felt.

Member C reports:

Thanks for taking the time to read this. • 96·

Easy Gasket Removal By Harold Hodgkins

Have you ever wished for an easy method to remove those ola 0~

leather gaskets from player parts? Of course you can always scrape them off, or, use a heat gun to soften the glue. There is an alternative,

Locate an old electric kettle (one that works) and make the following modifications: Remove the pouring spout and close and seal the-opening_ A suitable seal can be made by using two pieces of galvanized metal on either side of the opening with a suitable gasket. This should have a short piece - four or five inches - of half-inch copper soldered in place to replace the original spout. A four or five foot length of rubber hose is then pushed on this stub. In the free end of this hose is inserted another foot of copper pipe with the end flattened to leave about a one-eighth inch opening. Over this pipe is slipped a length of larger diameter hose to provide insulation.

The above provides a simple but effective device for steaming off old gaskets. To use, simply remove the hose, pour water into the kettle through the stub of pipe (use of a funnel is helpful) and plug in for a head of steam.

By directing the steam on the old gaskets, you will find that they simply curl up and peel off the wood leaving very little glue to scrape off. Care must be taken to avoid adding too much moisture to the wood; however, the high temperature is usually sufficient to provide adequate evaporation.

r

CLASSIFIED

FOR SALE

WELTE MIGNON VORSETZER, CIRCA 1912 German made (Red Paper) beautiful restored condition. Collection of 95% classical rolls. listing of rolls available on request. $15,000 or offer. (707) 544-6149.

WELTE VORSETZER - 1926 (Late Model). Case refinished in high gloss ebony. Excellent unrestored original condition. Pump beauti­fully restored, as original. Expert restoration available. $6,500.00 OBO. Broadmoore (818) 365-6231.

FREE CATALOGUES: Old piano rolls and sheet music for sale. Many scarce items. We also buy. Send stamp for each list to: Ragtimes, Box 367, Port Washington, NY 11050.

QUALITY INSTRUMENTS for sale. SEEBURG STYLE L ORCHES­TRA. Tall art glass case. Piano, mandolin, flute pipes, bass drum, snare drum, tympani, triangle, cymbal. Restored to like new. This is one of the rarest of the classic large Seeburg orchestrions. Uses G

- or 4X rolls. $39,750. WURLITZER STYLE 12 MANDOLIN PIANORCHESTRA. An unre­stored classic. One of just three known to exist. $26,800. AEOLIAN ORCHESTRELLE, STYLE F. largest regular production model. Superbly restored inside and out. Elegant mahogany case. Uses 116-note solo or 58-note rolls. The restoration alone cost nearly $15,000. $19,500. SEEBURG KT SPECIAL ORCHESTRION. Rare early style in deep

-~ cabinet with eagle-style art glass. Piano, mandolin, xylophone, bass drum, snare drum, tympani, castenets, cymbal, triangle, tam­bourine. Beautifully restored. Another Seeburg rarity. $19,500. SEEBURG KT SPECIAL Edgerton replica in quartered oak case. Serial No.2. Mint. $12,500. WURLITZER CX ORCHESTRION with wonder light, automatic roll changer,2 ranks pipes, drums, etc. Partially restored. Plays nicely. $27,500. HUPFELD HEllOS 1e/31 ORCHESTRION. Restored to like new by Ron Cappel. Fantastic! $125,000. ESTEY REED ORGAN. Not a player. large 2-manual model with electric blower. Exceedingly ornate with display pipes and "ginger­bread," Choice unrestored. $1,950. REGINA STYLE 38 AUTOMATIC DISC CHANGER, 20%" size, flat front. Recently restored by Dwight Porter. $12,500. POLYPHON 241f.{' AUTOMATIC DISC CHANGER in large ornate walnut case. Restored by Dwight Porter. $19,700. REGINA HEXAPHONE AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH in oak case with original sign. $5,950. "ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS," 1008 PAGES, ILLUSTRATED. AUTOGRAPHED ON REQUEST. POSTPAID $45 For sale by Dave Bowers, Box 1224-A, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. (603) 569-5094 (weekdays)

PLAYER PIANO - Upright for sale. Monarch #147052 (1922) by Baldwin. Needs work - make offer. S.F. School of Piano Tuning (415) 871-4482,967 Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080.

QRS OR PLAY-RITE MUSIC ROLLS: 35% discount for small minimum quantity. Manufacturers catalogs 25¢ each for postage. For prices write Vintage Piano Workshop, 4805 Central Ave., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

STERLING RECORDO, 1925 Brooklyn, Conn. 5' baby grand, Simplex Recordo action. New block, restrung, action regulated, Recordo completely restored, all hardware replated. 12 coats clear lacquer walnut mirror finish. Immaculate musical instrument. Serious Inquiries: Buck Roger, 23 Reed Ave., W. Attleboro, MA 02760. (617) 695-2432.

SEVEN RED WELTE ROLLS, including Test Roll $175.00 Haines 5'4" Ampico Grand, late "A," complete, $1,500.00. Randolph Herr 111-07 77th Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 520-1443.

1962 HARDMAN DUO WITH BENCH. Cherry stain case. Excellent condition. $1400.00. Clinton Baker, 1905 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 (607) 273-0604.

I MUST SELL THE WELTE PHILHARMONIC PLAYER PIPE ORGAN by August 1, 1985. There are 309 rolls, 21 rank, harp, chimes, & drum. All completely restored & ready to go into your collection. Also a remote roll changer, not restored.

Iwill take offers by sealed bid. All bids must be in by july 15, 1985. For more information please call or write: Player Piano Repair, RT lB, Box 212, Shaftsbury, VT 05262 (802) 375-6985.

1928 STROUD DUO-ART UPRIGHT; 157 Duo-Art rolls, 1484-88 Rote,66 Ampico, 18 Welte (Delux) rolls; 4 roll cabinets, original 1925 Ampico catalogue, original boxed Ampico tracker bar cleaner, misc. books. Will throw in 231 additional rolls that need repair. Sell lot - $12,000.00. Donna Sheppard, P.O. Box 331, Pearblossom, CA 93553. Home (805) 944-1591, work 9-4;30 p.m. (805) 944-1549.

CREMONA G WITH FLUTE PIPES - Totally restored to factory new condition. I doubt that a better or nicer one exists. Please contact Bill Hirsch, 16 Ketch Rd., Morristown, N.). 07960 - Days (201) 642-2407 - Weekends and Eves., (201) 267-9690 (not after 9 PM local time please)

SEEBURG L-late model- Totally restored to brand new condition. A real gem. Bill Hirsch, 16 Ketch Rd., Morriston, N.). 07690 - Days (201) 642-2407. Eves., & Weekends (201) 267-9690 (not after 9 PM focal time please).

FOR SALE: I have almost a complete mechanism for a Wurlitzer changer nickelodeon (except the stack). Here's a chance to complete your machine $1,500 - Paul Manganaro (201) 438-0399.

STEINWAY UPRIGHT THEMODIST CASE Refinished profession­ally $1,600. Upright full electric Duo-Art good original condition $800. Reproduco piano pipe organ clean walnut c1ase original separate blower suction cabinet $4,000. Delivery possible from No. Carolina. (704) 327-2181.

• 97·

FOR SALE (LOT PRICES): MBS Quanerly 1970-1984 - 2500; AMICA Bulletins 1971-1984 - 2500; 98 misc. 88 note rolls -12500; 46 misc 65 note rolls (pin ends) - 5000; 8 Capital organ rolls 151;4" - 7500; 2 Apollo Concert Grand 151;4" - 2QOO; 7 Solo Appolo (need repair) 151;4" 4()00; 6Telectric rolls - 7500; 21 Wi lcoxlWhite Symphony rolls ­15000; 2 Misc 5 note rolls -1000; 37 Edison Diamond disc records­1()()OO; 1 WilcoxlWhite pushup piano player 58 note (plays but not rebuilt) 15000; Robert N. Banlett, 1325 johnson St., Menlo Park, CA 94025.

CHICKERING AMPICO A 6'5" size. Refinished in hand-rubbed ebony glass lacquer. Piano adion and Ampico mechanism meti­culously restored to like new condition. Outstanding tone and very expressive. Bench and rolls included. $14,500.00 Kavouras 312-474-8787 (Chicago).

ORGANS AND ORCHESTRIANS repaired and restored. Carousel Organ Co. 402 Manin Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050.

ORIGINAL PARTS for Ampica A-B and Duo-An. Send $2.00 and SASE for list. Brady, 5259 N. Tacoma #14 Indpls, IN 46220.

1921 STROUD DUO-ART (#68433) UPRIGHT REPRODUCING PIANO, mahogany case, in mint original condition, ivories intad, excellent tone. Duo-An has four-lobe side-by-side pump, which runs super quietly. Duo-Art is original, complete, unrestored. Price $1,800.00. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle, Concord, MA 01742. (617) 369-8523.

1927 MASON & HAMLIN AMPICO A GRAND. 5'4" mahogany case, original unrestored instrument, Serial No. RT 36041. Ampico plays, piano in excellent condition, original ivories, a colledor's delight! $7,500.00. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle, Concord, MA 01742, (617) 369-8523.

1918 HAINES BROTHERS UPRIGHT, Ampico &30 rolls $25.00. 1932 5'4" Stroud Duo-Art grand complete except spool box $1 ,500.00 or best offer. 25 Welte Mignon rolls good condition $125. Larry E. Losch, RD#1, Box 327, Emmaus, PA 18049. (215) 967-1368.

MASON & HAMLIN AMPICO A 1929'5'8" Cream Puff $15,000. (313) 541-4377 Detroit.

MINSHALL ESTEY AMPLIFIED REED ORGAN in excellent condi­tion. Vibrato needs adjustment. Contad: Fr. Matthew Krempel, O.F.M., Keweenaw Catholic Missions, Box 386, Mohawk, Michi­gan 49950. Phone: (906) 337-1966.

WANTED LARGE UPRIGHT BUSH & LANE PLAYER-PIANO. This piano usually contained the Farrand Cecilian Player unit. Condition of metal stack parts unimponant. S-K Piano. 630 Ohio St., lima, Ohio 45804. (419) 227-8565.

WEBER UNIKA and rolls wanted. Will consider restored or unrestored machine. Many Persky, 6514 Trumbull, lincolnwood, IL60656. Phone (312) 675-6144.

WANTED: WilcoxlWhite Symphony (58 note) rolls. Send roll numbers only and price. WilcoxlWhite Push Up Player (58 note) with organ. Small WilcoxlWhite 44 note player organ. Roben N. Banlett, 1325 johnson St., Menlo Park, CA 94025.

MUSIC BOXES WANTED, cylinder and disc. Also buying monkey organs, musical watches, mechanical singing birds, player organ­ettes, etc. Wurlitzer 78 rpm jukeboxes. Manin Roenigk, 26 Banon Hill, East Hampton, CT 06242. (203) 267-8682.

IDEAL MOVING PlaURE ROLLS for Capital Photo-player. These rolls at first glance appear to be"A" or "G" rolls, howeve~ they can be identified as follows: they measure 11" wide instead of 111A".{ They have an inner core measuring 2" in diameter and the holes . are spaced 8 to the inch. I'm willing to pay up to $50.00 each. Also wanted: clean gutted Capital Nickelodeon. literature relating to the Capital Photo-player. I wish to correspond with someone else who owns a Capital Photo-player or has pans for one. Paul Manganaro, 126 Carlton Ave., E. Rutherford, N.j. 07073. (201) 438-0399.

REGINA MUSIC BOX WANTED. Top prices paid. Any condition. Also want monkey organ, any old coin operated machines, horned phonographs, old auto pans. I do complete music box restoration. Write for details. Arnold Levin, 2634 WOODLAWN ROAD, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062. PHONE (312) 564-1587.

WANTED FOR COINOLA "X" OAK CASE, Front panels - top and bottom, glass, music shelf, front sedion top lid, coin slot. Complete or pans. joseph Uhler, 460 Ridge Rd., Ingomar, PA 15127. (412) 364-6970.

BERRY-WOOD 15W' 88-NOTE REWIND ROLLS and original literature. Send price and condition to RICHARD E. DEARBORN, 20 Hopatcong Drive, Lawrenceville, Nj 08648. (609) 883-3981.

AMICA ITEMS FOR SALE "-­

AMICA BULLETINS, BOUND ISSUES: 1971, 1972, 1973 bound Bulletins at $15 each. 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 bound Bulleti.ns at $18 each. 1981,1982,1983 bound Bulletins at S21 each. PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE AND HANDLING. Spiral bound to lie flat. Send order to Mary lilien, 4260 Olympiad Dr., los Angeles, CA 90043.

STfRlING SILVER PINS: AMICA pins with a roll leader pictured. AMICA is printed on the leader. Suitable for both men and women to wear. $9.00 postpaid. Send orders to Richard D. Reutlinger, 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117.

AMICA TfCHNICALITIES BOOKS: Volume 1 (1969-1971), $9.50 postpaid volume II (1972-1974), $7.50 postpaid volume III (1975-1977), $8.50 posipaid Volume IV (1978-1980), $6.50 poslpaid

Reprints of interesting technical articles which have appeared in the AMICA News Bulletin, arranged and indexed into appropriate categories. Send orders to: Richard D. Reutlinger, 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117.

Roll Leaders: Duo-Arl, AMPICO and Welte: Excellent replicas. For order form, see mailing cover of Bulletin or write to Terry Smythe, 547 Waterloo Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA R3N OT2. Phone (204) 452-2180. Send order to Terry, also. Orders are shipped from Maine.

AMICA STAnONERY: $3.50 (Iener size), $3.20 (note size), including mailing charges. Fine quality stationery with ornate AMICA borders. Each packet contains 25 leners and matching envelopes. Send orders to: Dorothy Bromage, P.O. Box 275 Cape Conage Branch. Cape Elizabeth. Maine 04107

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS P.... YABLE TO AM/CA INTfRNA TlONAL

Proud of Your Instrument? Have it Restored by Experts.

.Here is what the Piano Workshop Does:

Specialize in rebuilding all types of player pianos and other automatic musical instruments

Restring, rescale and repin instruments

Replace pin blocks, soundboards, hammers and other action parts

Regulate piano action to proper specifications

Hand rubbed refinishing

Restore antiques

Over 20 years research and development in rebuilding pianos

Piano keys recovered, sharps & naturals

Send all or part of your instrument for proper restorations.

PIANO WORKSHOP 3166 W. 33 St. Ph. 216-631-1777 Cleveland, Ohio 44109 24 hr. answering servo

" omnimedia ft. ~1 productions'~ ~8~

TECHNICAL DATA SERIES 1. Covering Pneumatics 2. Recovering Organ Regulators 3. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves 4. Regulating the Duo-Art

New Release: Restoring Ampico Expression Systems

VHS or BETA 2 ••• $39.95 each to order send check or money order to:

OMNIMEDIA P.O. Box 965 Milpitas, CA 95035

California residents please add sales tax. All orders are shipped postpaid. Special videocassette formats are avail­able on request.

The Automatic Music Company \~

Sales and Restoration

Orchestrions

Reproducing Grands

Band Organs

Player Pianos

We cover the full srope of restoration. Lifetime experience with a commitment to quality and originality.

Your instrument is our pride and reputation.

Tim]ackson fux 752

Quitman, TX 75783

(214) 763~2918

KNABE AMPICO

"A" 5'8"

(1928)

The Piano Has Been Professionally Restored Throughout.

New Pin Block &Sound Board

Action has new hammers, dampers, & was completely regulated.

Plate re-gilded &all drawer hardware gold plated.

Mahogany art case; french polished.

See to Appreciate! $18,500.00 Howard Brood

543 9th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215 Tel. (718) 768-4607 (Please call after 6 p.m.)

BROADMOORE AUTOMATIC MUSICAL ANTIQUES specializing in Reproducers, all grands, INSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS

refinishing, and all player pianos.

Restoration oj orchestrions and reproducing pianos COMPLETE RESTORATION our specialty. FACILITIES

OWNER OPERATED 16 years of experience in each related field of

Finest materials used.

"Each part is treated as the most important restoration. part in the machine."

I CASE AND VENEER REPAIRS

We are authorities on authenticity. some carving can be duplicated FINEST HAND-RUBBED MIRROR FINISHES

Prices of restoration ~ary according to the grade of OR SATIN FINISHES AVAILABLE work you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect."

Concert Quality Regulation No trade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedures Lowest Prices, Known References,

thoroughly with any customer. I Guaranteed Work. 17 years experience - only the worlds finest known grades of materials are

used. They are always fresh and continually checked. references proudly given upon request. rg Hot glue and original materials used throughout

Laurence Broadmoore. Owner wherever possible.

1709 "c" First St. Craig Brougher San Fernando. CA 91340

~ 3500 Claremont Independence, Mo. ~ (816) 254-1693 64052213/365-6231

VIDEOCASSETTES VHS or Beta 2

1. Philadelphia Convention 2. Pasadena Convention

*3. San Francisco Convention 4. Dayton Convention S. Buffalo/Texas Convention

*6. They all laughed ... 7. Interview with Dr. Mana-Zucca 8. Shura Cherkassky Interview 9. A Potpourri of Performance

10. Covering Pneumatics II. Recovering Organ Regulators 12. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves 13. Regulating the Duo-Art

* Also available on Super 8, rental only.

For rental or purchase information write to:

Howie Koff 4271 North First Street #1 San Jose, CA 95134

:..~! AMICA~~_ -n,~

Your Midwest Headquarters for: Complete piano rebuilding, total player piano restoration, reproducing piano restoration, coin-operated piano restoration, highest quality refinishing, custom built or­chestrions.

Our 28 years of rebuilding ex­perience guarantees you the best restoration at the most reasonable cost. This is how we make our living, so we must be the best value as well as the highest quality workmanship. We would appreciate the opportunity to quote on your next restoration. No charge for pick-up or delivery within 200 miles of Lima, Ohio.

Nathan F. Woodhull III

~_..- Owner

~~tIt~·