Introduction
By A. B. Bonds
I discovered this list by mention on the BamBam Roll Co. Web page. I have been interested in automatic instruments for over 20 years, stemming, I am sure, from my job as a Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, for what are these pneumatic devices but logic elements?
My primary commitment to the hobby is two Ampicos. One (my starter) is a Marshall & Wendell upright, purchased from Automatic Musical Instruments in CT in about 1982 (are they still in business?) It dates from 1923 and is (of course) an A model. I finished the restoration in 1990 and it still soldiers on quite nicely.
In 1991 I saw an ad in the local paper that read "Ampico Grand piano, Estate forces sale" and a phone number. Despite the fact that it was a Sunday morning, I was at the seller's house in 20 minutes. The item was a 1929 Wm Knabe B, Louis XV, with a beautiful finish and completely petrified pneumatics. A week later it was in my living room. Long story short, I had the instrument redone by a local technician (who apprenticed at Steinway) and completed the pneumatic restoration myself in 1993. The only problems are: (a) I did not have the patience to repouch the valves, just doused the leather with neatsfoot oil. They are starting to get a little weak/slow, so that odious task looms before me. Any hints or suggestions of someone who can do a competent job at this are welcome. (b) The regulating points for the motor drive are constantly becoming fouled and need regular cleaning. I have experimented with bridging the points with a capacitor, but this only delays the interval between cleanings. Any suggestions for fixes of this problem would also be welcomed.
Finally, my piano tech called about two weeks ago. It seems that she has found a Steinway Duo Art (mahogany grand, 5' 7") in about the same condition as mine was originally. We are contemplating doing this restoration as a team....
More to come, but I'll read the earlier digests first to keep the noise down.
A. B. Bonds Vanderbilt University
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(Message sent Wed 13 Dec 1995, 17:52:51 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.) |
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