Introductions Please!!!
By Tom Cruse
Hi Everyone,
I was introduced to this list from Bob Conant, who shares with me another hobby of model railroading. Jody asked me to give a brief introduction of myself to this group.
I was a member of AMICA (Automatic Musical Instruments Collectors Association), for several years before my children came onto the scene, in the early 80's. We have been out of touch with the local group and the Midwest Chapter ever since.
I worked with a local technician to restore my 1927 Krakauer grand piano (5'7") which has a Welte Mignon (Licensee) action. The piano came from the University of Cincinnati, which at the time I attended as a student. Now I am employed by the institution. The piano was in pretty sad condition in that the finish needed to be completely removed and some wood work done. The piano itself had a delaminated pin block and some minor cracks in the soundboard, evidence of years in an institutional setting with steam heat and no A/C. The ivory keys were in good condition except someone had written in Ballpoint pen the letters of the notes. Several strings were broken. The player mechanism was basically there except for the tracker bar, pump, and roll alignment system.
The piano was completely restored about 15 years ago and is about due for some regulation and maintenance. I have approximately 80 - 100 Welte reproducing rolls (mostly re-cuts), and about 30 88-note rolls. At one time I was involved with a roll auction on the west coast and was not very successful in bidding on rolls. I enjoyed visiting people's homes and listening to their instruments. After attending the AMICA convention in 1976?? in Dayton, and 1978??? in Philadelphia as well as attending some of the area meetings, I have been fascinated with the orchestrions, nickleodeons, and band organs. I have seen a Mills double violin, and a large Weber orchestrion in Dayton.
I thought I would investigate what opportunities are available to learn more about this hobby, including events, technical info, etc., and to perhaps check into possibilities of obtaining some additional Welte and 88-note rolls. Unfortunately, I may only have one or two duplicates which I would be willing to part with. If there are any other Welte enthusiasts please contact me.
Thanks,
Thomas.Cruse@uc.edu
Tom Cruse
(No relation to the actor, I was here first!)
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(Message sent Tue 21 May 1996, 19:27:50 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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