G'day all,  I mentioned last week that I would be checking out a rare
Beale Art-Echo player and I would like to pass on what I found.  The
piano is a beautiful upright Beale (Australian), possibly around 1920,
with an electric Amphion Art-Echo player.  The player is entirely
original, no restoration of any kind, and is still working.  Well almost!
I didn't bring an 88n test roll, but the only notes I didn't hear playing
were the result of 3 broken hammers (kids had guilty looks).

The label said "Beale Master Touch Reproducing piano", but I don't think
there is any connection with Mastertouch piano rolls.  I played a number
of Art-Echo rolls, but no expression was evident, although the crescendo
pneumatics were trying to do something.

I advised the owner of the probable costs for a full restoration and his
eyes glazed over!  I might look at doing the expression part only for him
to get the system working, but I fear the rest will pack up very quickly
with renewed use.  The pneumatics are surprisingly supple and the rubber
tubing has not yet set fully hard but I wouldn't like to disturb it.  The
"pot metal" fittings will need attention or replacement, but these look
like standard Amphion/Ampico units, as are the valves.

I still can't believe how well the piano played, although the owner
seemed to expect that, because it had been "looked after"!  He has about
100 Art-Echo rolls, some of which look like re-codes of Ampico and
Welte rolls, from the artists on the labels.  Some were by Felix Arndt
which might have come from original Aeolian recordings.  It would be
great to hear them played properly, particularly Greig playing his own
pieces.

If I don't help the owner out, I fear it might be a long time in the
future, if ever, before this thoroughly deserving player is fully working
again.  If anyone has any notes or tips on restoration of Art-Echo I
would appreciate any help.  I will be getting copies of the charts from
P.P.Co.

Cheers,

Darrell Clarke,
Adelaide, Australia