I considered a spool-box with MIDI output some time ago but lack the
mechanical/electronic skills to assemble the special spool box and
electronics.

However, what I can provide is the software.  For the last few months,
I've been converting the Macintosh editor/simulator/player to the PC
environment.  Presently, the editor is complete and the 88-note, DuoArt,
and Welte simulators (MIDI converters) are complete.  It is all C++,
object oriented, and ready for re-use.  Ampico-A and Ampico-B are yet to
be done but on the horizon.

I'd be delighted to work with someone or part of a group to bring this to
market at a reasonable price.  I believe there *is* a market for this
product.  My instinct suggests it should be optically based (perhaps
contact scanners like in FAX machines or the Paperport) so it can accept
any format.

Software is easy -- building the hardware is outside of my skills :-)
Interested parties can contact me via my e-mail or at 972-380-6833
(Dallas, TX) in the evening or on weekends.

Richard Brandle