Over the years I have heard each of the 'modern' versions of the player
piano. Honestly, I must say that I have been disappointed in their
performance. They don't seem to have the punch or dynamic range when
compared to the pneumatic systems such as the Ampico and Duo-Art.
Is there some sort of limitation that the solenoid system has which
prevents it from delivering a concert performance, or is it due to a lack
of quality musical arrangement, or something else. Please enlighten me.
Best regards,
Joe Hutter, NY
[ Editor's note:
[
[ I heard performances by Earl Wild reproduced on a Boesendorfer SE
[ that were ear-shattering at close range. But you're right, Joe --
[ most of the time when you hear a solenoid piano either the piano or
[ the music has been selected for low volume and minimal dynamic range.
[
[ I believe that the current systems by Disklavier, and perhaps
[ PianoDisc, may be capable of concert-style performance, i.e.,
[ sustained high volume levels with accurate dynamics. Can our
[ readers tell of their impressions? Has anyone ever placed an audio-
[ intensity meter at the piano, to compare the volume during recording
[ with the volume at playback?
[
[ Robbie
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