Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > September 1997 > 1997.09.24 > 07Prev  Next


Performance of Solenoid Pianos
By Joe Hutter

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


(Message sent Wed 24 Sep 1997, 12:16:50 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Performance, Pianos, Solenoid

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page