Mike Waters wrote:

> Ed Chaban wrote in MMDigest 971008:
>
> > The conversions of the reproducing rolls are interesting, but the
> > "restoration" nonsense around the use of the Disklavier does us all a
> > disfavor.  The "Vorsetzer in front of a Disklavier" recordings are --
> > quite simply -- horrible, and not musical at all.
> >
      (Stuff Deleted)
>
> I haven't had the chance to read every Digest in recent weeks, but the
> subject here caught my eye.  I'm afraid I couldn't let this one by
> without commenting.
>
> I would have to totally disagree with what Ed is saying here.  I have
> heard Dennis Condon's Ampico Vorsetzer play his 7'4" Yamaha Disklavier,
> and then instantly play back the recording, with outstanding results.
> In fact, to the majority of music lovers, the difference is nil, or maybe
> only that the Yamaha didn't play quite as softly.  Possibly, Ed, you
> haven't heard a good one!
>
> I, for one, would certainly love to have a combination of a Vorsetzer and
> a Disklavier in my collection.

I was not by any means condemning the method of using a Vorsetzer per
se, I am however, disappointed with Wodehouse' pianola playing technique
and possibly with the restoration job on the vorsetzer in question (Wind
motor sounds jerky to me!)

I'll also have to admit that the editors' arbitrary changing of the
subject line to "Vorsetzers & Disklaviers" or whatever has me a little
miffed. I was talking about the Wodehouse recordings and nothing more.

And No, I have not been brainwashed by Doug Henderson!! ;-)

-Ed

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