In response to the question about the Capehart switch, it merely was an
additional switch position on a later model Ampichron.

An additional plug was attached to the back of the piano and was
hanging down so that a radio-phonograph could be connected into to the
Ampico's "advanced circuitry."  Instead of the piano or chime roll
coming on automatically, it could be set to allow the "Capehart" radio
or phonograph to turn on.  You could connect anything to it (the
Christmas tree?)  It could be an RCA radio (would be called the RCA
switch?), or connect it to the refrigerator and set it to "defrost."
Then I am sure it would have been called the Frigidaire switch!!)
<smiles>

It was a great gadget for the man who had everything, and wanted
something to impress his neighbors and fellow workers.  *They*, of
course, probably had a plain old Ampico without any attachments!

If one carefully examines the era, a great many Ampico and Reproducing
piano owners really did not enjoy music that much.  The piano and it's
gadgets were a prestige item.  In checking over old addresses of Ampico
owners, they all seemed to congregate in the same type neighborhood, or
were connected to the same company.

In many cases one will find an original Ampico intact with a set of the
favorite fifty rolls or a cabinet of about 25 rolls, barely played.
Usually the hammers of the piano are hardly grooved.  One piano I saw
had the original felt covers still remaining on the pedals.  This is
further evidence that many of these pianos were purchased mainly for
show.  Perhaps they were played when the "Jones's" were over for
dinner, but other than that, were used very little.

Then, there were the odd ones, who really enjoyed the music of the
Ampico.  That type will be found to have about a thousand rolls stashed
in every cabinet or corner of the house; most, nearly worn out, and the
piano action ready for it's third rebuild!  I like that type!

The Chime Roll was the only roll that made some sense when played by
the Ampichron.  It was put together by Emse Dawson, roll editor for
Ampico.  In addition to the chime roll, there were a very few jumbo
program rolls cued to play one tune each hour.  These jumbo rolls can
be identified by a greatly extended 0-T, the very first perforation in
the treble side of the B rolls.

Bruce Clark

 [ One wonders if nowadays the high-priced solenoid pianos serve
 [ the same market: to "Keep up with the Jones's!"  -- Robbie