G'day Jeffrey, You asked about a pedal/electric Marque Ampico.
I have previously restored a U.S.-made Foster pedal Marque Ampico,
but this is the first I have heard of a pedal/electric model. I wonder
if the electric pump was added later? I would say that the here in
Australia and in the U.S. the pedal Marque Ampico is quite rare and the
electric version probably more so.
The Foster Marque Ampico was not equipped with crescendos and could
only approximate it using the fixed levels. I haven't analysed the
musical effect but I would guess the results would be similar to a
Recordo in only having coarse steps although bass and treble would be
fully independent as in any Ampico. Unlike the pedal Duo-Art, it was
not possible for the operator to put in his own accents on Ampico rolls
but who knows with a pedal/electric? Hopefully some useful expression
control is possible for 88 note rolls.
As to the value of your particular player, a lot will depend on the
quality of the piano. If it is an English make, maybe Dan Wilson or
Julian Dyer can comment. Obviously the rolls and cabinet will add
significantly to the value if the rolls are good.
In this country, the price you mentioned might get you a reasonable
Ampico grand but the cost of any restoration is a big factor. There
is a risk that this piano may be "over capitalised" if the basic piano
quality isn't high enough. If you don't expect to resell it too soon,
it will only depend on how you like the sound and appearance and how
deep your pockets are!
Cheers,
Darrell Clarke,
Adelaide, Australia
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