The Ampico was a type of player action.  This mechanism differs from
most player systems in that is can play specially encoded player piano
rolls that control how loud the piano plays the different notes.  There
were several different companies that made player actions that could do
this and Ampico was one of them.  Anyone interested in these types of
player pianos should join a news group or collectors club such as AMICA
(Automated Musical Instruments Collectors Association).

These player pianos are commonly known as Reproducing Pianos because
they reproduce the playing of actual musicians.  There has been
considerable debate as to how close these pianos can actually do what
they were intended but they are very listenable and provide insight
into the musical performances of past artist.

The Ampico Company made many different variations of the mechanism.
The three most well known versions are often referred to as a
Stoddard-Ampico with parts made by Auto Pneumatic Co., and Model A
and the model B with parts made by Amphion Player Co.  Richard Howe
and Jeffrey Morgan published an article in the AMICA Bulletin in
Nov/Dec 91.

They have made some new discoveries since that time.  This article
covered the models made up to 1929.  Perhaps someday they will publish
another article covering the Model B.  The models before 1929 (the
model A) came in eight different versions.  Seven of these versions
are covered in the notebooks of Edward S. Werolin who was the service
manager of Ampico.  The notebooks only go through 1925 so the eighth
version was not covered.  I found it interesting that Ampico had a
schedule of charges for repairing and retrofitting older Ampico player
actions.  This would account for the different versions that are
encountered.

The model B was introduced in 1929 as the New Ampico.  In the 1929
service manual it is referred to as the New Ampico with two references
made to it as the model B.  This new mechanism was installed in all the
American Piano Company brands as well as retrofitted to other brands of
pianos.  There are several versions of the B model with no set rules as
to what pianos got the mechanism as pictured in the 1929 service
manual.  Let's hope that someday there will be an article that covers
the model B in detail.

Mason and Hamlin, Knabe, and Chickerings appear to have the greatest
chance of being a full B Ampico when these pianos are encountered.
The full B mechanism is in 90 percent of the J&C Fisher pianos by one
mans estimate.  The full B Ampico can be found in other brands of pianos
also.  The Fisher was an excellent piano.

My thanks to Richard Howe and Jeffrey Morgan for their research and
saving so much of the literature that pertains to pianos.

Don Teach
Shreveport Music Co
1610 E. Bert Kouns
Shreveport,  LA  71105
dat-smc@juno.com