Properly called a Pedal Duo-Art, it's obvious this system shouldn't
have an electric pump attached.  The Pedal Duo-Art is no more than
an ordinary Themodist Pianola system where the accompaniment level
is automatically varied.

Normally it is necessary to hold the subduing levers over to regulate
the accompaniment (a small catch is supplied to hold them there),
but some boxes have an extra pair of cutoff valves to avoid the need
to hold the levers over, in which case a switch is provided in the
spool box.

The effect of connecting an electric pump to a Pedal Duo-Art will be
similar to doing it to a Pianola: the themed notes will be as loud as
the suction supply dictates, and the accompaniment will (when the
subduing is in effect) be regulated by the roll.  When not subduing all
the notes will play as the supply suction dictates, with no discernible
theme.

Horrible in both cases.  For music's sake, a Pedal Duo-Art with
an electric pump should have the pump removed!  If you want an
electrically-powered instrument, look for a proper Duo- Art, either the
conventional Electric-only model or that UK special, the Pedal-Electric
model.

Because Patrick is looking to buy the instrument, a warning on price
is in order.  A Pedal Duo-Art should be valued much the same as an
ordinary Pianola, and not at the added value of a full reproducing
piano.

A lot of buyers must have paid for a reproducing piano over the years
and been very disappointed to find all they had was a Pianola with the
name 'Duo-Art' on it.

Julian Dyer