I sent the list posting by Colin Hintz in Tuesday's MMD regarding the
QRS Nickelodeon to a friend of mine who, shall I say, is 'well informed
on the subject.'  I would also like to add in the instrument's defense
that the background instruments are not synthesized but are live
recordings of actual instruments.  Perhaps the audio system of the
instrument in question was not adjusted correctly.

 -- Reply to MMD posting by my associate --

> Obviously all of us cannot find an affordable, magnificently
> restored nickelodeon that plays perfectly and needs NO maintenance
> or constant regulation.  I had a complete different experience with
> the "tall case" Story & Clark coin operated nickelodeon.
>
> Along with the instrumentation, the Pianomation portion adds an
> incredible dimension to the overall sound.  Obviously if the piano
> is not in tune it will sound poorly but probably more like most
> nickelodeons always do.
>
> The tall case nickelodeon pushes the $30,000.00 mark but you get
> a lot for that price.  Along with the nickelodeon CD's it will
> play all of the Pianomation repertoire.
>
> Jack - jackj@wicks.com

I have just completed a Pianomation retrofit of an older grand and
I can't tell you wonderful it is to listen to.  I can tell you for a
fact that the background accompaniment is not synthesized.  Some of the
disks even have original vocals on them.  One of my personal favorites
is a recording of the Platters singing 'Twilight Time'.  Now I know
that you cannot synthesize a singer!

I suspect that what has been done is that an old recording of the
Platters was used and the piano part was added onto it.  Its like
having an entire orchestra or band in your living room!  The QRS
Nickelodeon will also play the disks for the regular Pianomation
system.

Allen Moe
allenm@wicks.com