I noticed yesterday on the eBay web auction site an item called the
Dynavoice, which is essentially a Vorsetzer that doesn't setzen "vor"
but "oben." That is, the unit sits on top of the piano keyboard, with
the piano-roll tracker frame perched on top of the bank of finger
pneumatics which depress the keys.
The unit is not foot-pumped; apparently the roll frame is motor driven
and the vacuum to operate the Dynavoice is supplied by a turbine that
didn't show up in the picture.
The seller mentioned that very few of these were made. If I recall
correctly it was of post-WW II manufacture. The winning bid took it
at something over $500.
Do any MMD'ers know more about the Dynavoice? This was a first for me.
Matthew Caulfield
[ I did some consulting ca. 1968 for the guy that bought the remaining
[ stock at the bankruptcy auction, and he gave me one of the units.
[ It was sold as a novelty around 1960, when player pianos were once
[ again in vogue. The turbine blower roared, and after a few years
[ the plastic components began to crack and split. I think the
[ manufacturer was in Plymouth, Michigan. -- Robbie
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