Hi.  In the last digest I talked about a retrofit system that didn't
work too well.  Now here is one that works extremely well.  It's the
QRS Pianomation.

It is well worth the money.  I bought one a couple of years ago, put
it in an old Foster piano, and played it so much, that I completely
worn out the original piano action!  Since it's installation it has
been played everyday.  So, now the original piano action is out waiting
for a rebuild.

The QRS unit is reliable.  Over the past two years I only had to
replace the power supply, which QRS promptly replaced.  I am confident
that in the unlikely event that I have any trouble with this unit, the
folks at QRS are ready to help with just a phone call.

I installed my Pianomation in the piano above the keys, in a "stack"
configuration.  At least in my piano, the performance was much im-
proved.  The Pianomation system is not modified, it just pushes up on
the whippens via a finger, like the original stack did. This has came
in handy too: while my Foster is down for repairs, I just installed the
Pianomation "stack" in another Foster I have here while the other one
waits for repairs.  I still have my music!

There has been much debate of pneumatics and solenoids, "Which one is
better?"  I would say that it is about the same.  With the possible
exception of the Ampico model B (if it's right), the Pianomation will
hold it's own.  I personally don't like cutting a slot in an upright
keybed, but that is only my opinion to which you may or may not agree.

QRS also offers a kit with the system that has drums, xylophone, etc.,
that can be installed in just about any piano.  Although it may not
have the sound that the original machines did, this system also works
very well, and is the best kit of this nature that is offered by anyone
today.

In order for a Pianomation system to work well, the piano has to be
in top shape with perfect regulation, and this includes the Pianomation
system.  Treat it with the same care that you would the finest repro-
ducer, and the Pianomation will amaze you.

One fellow who heard the piano over the phone asked, "Is that a
Ampico"?  No, QRS didn't pay me for the endorsement (I wish) <grin>

Andy Taylor