Concerning Randolph Herr's comments regarding the need for a sustain
device in an automatic piano, I feel that one is absolutely necessary.
Simply extending notes in an arrangement is not the same.  When all the
dampers are lifted, all of the strings in the entire piano resonate in
sympathetic vibration, creating the familiar warm and full sound we are
familiar with.

By simply extending the notes, you get no such effect -- there is no
sympathetic vibration and the effect of a true sustain is not present.
Sympathetic vibration in a piano can best be demonstrated by talking
into the strings of a piano with no action in it.  All of the strings
will echo your speech.

I also find it odd that there is a new player system out there with
no sustain solenoid.  I know PianoDisc has (or had) one; what system
does not use one?  I don't think I would want it.  Maybe the guy doing
the installation just didn't want to put it in?

I know in the PianoDisc they can be difficult to set correctly and
operate without slamming if you don't know how to take the time to
do it right.

John D. Rutoskey