For anyone preparing to cut his own Triola rolls, please be aware
that it is important to mark the accompaniment chord number correctly.
Clearly, it is not necessary to cut the small timing hole; all that is
required is for the number to be in the correct longitudinal position,
and the player is then responsible for operating the accompaniment
strings at the correct time.  It is the correct playing of the
accompaniment that is often misunderstood.

The number can appear in three forms, and each has a different meaning,
in that the four strings of the numbered chord are played differently
according to each form.

A ringed number means play only the bass string on the first beat of
the bar.  The small hole and number will be positioned close to the
first beat.

An underlined number means play the whole chord as a strum, that is,
from bass to treble up the four strings ( right to left with the
thumb).  This, again, on the beat adjacent to the number.

A number only means play only the bass string first when the number
appears, but then play the other three strings on the other beats of
the bar where you see the small holes are cut but without any number
printed.  For example, in a waltz you will play the bass string on the
first beat followed by the other three strings strummed on the second
and third beats.   Simple, really, when you get used to it!

The left hand is rested with four fingers on the piano-forte bar with
the thumb used to pluck the accompaniment strings.

Waltzes and slow pieces are very effective on the Triola, assuming you
have restored and set up the instrument correctly.  Fox trots, however,
will tax the mind in terms of hand-eye coordination.

As Paul Bellamy said, a good party piece.

With kind regards from the founder member of the Great Britain Triola
Owners Club!

Nicholas Simons
Midlands
Great Britain