There are many reasons for nominating 'the best' upright reproducing
player piano but I would choose a British-made Aeolian Half Duo-Art,
for this reason: It only plays 80 notes of the piano from an 88-note
roll, as the top and bottom four perforations are either used for
Duo-Art purposes (well, the treble theme only in this case) or for
nothing at all.
This means that you can play Welte Licensee and Ampico rolls on it as
well, although they only play as "88-note" rolls with no reproducing.
This is quite useful if you want tune titles only made in those formats
but don't have space yet for two more pianos.
I have 2 x 88-note players for sale, one from 1970's, one from 1930's;
please contact me for full details, then I will have more space!
Kevin McElhone, Northampton, England
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