If anyone is interested, several years back I produced a recording
(cassette tape) which was digitally recorded professionally of one of
the last original playing Ampicos in existence!  Apparently six were
built in the factory in 1942 and were the last of the regular
production run.

When this recording was produced (1995) the piano was completely
original and still playing.  It is truly amazing what these instruments
are capable of doing.  One can only imagine the sadness the original
technicians felt when they laid down their tools for the last time and
knew the world would never see anything like this ever again.

This is a rare opportunity to hear exactly what the great artists
heard as they listened to it, with all of the original settings intact.
I have heard few if any pianos ever approach the quality that this
original instrument does.  The piano is a Chickering grand 5'4".
The whisper dusting of the keys as well as the crashing crescendos are
all there in the mix of 1930s popular selections as well as a Chopin
Nocturne played by Harold Bauer as well as Gershwin playing his
"Rhapsody in Blue".

On the flip side is a Link 2E nickelodeon.  Running time is close
to an hour for the entire tape.  Both instruments were tuned minutes
before the master recordings were made to insure exceptional quality.
Sadly at the present date, 2003, the Chickering Model B grand now will
need rebuilding as an original instrument still playing (unrebuilt) is
now unheard of.  This recording is $12 plus shipping.  Please email me
at gkfilardo@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Greg Filardo