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MMD > Archives > September 2003 > 2003.09.29 > 02Prev  Next


Pianotist - Early Piano Player Device
By Gregory Filardo

Does anyone out there have a Pianotist?  These use a cardboard roll and
were manufactured in the 1890s until about 1907.  I have a "Nickelin"
model which was sold "new" in Milwaukee around the turn of the century
(the other one, that is).  I was told that the coin box was a remote
style and not actually in the piano.

Please email me if you found rolls, own any of these kind of pianos
or have any knowledge about them!

Thanks
Gregory Filardo

 [ In Bowers' Encyclopedia, page 382: "The Pianotist [ca. 1900] was
 [ a roll-operated piano which transmitted power to the piano hammers
 [ by means of a rotating power roller similar to that used in certain
 [ electric typewriters today."  The drawing shows a key frame with
 [ feeler fingers.  Hupfeld sold a similar instrument, too.  -- Robbie


(Message sent Mon 29 Sep 2003, 15:20:43 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Device, Early, Piano, Pianotist, Player

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