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Hello,  In response to Terry Smythe's inquiry about QRS Solo Apollo
rolls which are 15-1/4" wide, they play on unique Melville Clark
Apollo player pianos with two pneumatic stacks.  I have one of these
under agonizingly slow restoration.  As the piano was partially
disassembled when I acquired it (the stack had been removed/reinstalled
but not all of the tubing reconnected) I cannot provide precise details
of tracker-bar layout or the exact function of every perforation, but
I can provide some generalities.

My tracker bar has 134 holes across, at 9/inch spacing.  Some of the
holes have additional holes above/below the 'standard' set of holes.
I do not know why these holes are arranged vertically in this manner.

My piano has 88 striking pneumatics in the "front" stack which press
directly down on the keys.  There are an additional 55 striking
pneumatics in the "rear" stack which are arranged vertically with 'L'
shaped fingers that pivot and lift up on special pads built directly
into the stickers of the action.

It should be noted that only the notes of the piano intended to be
played by this stack have these special pads, which makes the action of
even a gutted player of this type recognizable.  These are supposed to
play at a different level of vacuum than the "front" stack, enabling
simultaneous notes to be played at different intensities.

The piano can play conventional 88 note rolls by means of a slide
block that will shut off the extra holes on either end.  An adjustable
take-up spool will accommodate rolls of the different widths.

According to original advertising, dated October 1912:

  "Until Melville Clark's patents become invalid, the Solo Apollo
   IS and WILL be the only instrument of its kind in the world that
   accents the theme or melody of a composition, that enables you
   to instantly omit the melody notes, playing only the accompaniment
   and play that accompaniment in any of EIGHT different keys. ...
   The SOLO-APOLLO _is_ the player piano you want."

As to the 15-1/4" wide 88 note rolls, these will also play on early
multiple-format Melville Clark players.  My parents have one of these
pianos in operating condition and I have written about it previously
on MMD.

I would be willing to provide any additional information to Mr. Smythe
if I can be of any further assistance.  Also, I am always interested in
any 15-1/4" rolls, either Solo Apollo or Concert Grand, if anyone has
some they are looking to find a home for.

Troy Taylor
soloapollo@yahoo.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]