Greetings,  I am in the process of writing tools designed to facilitate
(hopefully) the addition of reproducing piano expression codes to MIDI
files.  There is a lot of music available as MIDI files and I am sure
there are people who would like to play it on their reproducing pianos.
Previously I have written programs to convert standard MIDI files to
play with fixed loudness on Ampico, Duo-Art and Welte.  I toyed with
the idea of automatically converting to these formats but it is way
beyond my programming abilities.

My new program allows for the insertion of codes while a file is
playing in a sequencer that allows simultaneous playing and recording.
I have tested it with Cakewalk and it works but other programs would
probably work too.  Currently I have a version for Duo-Art only.
It is a simple display of the status of expression codes and pedals
as entered from the computer keyboard.

To use the program, you start the file playing (in record mode) to
which you want to add expression and or pedal codes.  While it is
playing, you press the keys associated with the various expression
levels and theme codes and they are entered into the recording.  You
can play at any speed you like so as to make anticipation easier.

The resulting files can be played, edited or overdubbed again and
again until it is right.  With an E-Roll fitted reproducing piano (only
Duo-Art so far but I can make other versions) you can monitor the
process while you record as the MIDI can be sent to the piano real-time.

All of this depends on a unique program called MidiOx and its virtual
device driver MidiYoke.  This is used to allow communication between
hardware and software devices.  Setup is a little complicated but easy
once you deal with the usual windows hardware installation.

I would like to hear from anyone who wants to experiment with this,
especially anyone who is likely to produce some new rolls either
electronic or paper.  I have no experience arranging or interpreting
rolls so I can only guess if the system I have developed will be easy
to use.

Another way to use the program is as a keyboard interface for
interpretation of MIDI files playing on an E-Roll fitted Duo-Art.
You can watch the file playing while you add expression.  This can be
done without the MidiOx program if recording capability is not needed.

I would like to experiment with the Duo-Art version first but will
make an Ampico version if there is interest.  I am only interested in
working with people who will provide feedback so I am not giving the
location of the program until I determine that an individual is truly
interested.

Best regards,
Spencer_Lists Chase
Laytonville, Calif.
lists@spencerserolls.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]
http://www.spencerserolls.com/