Hello Gary and MMD,  The problem of insufficient off time between
repeated notes on a MIDI file is common when a "sequenced" MIDI file
is played on a mechanical piano, as opposed to an electronic piano
(synthesizer).  The latter will restrike a note no matter how short
the time between the end of one and the strike of the next.  The former
has to have enough time for the hammer mechanism to reset before it can
restrike a note.  Grands are faster at this than uprights because they
can restrike while only partially reset.

MIDI files prepared for or recorded on a "real" (mechanical) piano
will usually have enough off time to repeat properly, while many files
prepared using a synthesizer may not.  It is possible to correct this
problem by editing the end timing of the run together notes.  By leaving
the starting point the same and shortening the note duration a little,
the necessary space between repetitions can be created without altering
the musical effect.

With a little practice, a typical three-minute piece can be corrected
by manual editing in about ten minutes.  I have used an early version
of Cakewalk Apprentice for this.  In the piano roll view the offending
notes can be readily seen and the preceding note duration shortened
slightly.  A little experimentation will reveal how much gap is required.
The firmware in some pianos may do some of this "gap fixing", but usually
not enough.

I have made some ragtime pieces become absolute show stoppers by fixing
the gaps this way.  Many of the rags on the net are disappointing when
played on a mechanical piano until the gaps have been corrected.  Try
it -- you will be impressed.

Bob Hunt
Kennebunk, Maine