Hello Brad,  I've only owned a reproducing piano (an AMPICO) for about
a year now, so I'm certainly not an expert on the subject.  I did,
however, ask the same questions as you when trying to decide what piano
to buy, so I thought I would give my $0.02 and take a shot at answering
some of your questions.

First let me say that I believe both Duo-Art and Ampico are fine
reproducing piano systems.  I own a 1926 Knabe Ampico A and have no
real experience with Duo-Art or Ampico B pianos, so I will leave any
discussion of the relative merits of the reproducing systems to the
experts.

Now for your questions --

1. Music -- Since you mentioned that you mostly listen to popular
music, I think Ampico gets bonus points in this area.  Duo-Art
certainly recorded popular music, but they focused on (and were known
for) their classical music catalog.  Ampico focused more on popular
music, but also have some great classical rolls.

2. Availability of rolls -- Rolls are still readily available for both
systems but I believe there are somewhat more Ampico rolls available
and more people offering Ampico recuts.  Personally I wouldn't make
this a major criteria in the decision making process, though.

3. I'm not going to touch your questions about the "positives and
negatives of each system", or which system is "more lifelike in its
reproduction".  As I said, I'm not really qualified to answer such
questions and besides I'm new to MMD and would like to make friends,
not enemies.

4. Piano Brands -- Steinway is obviously a great piano.  In terms of
Ampico piano brands there were three top tier piano brands: Mason &
Hamlin, Knabe and Chickering.  Most will say that Mason & Hamlin is
a cut above the other two.  Piano brand only tells part of the story,
however; a medium quality grand that is in great shape could be
a better choice than a Steinway or Mason & Hamlin that has major
problems.

5. Size -- You mention that space is an issue for you.  It was for me
also and I ended up with a 5'4" grand.  Personally I would recommend
a grand over an upright if you can manage to fit it in.  There are a
number of tangible benefits to the grand including sound, touch of the
action, and typically resale value also.  Most reproducing pianos built
were grands also so it will be easier to find what you are looking for
if it happens to be a grand.

6. Since space is a problem for you, be aware that the placement of the
spool box in the Duo-Art required the piano case to be extended.  The
most common Steinway Duo-Art is the XR which is a 6'2" grand.  It is
based on the Steinway "M" however which is a 5'7" piano.  Bottom line,
the Duo-Art system makes the piano longer for a given harp size.

7. Price -- The best advice I can provide in this area is to decide
what you really want and then be patient.  Pianos are constantly coming
available and if you are looking for a good solid piano, but one that
needs work, you can easily keep the price below $10k.  I know of three
Steinway XRs for sale right now in the $5-10k range and I see Knabe
and Chickering pianos in the $2500-10k range regularly depending on
condition.  It seems like most Mason & Hamlins Ampicos have been
restored more thoroughly and that along with the quality of the piano
means they tend to command higher prices than the Knabe and Chickering
pianos.  If you are patient, you'll find what you want at a reasonable
price though.

Just last week, a good friend of mine picked up a Fischer Ampico A
(a middle grade Ampico) for $900.  He now has six pianos, but he
couldn't pass up the deal.  The piano had apparently been sitting in
a warehouse for years but was in great shape and after just a few hours
of minor repairs and a tuning we had it working well.  The pump is
strong and it expresses well.

Well, I hope that helps a little.  Good luck in your search and be sure
to let us know what you end up with.

Rob Montgomery
Chino Hills, Calif.