Push-ups are only as good as the action. My 65-note Pianola
Metrostyle Themodist (the Orchestelle Co.) is a favourite of mine.
It has a hand-operated 'sustain' lever that effectively operates
the sustain pedal of the piano.
The bass and treble 'volume' levers allow full musical expression,
and it compares well in performance with my 88-note Hopkinson with
its APPA-labelled mechanism (Aeolian, I think). One advantage is
when tuning the piano because there is no mechanism in the way of
the piano tuner. So, for a push-up just push away!
Music is not that rare in the UK, and it is possible to acquire an
interesting range of rolls, but some patience is required if they
get warped or damaged. Unfortunately, I do not know if new copies
or arrangements are available, which makes them a bit limiting but
definitely not museum pieces!
My one had a faux-walnut finish in very bad order that was overlaid
on rich mahogany veneers. (Mahogany must have been cheap in the
USA!) Now re-polished onto the veneers, it makes a very attractive
piece of furniture. Roll on the 65-note rolls!
Paul Bellamy
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