As a pioneer in developing e-valves for reproducing pianos, it seemed
strange that I would buy one of Bob Hunt's VirtualRoll systems, rather
than build my own, as I used to do.  But there is little doubt that
technology has moved on from 1978, when I first developed my e-valve
system.  Interestingly, there are still quite a few of my systems in
operation today.  However the comparisons are quite stark when my
system is compared to Bob's.

I have now installed a set of Bob's valves in my Weber pedal electric
Duo-Art, which, incidentally, was featured in the July/August edition
of the AMICA Bulletin.  The installation was quite easy, the main thing
being to ensure the tubing didn't foul the piano action.  I installed
the six units as two groups of three behind the spool box and mounted
the processor board behind the roll drive motor, which in my case, is
an electric motor.  This is one truly electrified Duo-Art.

My background in these types of systems has taught me the difficulties
designers have in developing a set of valves for a reproducing piano.
The main aspects are the throw distance of the valve, the time constant
of the coil and attaining reliable operation over a wide range of
vacuum levels.  The VirtualRoll has no difficulties in any of these
aspects, and I am impressed by its operation.  There is a small amount
of clicking, but with the piano covers on, this is inaudible.

While my aim was to be able to play Duo-Art e-rolls recorded on my new
roll reader, I have discovered that pedalling an 88-note e-roll is now
an absolute joy.  The instrument requires less far effort to pedal and
I can enjoy what I am doing without worrying about roll mistracking or
damage.  I suspect the reduced pedalling effort is because the e-valves
cause the pneumatic valves to operate more quickly, with less air loss
as a result.  The many Karaoke files now available mean I can pedal an
e-roll with words that are easier to read than those on a roll.

But there's another advantage: I am no longer limited to pedalling only
piano rolls.  By adding a device called a MIDI Processor from Canadian
company MIDI Solutions, I can redirect the damper pedal data recorded
in a standard MIDI file to note F#1 in the Duo-Art, which is the MIDI
note used to operate the damper pedal in virtually all player pianos.
This means any MIDI piano file, such as those recorded for, or on, a
Disklavier can be pedalled.  The results are quite unbelievable at times,
as you can pedal up a storm very easily, and produce a convincing
performance from a file intended for a Disklavier.

In summary, I can think of no better thing to do than to add a set of
VirtualRoll valves to any piano, including a standard player.  The
instrument's original operation is not affected in any way, but suddenly
it becomes a far more versatile instrument.  My congratulations to Bob
and to those who assisted in the development of these valves.  A very
neat and easily installed system.

Peter Phillips
New South Wales, Australia
http://www.petersmidi.com/