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MMD > Archives > March 2012 > 2012.03.24 > 02Prev  Next


How Did Wurlitzer Choose Songs for Music Rolls?
By Don Teach

It should be noted that Wurlitzer orchestrion rolls were arranged in
house until the early 1920's, when they started using QRS masters.  The
same masters were used by Automatic (Clark) for A and G rolls, as well 
as Cremona M rolls.

The arrangements that Wurlitzer used were the same arrangements on
these other rolls.  The editors of the different companies then re-
arranged them to fit the different coin piano scales.  Capitol rolls
were the exception as their arrangements were from their in-house
musicians.  Some collectors feel that the Capitol coin piano roll
arrangements are the best.  I agree, although I really like my late
Wurlitzer rolls.

The last Wurlitzer APP rolls, starting with 0350 on the five-tune APP
changer rolls, are unfortunately from another source.  Changer rolls
started with roll number 01, a march and rag roll, and continued
numerically until the 2000 numbers.  After the 2000 five-tune APP
series came the 0000 series, such as 0140 containing "Sweethearts On
Parade."  Many of the 2000 series are ethnic rolls, so they may have
been released at the same time other rolls were released.

This comes from my failing memory, as it has been ten years since I
really examined the APP numbering system.  My partner was Bob Gilson on
the roll recutting project, when we recut 100 five-tune APP changer
rolls.

Don Teach


(Message sent Sat 24 Mar 2012, 15:23:04 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Choose, Did, How, Music, Rolls, Songs, Wurlitzer

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