Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > May 2012 > 2012.05.08 > 05Prev  Next


PEDA Steinway Modified by Harold Powell
By Bob Taylor

How did Harold Powell modify his PEDA Steinway?

Through a trade, I acquired a piano formally owned by Harold Powell
of Klavier Music Rolls.  Powell had modified the piano to suit his
needs.  Now, I am attempting to undo any modifications that Powell
made.  My goal is to have this piano operating as it was originally
intended.  The purpose of this post is to seek any information that
MMDers might have regarding the modifications that were made.

The background of the piano is interesting.  It is a rather rare
model B Steinway with a pedal/electric Duo-Art system.  That means
the piano is 7'6" in length and is a true 7' (or a 6'11") Steinway.
The piano was built in Hamburg, Germany, and Aeolian Ltd. of London
fitted the player mechanism in the instrument, which was then sold
in London from the New Bond Street location.

Harold Powell bought and imported the instrument, apparently from the
late Gerald Stonehill, to be used in his roll business.  I don't know
the date.  Here are a few modifications that I am certain he made:

1.  A new pedal lyre without the pumping mechanism was made, and the
original lyre was retained.  This means the lyres can be switched.

2.  An electric Bodine roll drive was installed near the spool box.
Original roll motor and governor retained.

3.  A crash valve was mounted on the expression box.

Other apparent modifications are (I'm guessing):

4. The 17-inch pump was removed and replaced with 15-inch.

5. Various manual levers (slide valves) on the expression box were
modified.

6. Primary stack valves were installed.

Many years ago when visiting with Harold Powell, I believe he told me
that this piano was used in making audio recordings of Duo-Art rolls
that were issued on his Everest record label.  He may have told me of
other planned uses, but I don't remember, as I was more interested in
the Ampico perforators.

The installation of the primary valves almost looks original.  Denis
Hall of London seemed to think so as well when examined the piano last
month.

This piano will soon be playing again.  The original air motor has been
rebuilt and is ready to install.  As any pedaler will attest, an air
motor is the only way to have proper control.  Major work replacing the
Steinway tubular action rails is complete and the new Renner hammers
are ready for regulation.  The Bodine motor now powers my organ roll
reader.

If any list readers have specific information on this piano, please
let me know.  I do have Julian Dyer's paper, "Understanding the
Pedal-Electric Duo-Art", which is quite good.

Bob Taylor
Missouri


(Message sent Tue 8 May 2012, 17:26:21 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Harold, Modified, PEDA, Powell, Steinway

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page