The Hupfeld Solophonola is a 'theme' system that plays any standard
88-note roll or those with theme accenting -- it's the German
equivalent of Aeolian's Themodist Pianola instruments.

The only significant functional difference between them is that the
Solophonola's accompaniment level is regulated throughout its range,
unlike the Themodist which uses a fixed regulated level and a sliding
throttle valve.  That makes the Solophonola a little bit more
controllable for those interested in making serious music themselves
by means of the player piano -- which is almost nobody.  Absolute
top-quality construction is featured as well.

Although this instrument will play any standard 88-note roll, and can
use 'snakebite' accents to give a better musical effect on any make
of roll that contains them, it was specifically designed for Hupfeld's
own hand-played 88-note rolls.  There's a repertoire of some 5000
performances played by the best classical pianists of the day, in many
ways equivalent to the German Welte catalogue.

These rolls are not particularly common and a few are quite sought
after for the performances they contain.  They turn up in roll auctions
in the UK from time to time.  Standard Themodist rolls are the
commonest type in the UK.

Is it worth replacing a pinblock in such an instrument?  Almost
certainly not!  It's easier to find another [piano] in better condition
to start with, probably available almost for free these days.

Julian Dyer