Lester Wolff wrote in 130603 MMDigest:

> With all the computer programming technology out there, what if there
> was a computer program to analyze the dynamics of an Ampico roll and
> transfer them to create a Duo-Art roll, or a Welte, and possibly a
> Philipps DUCA roll?  What a wealth that could be available out there!
> Is this just a "pipe dream" or is it within the realm of possibility?

I've wondered the same myself, but I have come to realize, looking
at both the Ampico and Duo-Art systems, that they regulate the air
differently in each.  The ArtEcho system as built by Amphion is
virtually identical to Ampico.  I know nothing about the Welte system,
so I cannot comment.

In an Ampico, it would be possible (but not necessarily efficacious)
to have bass at maximum, with treble at minimum volume.  The volume of
the two halves are independent of each other.

In a Duo-Art, the volumes are relative, with either the bass or treble
higher than, but dependent upon, the volume of the other.

Both are quite effective systems, properly coded, and in a properly
restored piano, but a "one-to-one" conversion between them would be
quite difficult.

Bob Loesch
Northern California, USA

 [ At Aeolian-American in the early 1930s, Frank Milne created Duo-Art,
 [ Ampico and Welte versions of the same song.  They could be compared
 [ at the same piano by converting the rolls to MIDI files which could
 [ be performed on a modern solenoid piano.  The challenge is to make
 [ a computer program that does as well as Mr. Milne did.  -- Robbie