I reviewed my files on the Spinet Ampico to see if there might be
something to be added to the articles mentioned in the earlier MMD
posting. I did find some additional information.
The Spinet Ampico was introduced at the Aeolian-American Corporation's
exhibit for the Music Trades and Industries Convention of 1937 held at
the Hotel New Yorker, New York City, June 26-29, 1937. Aeolian-American
Corporation had an exhibit both at the hotel as well as their showrooms
located at the Aeolian Company, 689 Fifth Avenue, and at Wm. Knabe
Corporation, 584 Fifth Avenue. Discussion of the exhibition described
the new flat-top (spinet) Ampico as being prominently displayed. It
was also noted that this new model Ampico would not include a foot-pump
model but was electrically operated.
How much earlier the Spinet Ampico was made, I could not determine.
There was no mention at the 1936 convention by the National Association
of Music Merchants. Since it was described as new in the 1937
convention suggests it was not much earlier than June of 1937.
Mark Reinhart
Charles Town, West Virginia
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