Hi all,  I have tested, on four different Model B Ampico pianos, Robert
W. Taylor's A/B translator device to make Ampico A rolls sound as if
they are playing on an A piano rather than a Model B.

Three of the pianos belong to Doug Miller; they are (1) the 7' Mason
Hamlin that came from the Ampico laboratory in New York which had been
converted by Ampico to a B from an A with all the components normally
found in a B; (2) an RA Mason Hamlin that was an A with the push rod
stack with B expression and drawer installed, and (3) a 6'6" Chickering
that was an A piano modified like the RA.  Doug has made many YouTube
videos that can be found on line but these are not examples that use
the A/B translator.

The fourth piano, made in 1935, is the third RB 5'4' Mason Hamlin
manufactured that I purchased from my good friend, Dave Saul.

Although the A/B translator came with excellent instructions to adjust
it to suit the piano you install it in, it worked just fine as it came
out of the box, on all the pianos I have tested it in with no need for
adjustment.

The Ampico B does not go into the amplified state that an Ampico A does
at high volume levels, so A rolls sound rather uninspired on a B piano.
The A/B translator will allow your Ampico B to bring A rolls up to a
level similar to their performance on an A piano.  I currently have it
installed on my RB Mason Hamlin and enjoy it very much.

Best to all,
Allen E. Ford

 [ MMD articles on this subject are indexed at
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/KWIC/D/device.html  -- Robbie