Time for thinking BIG...!

Our goal: Sharing what has been left as cultural heritage, overcoming
restrictive solo-attempts barriers, avoiding further loss of
one-of-its-kind knowledge and materials.

What if:

~ the 5 or 10 best restorers in the world would join their knowledge
and experiences;

~ these experts would identify the most valuable pieces of each
top end reproducing pianos;

~ they jointly restore or rebuilt the one perfect example of each
reproducing piano species;

~ we would have a perfect selection of instruments for recordings,
tests and research;

~ we could use these instruments for public concerts;

~ we could then share this with the global community and all peoples
in the world.

What if:

~ we gather the complete selection of each reproducing roll repertoire;

~ we scan these rolls on an agreed global standard;

~ publish all digital data for research and presentation;

~ we would have a joint roll production site that has the best quality
ever;

~ we would have a partner that would hand-make the roll boxes with
authentic labels;

~ everybody would have unlimited access to the entire global
reproducing piano roll selections?

What if:

~ we would then allow experts doing first hand research on rolls and
interpretations?

~ we would then establish a documentation center containing digital
copies of all material?

The initial idea of a "Global Piano Roll Convention 2018" is still
in progress.  Very valuable feedback has been received.  It might be
too ambitious to do this in 2018, but let's see.  We have spent a lot
of time in meeting people, visiting sites, talking to experts -- all
around reproducing pianos.  Now we are determined to strive for this
goal.

Based on what we know so far, probably any roll ever produced is out
there in at least one of the private and public collections -- even
for the rare types (DUCA, DEA, etc.).  Working with various restoration
experts, we have the impression that each of them knows incredibly
much, but not half of what is available.

As we gathered a list of all (surely not yet all) still existent
reproducing pianos, we know of a minimum of one untouched example each
of all types -- DEA, DUCA, Tri-Phonola, Ampico, Duo-Art, Welte, Stella,
etc. -- so it is still possible to analyse and rebuild these.  Maybe
the experts will come up with the conclusion that restoration isn't the
approach -- maybe rebuilding from scratch?  Let's see.

What's required to achieve this goal?  Bringing together all parties,
identifying sponsors, agreeing the appropriate setup.  Putting in our
heart, soul and creativity.

It's a challenge, no doubt; still, wouldn't it be great to get this done?

Marc Widuch - Faszination Pianola
Munich
info@faszinationpianola.de.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/18/02/07/180207_095829_FB_ReproducingPianosStrategies.001.jpeg