Introduction
By Douglas K. Rhodes
Howdy:
My brother Rob Rhodes has suggested that I get my name on your Automatic Musical Instruments news mailing list, which I would like to do at this time.
I have been a piano technician (R.P.T. - Piano Technicians Guild) here in Victoria, BC for the past twenty years, specializing in antique piano and player piano restorations. The climate here is quite favourable for the preservation of wooden furniture and instruments, and the city itself has a strong musical tradition. Hence, we have a lot of good older pianos, including many elegant 19th-century European grands. There are several good Ampico and Duo-Art grands (one Steinway), as well as the usual array of functioning and de-funct upright pumpers.
I play alto and soprano saxophone with The Belvedere Broadcasters, Canada's first authentic 1920's dance orchestra. We're playing original arrangements for eleven pieces from the collection of the band-leader, Greg Sumner, who is also a _serious_ collector of 20's dance and jazz 78's. I am also a long-time _serious_ collector of early operatic 78's and cylinders.
I hope this serves as a sketchy introduction. I would be happy where appropriate to contribute short notes to your publication if I have some worthwhile technical info to offer. My first experience with player pianos goes back to 1956, when brother Rob spread the parts to his Weber Ampico out all over the living room floor. Just can't get away from 'em...
Cheers
--Doug Rhodes |
(Message sent Fri 22 Dec 1995, 19:00:59 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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