Themodist-Metrostyle, Instruction Rolls
By Rob DeLand
Regarding Themodist rolls, I'm certainly no expert and my next paragraph seems like a no-brainer, but while the topic is hot I wanted to mention something I haven't seen here yet. We all know what themodist rolls are (snakebite perfs on either roll margin to trigger an accenting mechanism) but metrostyle has a specific definition as well.
Metrostyle rolls are those with a colored line down the middle of the roll which indicates to the pianolist when to move the tempo lever up & down (implying arranged rolls as opposed to hand-played rolls which should by definition have their rubato built-in). This is not to be confused with the OTHER line on the roll which implies dynamics. I believe metrostyle rolls will all have 2 lines, one for dynamics (usually a blue line, and usually further left on the roll) and one for the metrostyle function (usually a red line and further to the right on the roll). Further, rolls were issued that have Themodist and no Metrostyle, Metrostyle and no Themodist, or Themodist AND Metrostyle. I don't have a themodist player so I've never paid a lot of attention to this, so if any of you has more experience or better details than this I'd be interested to hear about it!
Next, I too have a set of the Gulbransen instruction rolls. I got them out to play through last night, but was distracted until the kids were asleep so I had to pass! I'll try again tonight. A few points, though:
(1) my set says 1st edition, and I think there's a 2nd edition; I wonder what the difference is.
(2) my set is 6 rolls, the last 2 being "practice rolls".
(3) the rolls are clearly manufactured by QRS: they have QRS tabs, black QRS-embossed boxes, and all other tell-tale QRS qualities such as flanges, paper, holes, markings, etc.
BTW, I don't recall ever having played these rolls; my set clearly suffers from John Phillips' aptly-termed "exercise bicycle" syndrom - they all look to be in mint condition, as well!
On a different note, I wanted to say that I've enjoyed a lot of the postings lately. Everyone has something interesting to say, and welcome to all you newcomers. I just wish I had more time to comment and be more actively involved. I intend to write up something on the MBSI convention because I had a ball and some fun experiences I'd like to share. Each weekend I've told myself I'd sit down & type it out, but it hasn't happened yet! However I did get the driveway sealed and some the lawn mowed and the weeds pulled and the car waxed and ...
Cheers,
Rob |
(Message sent Thu 19 Sep 1996, 16:20:38 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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