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MMD > Archives > June 1998 > 1998.06.16 > 06Prev  Next


The MIDI Craze
By Andy Taylor

Hi gang, it really seems like MIDI to play pianos is here to stay!
My MIDI file sales has doubled, to be used to play Pianomation and
PianoDisc pianos, and one fellow wanted some MIDI files to adapt to his
QRS nickelodeon.  Some of them have even been adapted to band organs!
Since I am playing all these cool instruments, maybe someday I will
get to hear them!

It seems that converting rolls to MIDI is the rage these days.
Everyday someone sends me an old roll scan; we fling these things
around like Frisbees and I have over 1000 piano-only MIDI files.
The Pianomation unit gets very heavy use, which shows me what a
great product it is.  Zero problems.

Now, with the introduction of Larry Broadmoore's PowerRoll, I think
the MIDI craze will even be more popular.  With the efforts of Wayne
Stahnke, Richard Brandle, and many others, most of the music of the
era will be available, and not just in private collections anymore.
I donated a few MIDI files that Larry said he would include with the
product.

I am often asked the question, "Which do you like better, rolls or MIDI
files?"  Well, I like both for different reasons.  There is something
to be said about the charm of watching a roll unwind on the trackerbar,
and the rolls will last much longer.  Rolls have been known to still
play after 100 years.

MIDI files will have to be refreshed every few years but they also
have their good points, the best of which is that I can program my
piano to play during dinner and don't have to make a mad dash for the
rewind lever! (Tear-flop-flop-flop !)

But the main thrust of Tempola Rolls is just that: rolls.  To me the
MIDI is secondary but, by nature of roll creating, I have MIDI files
for all our selections.  I have been delayed getting new titles out but
all but two are ready for the Tonnesen's perforator.  Chris and I have
a few surprises that I'm not at liberty to announce yet, but we are
very excited about.

The workload has gotten so bad that we bought a second PC.  I work on
one file while Chris works on the other; it gets a little confusing
sometimes, when we play both at the same time!

Best Regards
Andy & Chris Taylor
Tempola Music Rolls
http://home.swbell.net/tempola/index.htm


(Message sent Tue 16 Jun 1998, 09:26:22 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Craze, MIDI

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