Re: Apollo Expression Grand
By Rob DeLand
Bob Stratman, in Digest 961222, asked for information about his Melville Clark Apollo Expression grand piano.
I think I can offer the help you need -- I restored my Melville Clark Apollo expression piano about three years ago. I'm sure Art Reblitz' book, "Treasures of Automatic Music," has the tracker scale you're looking for, and I can send you a copy of the page you need.
Your piano sounds like a Solo Art Apollo, which I've always wanted to see. The two stacks is what gives it away: they used a huge roll (15 inches or so wide?) with 9-to-the-inch spacing by which, in addition to the standard note range being available and played on one stack, a second range of SOLO notes was perforated and played on the second stack, presumably at an increased pressure level. Have I guessed right? I believe Durrell Armstrong, of Player Piano Co., is also restoring one of these.
I live in Grayslake, about half-way between Chicago and Milwaukee, and I'd love to see your piano some time. You are also welcome to inspect mine, if you're interested . The expression mechanism is working properly, but mine does not have the second stack. I'm curious how the expression system is incorporated into your piano; I'll guess it plays standard Apollo 11-3/4" expression rolls in addition to the Solo Apollo rolls.
Why don't you either email or call me when you get a chance (847-548-6416) and we can talk more. I took good notes while I restored my piano, if that's any help!
Cheers, Rob DeLand (deland_robert@macmail1.csg.mot.com)
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(Message sent Sat 28 Dec 1996, 15:06:31 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.) |
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