Calibrating a solenoid piano to give an Ampico-type rendition by
these (MIDI) "E-rolls" depends upon many things.

One important thing is the calibration of the MIDI processor to
the power range of the particular piano it is installed in, and the
calibration of the MIDI levels in the program used to play it.  For
example MIDI level "50" may be one thing for one piano and one system,
and quite different on another system.

The "soft" or "PP" on the Pianomation system is so soft that it cannot
even be heard on a computer soundcard.  So the files must be prepared
quite differently for the intended use, or at least have a control
panel that the levels can be readily adjusted, such as Richard
Brandle's "Wind Play" program.

On the Broadmoore PowerRoll MIDI levels are unimportant, because the
power roll is merely opening and closing pneumatic ports, and the
system in the piano responds to it.  But on the electronic solenoid
systems, it is critical to have the levels right -- just like preparing
a pneumatic reproducer

When this is done correctly, there is _NO_ performance difference
between a pneumatic reproducer, and the solenoid piano playing the
"E" rolls.  Yes I said that, _none_!  By careful calibration and great
care to prepare the piano, the two are equal, given equal preparation.

The solenoid piano must have a method of engagement to it's piano that
allows proper action travel, _and_ full solenoid travel at the same
time.  This can be done through compound levers, and by having the
levers raise with the hammer rail to take away lost motion.  Forget
about just sticking those plungers under the keyboard in "twos", unless
you don't want to get the full musical effect that the system really
has to offer.

Andy Taylor
Tempola Music Rolls