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MMD > Archives > June 2007 > 2007.06.22 > 04Prev  Next


Pratt-Read Player Piano Actions
By Jeffrey R. Wood

Here is what I believe to be a complete list of player actions
manufactured by the Pratt-Read Player Action Co., a subsidiary of
Pratt, Read & Co., ivory cutters, key and action makers, and suppliers
to the piano trade since 1806.  (Located in Deep River, Connecticut.)

Model A, installed in the highest grade pianos, with extra features
including transposer, automatic sustaining pedal, automatic floating
hammer rail, ten-point motor, etc.

Model F, for moderate-priced pianos

Model G grand reproducing action, electrically operated only (plays
"Recordo", etc. rolls)

Model M (apparently a later version of the Model F)

Model P upright reproducing action, electrically operated only

Model PC combination upright reproducing action, both foot and electric
pumping

Model S, specially designed for small player pianos of 4-foot height
and under (pneumatics facing forward)

The Models A and M are sometimes referred to as styles 32 and 72
respectively, and the Model G is also known as "The Art-Supreme
Reproducer".

Player action production began in 1910.  It is doubtful that any early
actions included an automatic sustaining pedal device -- apparently an
available option on the later models F and M.  It appears that all
Pratt-Read player actions are of single-valve construction, and being
built of high-quality hardwood, have the capacity for being remarkably
airtight.

Jeff Wood
Wilbraham, Massachusetts


(Message sent Fri 22 Jun 2007, 10:38:24 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Actions, Piano, Player, Pratt-Read

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