MMD > Archives > December 1996 > 1996.12.28 > 05Prev  Next


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)



(Message sent 28 Dec 1996 09:06:31 -0600 , from time zone -0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Apollo, Expression, Grand

Related by Subject:
1996.12.28.05 (This article) - Re: Apollo Expression Grand
2026.01.15.01 - FS: Gebr. Bruder Elite Orchestra Apollo Organ
from Gary Bagley
2025.07.13.03 - Seek Apollo Red X, QRS Autograph Automatic Rolls
from James Williams
2025.05.24.02 - FS: QRS Solo Art Apollo Roll 15.25 Inches Wide
from Jane Till-Schroder
2025.04.18.04 - Seek Apollo Red X, QRS Autograph Automatic Rolls
from James Williams
2025.01.04.01 - Seek Apollo Red X, QRS Autograph Automatic Rolls
from James Williams
2024.06.07.02 - Seek Seeburg XP, QRS Automatic, Apollo Red X Rolls
from James Williams
2024.03.29.01 - Apollo Grand Piano With Art-Apollo Player
from David Dewey
2024.03.28.01 - Seek Seeburg XP, QRS Automatic, Apollo Red X Rolls
from James Williams
2024.02.29.03 - FS: Apollo X Roll "Rhapsodie Hongroise"
from Bob Stewart
2023.11.02.02 - Seek Seeburg XP, QRS Automatic, Apollo Red X Rolls
from James Williams
2023.05.02.01 - Seek Seeburg XP, QRS Automatic, Apollo Red X Rolls
from James Williams