Does anyone have an opinion on the MIDI controlled pneumatic valves
that are for sale from "Ragtime Automated Music" (advertised in January/
February AMICA bulletin)?

I called them and talked to Ken Calkins, the owner.  They make these
valves that are the size of your little-finger thumbnail.  They have a
nipple on each end that fits tracker-bar tubing.  You cut your tracker
bar tube and insert these in-line.  You then run each of the wires to a
MIDI signal processor, which you buy separately.  The valves sell for
$5.00 each.

The ad contends you can also record your old rolls to your disk with
these (using off-the shelf software like Cakewalk, etc.), so they must
be "readable" also.  I wonder if the extra pneumatic resistance would
jeopardize an action's performance?  I've sent away for specs and a
sales brochure on this.

Ragtime Automated Music, Ceres, CA    tel 209/668-0366

I think this is a neat, *non-invasive* way to MIDI-ize your pneumatic
instrument.  Any comments on this stuff?

P.S.  Ken was on the phone with David Letterman when I called.  Dave
wants him in New York City this Friday to be on his show regarding some
calliope pipes he makes.  We both think Dave is going to simply make fun
of this, but he's going to give them a presentation that can't be mocked!

Karl B. Ellison  -  Ashland, Massachusetts U.S.A.¶
KBEllison@aol.com  - http://members.aol.com/kbellison/kbe.html

 [ It sounds like a fine idea, Karl.  Please let us know the specifica-
 [ tions for the unit, and what a complete system costs.  -- Robbie