Bruce Clark wrote:

> Since many of you have installed MIDI units, I was wondering how much
> of a task it would be to install some sort of unit that would play
> Ampico rolls from a disk?

Pianomation, without a doubt!  Not only is the unit terrific and
expressive, but you can count on QRS being there for you in the
unlikely event something goes wrong.

Unlike some competitors, who put you from one department to the other
when you call, QRS staff knows the system inside and out.

I bought the 88-note Pianomation 2000.  This system is more standard
than the others.  If your unit stops reading CDs (like John Tuttle
encountered) just grab an off-the-shelf CD player and connect it to
the piano.  Viola! -- you are in operation again.

The 'trick" to getting the Pianomation system expressive is, of course,
setting the low playing level (not unlike a reproducing piano in a
way); this only needs to be done once.

The closer to specs you regulate the Pianomation system, the better it
will perform.  the worst part of the installation is having to cut a
slot in the keybed of your beautiful piano.  But that will have to be
done with any system you choose.

If cutting a slot in the keyboard bothers you, you can also get what
QRS calls the Playola, a Pianomation system that sits on the key blocks
sort of like a "push up".

I would highly recommend getting the following software to play the
piano:

  Cakewalk Pro Audio
  Richard Brandle's "Wind" editor (with Ampico emulator)
  Wayne Stahnke's "View" program (he also has hundreds of Ampico files)

Hope this helps.

Best Regards

Andy & Chris Taylor - "The Lone Arranger"
Tempola Music Rolls - "Taylor Made" Just For You
http://home.swbell.net/tempola/index.htm