If you put a live performer at a piano next to a Ampico piano and
a solenoid piano and compared them, would you really be able to tell
a difference?

I've noticed that one of the most important factors in a reproducing
piano performance is tempo.  It's usually in the roll arrangement
itself.  People notice when the tempo speeds up too fast suddenly, and
this sounds inhuman.  If it's the right arrangement, I don't think you
would be able to tell a difference in the Ampico or a live performance.

When the tempo is too fast, people say, "that sounds like a player
piano".  But when the tempo is relaxed and exactly like the live
performance, then I believe you could fool even the greatest pianist.
Just my opinion.

Cheers,
Brian Smith
Calimesa, CA