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"The Nutcracker" Played on Ampico & Duo-Art
By Bob Taylor

[ Ref. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK-xoOL1ShQ
Attachment thumbnail Duo-Art [ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QybqhcPRHBI
Attachment thumbnail Ampico Perhaps the most significant aspect of Ralph Nielsen's posting is the fact that he has featured these two entirely different systems in nicely restored playing condition. The rolls have huge differences of interpretive nature, yet each renders a pleasing musical performance. Other contributors have mentioned comparing rolls more similar. The "Trio" rolls (Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte formats of the same performance) come to mind. Even then. some astute collectors have noticed slight differences in how those rolls are coded for their respective systems. Pending a more complete regulation and adjusting, I might attempt such a comparison. I have one or two of the trio rolls. I can play Ampico and Duo-Art rolls on two 7' pianos which will somewhat level the playing field of instrument size. (My pedal-electric Steinway 7'6" is still a work in progress.) However, I don't think the differences will be discernible once the videos and recordings are made. In any event, congratulations are in order to Ralph Nielsen for jobs well done, and for his YouTube postings. Bob Taylor Missouri

(Message sent Sat, 21 Dec 2013 19:36:03 -0600 , from time zone -0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Duo-Art, Nutcracker, Played