MMD > Archives > August 1996 > 1996.08.06 > 03Prev  Next


WTB Ampico Reproducing Piano
By Jim Heyworth

Hi folks.

I found this on rec.musicmakers.piano. Anybody able/want to help this fellow out ?

> I am looking to purchase an Ampico Baby Grand Reproducing Piano. It
> has been meticulously refurbished and plays beautifully both in its
> reproducing mode as well as via normal playing.
> Can anyone direct me to resources and information about the values of
> such an instrument?
> Thanks
> Dave Wentroble
> davewent@eliza.netaxis.com

I have already suggested to him that I could have a look in the MBSI and AMICA ads, as well as mention it on this list.

Here is his reply.

> Jim:
> Please forward my message to that list. I know nothing about Ampico Pianos
> other than what I learned in the hour I saw the one in question. When someone
> first mentioned it to me, I thought he was speaking of a Disklavier. I had no
> idea that reproducing pianos had ever been made.
> Thanks for your help.

Jim in Sechelt

[ Editor's Note:
[
[ I received a message from him at rollreq@foxtail.com. He was referred by
[ Dave McNally (a subscriber to this group. I sent him the following
[ message. I'm posting the message here for a critique of my information
[ request to him. Did I leave anything out ?
[
[ Thanks,
[
[ Jody
[
[ >> Dave,
[ >> I'd be happy to post your question to the group, but I can
[ >> tell you in advance that more information will be asked:
[ >>
[ >> Describe more fully the piano:
[ >>
[ >> Make of Piano
[ >> Size of Piano (length in feet & inches)
[ >> Type of case (plain, art case, etc)
[ >> if art case, describe
[ >> Type of finish
[ >>
[ >> Describe reproducing action
[ >>
[ >> is it an Ampico "A", or Ampico "B".
[ >> If you don't know, describe the controls,
[ >> especially whether the speed control is
[ >> a slider or a knob.
[ >> Can you identify the date of manufacture
[ >> (not the date of the patents!)
[ >>
[ >> Describe the roll collection
[ >>
[ >> How many rolls, and their condition.
[ >> What portion of the rolls are "ampico"
[ >> rolls, rather that just "plain 88 note
[ >> player rolls".
[ >>
[ >> Describe the restoration job.
[ >>
[ >> Was the piano re-strung
[ >> New or repaired pin-block
[ >> was the piano refinished
[ >>
[ >> was the pneumatic section completely
[ >> rebuilt ? By whom ?
[ >>
[ >> Have you had the piano inspected by a
[ >> piano technician. One that knows reproducing
[ >> pianos ?
[ >>
[ >> The more of the above questions you can get answered,
[ >> the more likely you'll get a meaningful answer. These
[ >> pianos vary widely in value. When working well,
[ >> they are wonderful instruments.
[ >>
[ >> Jody
[ >>
[
[ I've not received a reply from him about this list of questions.
[
[ Jody


(Message sent Tue 6 Aug 1996, 05:46:31 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Piano, Reproducing, WTB
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