Re: Ramey Banjo Orchestra Roll
By John Rutoskey
The roll that the Ramey machine plays is indeed a newly designed special scale, based on the earlier original BanjOrchestra scale. There are many differences between the original machine and Ramey's, therefore I believe they have used the term "re-creation" when describing it. Note that the original instrument is spelled BanjOrchestra, while the Ramey re-creation is spelled "Banjo Orchestra".
The roll is a 100-hole scale, I believe, running on a copy of the Western Electric spoolframe. If I recall correctly, it plays a full 61 piano notes. It is exactly the same piano harp and action as is in a Seeburg K type instrument (I think it even says "Seeburg" on the casting).
The rolls are specially arranged by Art Reblitz, and I believe Mr. Reblitz also re-arranged some original Weber-Maesto arrangements to fit the machine! (at least on one tune, according to Dave Ramey Jr.)
The piano and percussions play with elaborate expressive quality, due to the care involved in working out the details of the machine and rolls, and does not tire the ear at all. This is one machine that I can listen to for long periods of time, thanks to the combination of Art's roll arranging savant, and the Ramey's enviable ability to do difficult things perfectly.
This machine does NOT contain a glockenspiel, however, as was reported earlier by another contributor. Tape cassettes are available from the Ramey's factory of this instrument. They are well produced and I can highly recommend them both.
If a reader should find any of this information incorrect, please let me know.
John D. Rutoskey
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(Message sent Tue 24 Sep 1996, 18:04:56 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.) |
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