I have enjoyed the comments about the lack of a sustain pedal solenoid on
the Playola Pianomation player.

The Pianomation system that is installed on the inside of a piano _does_
have an optional pedal solenoid. If the solenoid is unplugged from the
power supply, the computer goes into what they call "Magic Pedal" mode,
that is, when the sustain pedal is called for, the computer holds down
those notes.  I too, was skeptical about this until I heard it.

I was recently in a piano store where they had a Steinway grand with the
Pianomation system installed.  Just for fun I unplugged the sustain pedal
solenoid while the piano was playing.  As an audience, the two piano
dealers who had been in the business over 50 years were listening.  They
were impressed, and could not tell when the sustain pedal was working or
not.  We did this several times.  I know there is a difference, but it is
hard to detect.

There are a lot of Pianomation installers that do not use a sustain pedal
solenoid. There are also installers that insist on the pedal solenoid.
For those skeptics, I say listen to one.

Thanks and thanks again for the MMD!

Grant Leonard