With regards to the performance of solenoid pianos, I believe that the
problem does in fact lie in the arrangements.  I have re-patched and
sequenced a few files for my PianoDisc/Knabe that sound good to me
(although it is a biased opinion :-).  Compared to my Ampico/Knabe, I can
get comparable performances with custom MIDI files.

I think the majority of the music for these new pianos is arranged for
the perceived audience, who the manufacturers must believe to be a bunch
of disposable income, wine-sipping yuppies.  (The MSR/PianoDisc people
hopefully are getting a different view based on my emails to them :-)

Concerning my survey of solenoid pianos owners, I should be able to work
on the results this weekend.  If any body with a solenoid piano hasn't
sent me an email, please do so if you'd like to be included.  I think
everyone will be impressed with the things some of the MMD folks are
doing with these new-fangled reproducers!

Regards,

Scott Currier