I was recently playing a Capitol O-roll (from Paul Gottschalk), and
afterward switched to a Clark roll (from Play-Rite).   What a world
of difference.

So, just to get the ball rolling,   What, oh collectors of O and G
rolls, is that magic difference?   The Capitol's seem to sparkle, and
the Clarks seem to plod.  One is juicy, the other dry; one is light,
the other heavy-handed.  What is it?

I think I know, but want other opinions.  (I will have to admit that
the Clark was probably a composite, put together with no concern for
relative playing speed, so one tune plays at a funereal tempo, while
the next is like "Taz" on amphetamines.)

Unfortunately, friend H and M machine owners, Capitol didn't make
rolls for your machines, just Clark (a.k.a. QRS's brother).  Wurlitzer
arrangements are, well, Wurlitzer: Speil der Tune und shalacker
der Percussion.  ;-)

So, what's the difference?

George Bogatko - gbogatko@intac.com

 [ Does that translate as, "Emphasize the melody and slaughter the
 [ drummer?"  ;-)   One possible explanation is that the Capitol music
 [ was created especially for the coin pianos, whereas Clark simply
 [ adapted 88-note arrangements (many by J. Lawrence Cook) and didn't
 [ spend any extra effort re-arranging the music.  The Wurlitzer staff
 [ arrangers were mostly European immigrants, at least until around
 [ 1923, and I believe that these fine musicians tried to preserve the
 [ performing style of the European orchestrions.  -- Robbie