The AMICA 2012 Convention in Pittsburgh is rapidly approaching and I
continue to get new ideas for my mart items.  Over the last ten years,
I've made hundreds of recordings of the reproducing pianos that I have
restored or regulated.  Listening to these recordings helps me analyze
the performance of the piano and reproducing system.  I find that when
I watch a piano perform, the motion distracts from the aural analysis.

This is probably true for most of us who love mechanical music --
we tend to want "the whole enchilada" so our aural analysis is less
critical when we see these instruments perform.  It is my theory that
"in person", the instruments sound better because we are not totally
focused on the sound.  Making an audio recording allows me to really
scrutinize the performance and make adjustments.  Plus, I like doing it.

I have put together two hours of music from my audio recordings.
Four pianos are used: they are (1) a 5'8" Mason & Hamlin Ampico B,
(2) a 6'2" Mason & Hamlin Ampico B, (3) a concert grand Mason & Hamlin
Ampico A, and (4) a concert grand Chickering Ampico A.

My CD's are called "Ampico Potpourri, Classical" and "Ampico Potpourri,
Popular".  Each disc is an hour long with diverse, fantastic music that
puts the piano through a rigorous test.  The final three selections on
the pop disc celebrate the end of the era of the Ampico and post Ampico
production.

The quality of all recordings is quite good.  I hope to have the correct
number on hand to match a modest demand at the mart.  The price hasn't
been set yet, but it will be small, just enough to cover expenses.

Can I have some feedback on this?  Let me know if this is a good or bad
idea, and a fair price.  If you want the complete list of selections,
just let me know.

Bob Taylor
Missouri