Slot the roll into the top of the spoolbox. Hook the rolls tag onto the take-up
spool. Put the control lever to "Play", set the tempo lever to the
speed you want it and begin pedalling. Enjoy the music - it's that easy!
To rewind you just put the control lever to rewind and pedal and the roll
winds back silently. You are ready then to play the next tune!
Remember:
Tap the slotted
right end of the music roll (or drive pin end for 65-note rolls) into your hand
several times to align all the paper on the spool to one side. The automatic paper aligning mechanism needs to do less work now.
Player pianos operates by suction not pressure as is often thought. To
play the mechanism easily with minimum effort pedal with both feet alternately
allowing each pedal to return to its full height before depressing it again.
Once you have pressed a pedal you do not need to bring it up slowly; it is not an excercise bike! Once
pressed down its internal valves close allowing the pedal to return to the
upright position immediately enabling the operator to press it down
straight away again.
You do not need to pedal in time to the music. You will feel the pressure
inside the instrument under your feet. Once you get the feel of this you will
know how much you should pedal to maintain the volume of the music. More
notes on the roll require more treadling. To play louder, pedal faster;
for soft - pedal slower and gently. By varying the amount and the rate at
which you pedal the pianola together with using the subduing hand controls you
can easily obtain all the dynamics of a real pianist. The tempo mechanism is fitted with a
governor so once you set the speed it stays at that speed no matter whether you
are pedaling the pianola fast or more gently.
Playing the roll too fast or
slow can't harm the instrument. It's you choice.
FINE CONTROL OF THE INSTRUMENT
You can vary the music dynamics by varying the pedalling speed and this in careful conjunction with the music will help give a lifelike rendition. There are levers for the sustain pedal and also to soften the
treble and bass of the piano independently. Again, careful use of these levers,
acquired by practice aids rendition of the music. The mechanism generate operating suction when you pedal. There is a reservoir which collapses as you play so the supply of suction to the mechanism
is constant and even and not erratic as to when you pedal. Once this is at a
sufficient pressure the mechanism plays. You will, as you use your instrument,
get to feel this pressure beneath your feet and you'll soon gain the skill.
Don't make shallow little strokes with the pedals. Instead allow the treadles
to rise up once you have depressed them and press them right down firmly - this
will exhaust the air under that pedal and increase the vacuum in the reservoir.
Pedal with alternate feet at an even regular pace - pedalling in
time to the music is idiotic! The player-piano
will produce basic music with no effort; with
practice it will do a whole lot more.
