Can pianolas be played like normal pianos?
Yes, they are all normal pianos which operate in a traditional piano-manner.
The piano is the same as any other piano. The player does not interfere with
normal hand playing capabilities.
Are the pianos good quality?
Yes, originally the manufacturers generally fitted player mechanisms into their
better pianos. A normal piano would get played once in a while whilst a player
could be played by anyone at any time and by ensuring the instruments that
would inevitably be heard the most sounded the best ensured that their brand
continued to sell well. In retrospect it also means that the pianos that were
players are generally better than the equivalent non-player or the same brand.
Can you get new tunes?
Yes, you can easily obtain old and new rolls of old and new tunes. New rolls
are available with songs right up to the current pop tunes of today! So whether
it's classical, opera, musicals, rock n' roll, pop, or 1920s right through to the music of this year - there are tunes for you! Most new rolls are made with the lyrics printed on
them so it's like pianola karaoke in a way! Incidentally karaoke isn't such a
new idea after all - lyrics have been printed on piano rolls for folk to sing
along to since 1909.
How long do rolls play for?
Generally - standard rolls play for up to 15 minutes thereabouts. Some players take rolls that play for 1/2 hour. There were also multi changers made which played up to 10 rolls at a time. Just like CD players today these old mechanisms could also be set to repeat or just play all tunes etc.
How long do rolls last before they need replacing?
If the mechanism is in good order then there should be absolutely minimal wear on the
rolls as they play. Rolls kept well and played on such instruments have lasted
in good playable condition since new - which now means upto about 100 years so
far! Some brands of roll were cut originally (i.e. c.90 years ago) from paper which is more likely to
deteriorate, crack and disintegrate after a period of many years. The problem
is more prevalent in certain US brands than the UK due to paper used at the time in
addition to climatic and humidity variations.
How can I get my instrument restored? Are there things to watch out for?
Your instrument is both an irreplacable antique, a functional musical
instrument and a source of great enjoyment when it is working well! Some
instruments are worth spending money on to restore them to their former glories
- others are not because either the player or piano is beyond repair. Others
still require more expenditure than their value would be once restored -
naturally for instruments of sentimental value this should pose no problem. In
any event whatever the instrument, once properly working again you should
derive pleasure from it that cannot be expressed financially.
For your instrument to operate well equal consideration should be given to both
parts - the musical and the mechanical - the piano and the player. Most piano
technicians know very little about players. Many player technicians are not the
greatest of piano technicians whatever they try to tell you.
Go and hear instruments that have been restored by those who you would entrust
your instrument to. No instruments playing, an eccentric person gusting on
about how good his work is and slating everyone else, everything in pieces for
repairs? All are sure signs of poor workmanship and poor business practice.
Your deposit will likely fund the mess of a business you find and you'll be
lucky to ever get your instrument back in under half a decade. Guff such as "we
use thinner cloth to make the mechanism more responsive" actually means "..so
that it all wears out quicker and I get to do more work." Yes, if you encounter
a company such as this just say you'll "have to go away and think about it!"
If you find instruments in tip-top playing condition that can be demonstrated
the technician will not gust away merrily blowing his own horn for hours - no,
the work will speak for itself and you will feel more confident as you know the
technicians capabilities are not all just hot air to lift a hefty deposit off
you. Ask the technician whatever questions you like and you should find the
competent technician will respond confidently and with evident experience. A
complete rebuild of the main part of the player mechanism (the "pneumatic
stack") will cost over £1500 in reality. If you are paying a
large amount like this ask and ascertain that it includes full replacement of
all valve and pouch leathers in addition to the note pneumatics. Much of this
is almost impossible to check after the player has been re-assembled so do be wary.
Whilst many instruments may puff on for a further 5-10 years without the valves
and pouches being replaced it is a discredit to yourself not to ensure that
these are replaced. Once the stack is re-covered and airtight the playing will
wear out the tired old valve and pouch leather quicker than you may be led to
believe. All original materials in players pianos are now generally so old that
they require complete replacement.
Don't listen to poor technicians talk about "re-surfacing" valves which simply
means brushing off any dirt and scrubbing the old leather a bit to give it some
life. Similarly old original pouch leathers are now generally so old that
"re-sealing" them is a waste of time and money. If you want your instrument to
play like it did when new, and there is no reason why not, then don't skimp on
the details and don't let yourself be duped.
Before you part with large amounts of money in repairing your instrument do
shop around - not simply on a price basis but to see who really will do the
best job. The cheapest job will invariably be a short-cut patch-me-up and the
most expensive will be money down the drain for exactly the same work
obtainable elsewhere - and may well be farmed out to a cheaper workshop in any
event.
If in doubt feel free to contact myself or anyone else either in the trade or a
member of a related music society. Many people will be very pleased to give you
brief advice and point you in the right direction. Yes, there are only a few
books on the subject and a very few websites (you've found this one - one of
the more comprehensive) but take my word -most pianolas and the music rolls are
nowhere near as rare as you might think!
