THE AMPICO
One of the most interesting player piano systems made during the heyday of the player piano was the AMPICO reproducing piano made by the American Piano Company. The player system was installed in fine upright and grand pianos such as Mason & Hamlin, Knabe, Chickering, Fisher and Haines. The system uses a step intensity expression system like the Duo-Art along with a two speed crescendo ability which yields an extremely versatile device to simulate the actual playing of a pianist.
The music roll library for the AMPICO is more oriented to popular music as it is said that the Company president, Charles Stodard preferred the salon type of music popular in the 1920’s. The pianists who recorded the special rolls were famous pianists of the day and thus the recordings are of the highest quality.
If you are fortunate enough to own an AMPICO equipped piano you have something very special indeed. Restoration of the AMPICO to factory specifications is something I enjoy doing. Send along an email or give me a call and let me know if you need help bringing your AMPICO piano and it’s delightful music back into your life.