Another data-transportation format dies: QRS Music recently ceased producing paper-hole-punched player piano rolls. The format was a simple one, similar to the process used in wind-up music boxes, but not complex enough to produce the kind of music available on phonograph records or radio...which makes it surprising that there was still any reason for the manufacture of player-piano rolls after the 1930s or 1940s. As with the false belief that digital synthesizers would replace all musical instruments, people still appreciated the art of the player piano, and restorers still needed something to play on their classic machines. Offering an alternate music choice or modern audio format didn't do in the player piano: replacing the roll format did. Modern player pianos exist, but load their songs from a CD or memory card.
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Aw, crap. We just got a player piano from my dad, and it uses paper rolls. Guess I'll be out of luck looking for new ones... Ah, well... its bellows are shot anyhow. :^(
--Jennifer , 01/06/2009 21:35:59
They're usually awfully cheap if you look at antique stores and maybe eBay - not a lot of demand, and a lot were made I think we have a crate of 'em somewhere in the basement that I thought would be a good investment, but didn't sell.
--Derek, your Host , 01/09/2009 16:12:22