Music Trade Review
Issue: 1913 Vol. 57 N. 26 - Page 11
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
11
The Principles That Govern the Successful Building of Player Mechanism—
the Subject of Explanatory and Informative Remarks—Problem of Utilizing
Power and the Mechanical Work to be Preformed on the Piano Action.
One may take the liberty of supposing that there connection with the source of power, while at the a passage for suction between the two. If this
is as much desire to know all that is to be known same time all of them are adequately supported has to be done, however, an advantage can be
gained by having direct rubber tube connections
about the principles that govern the successful and held rigidly in position.
between each primary and its corresponding sec-
building of player mechanisms as there is diver-
The Element of Space.
gence of opinion as to the merits of such sys-
This introduces the element of space within the ondary. This is more economical than the prac-
tems as are now on the market. We have had piano. It is easy to see that the first thing to be tice of running passages, from primary to sec-
one controversy after another over the matter of
considered is how big the pneumatics are to be. ondary through the wood of the primary and
valves, and are yet no nearer to agreement than On the one hand, they must be narrow enough secondary chamber walls, for in the latter case
we were before the argument began. And it to be placed in front of the abstracts in not more it is always necessary to carry the passageways
really does not seem as if there were any particu- than four banks. That is to say, the width from round corners, and this is something to be avoided
lar possibility of an agreement being reached. It center to center of adjacent pneumatics on any if possible.
can do no harm to talk about principles as applied one bank must not be more than the width of
If it can be done, the ideal method is found in
to methods, if only for the reason that in the four abstracts, and, in fact, should foe as much placing the primary system on a level with and
midst of so much moonshine a little direct sun- less as is practical. A pneumatic, in short, ought in front of the secondary system. But sometimes
light will tend to improve matters. As for that, never to be more than 1% inches wide. Length the limitations of space preclude this.
of course, even moonshine is better than fog.
The single valve people are in happier position
is a matter where more leeway is allowed to the
But we propose here neither moonshine nor designer, but even here it is well to keep within as regards the position of their valves. In the
fog. We have no intention of reopening any the limits of SY2 and 4 inches. The greater the first place, they do not need so large an arrange-
of the controversies which during the past year width, the shorter the length, of course, and vice ment of trunks and chambers, and, in the second
have been so painful. It saddens us to see a dis- versa. The point to be aimed at is the provision place, they avoid a lot of channeling. All this
tinguished gentleman calling another gentleman of suitable area, and this should not exceed 5.5 tends towards air-tightness. When a single valve
system is to be used, it seems better to place the
names and intimating that the latter is a pompous square inches.
jackass or something equally pleasant. But we At this point it may be observed that a plausible valve immediately upon the pneumatic, as a part
shall steer clear of all such possible complications fallacy often creeps in. There is a lot of talk of the latter's structure; in fact, in a unit with it.
(being by nature averse to taking chances on very often about using larger pneumatics and This is a good scheme in every way and saves
objurgatory contests) by calling attention to some thus getting greater power. This is absurd, since, waste channeling.
The Pneumatic Contact.
facts little appreciated but quite vital to all who beyond narrow limits, every increase in the indi-
There is one remaining question that has always
undertake to build players. In so doing, by the vidual size of the pneumatics means geometrically
way, we shall not find it necessary even to touch increasing power consumption. And that simply provoked a great deal of discussion, but which is
on the question of the comparative merits of one means that what is gained in one respect is lost in no nearer settlement than any of the others. I
or another system of valves.
another. Mark this: A large pneumatic consumes refer to the question of the contact of the pneu-
more energy in the way of effort on the foot pedals, matics with the piano action. In regard to this,
The Ground Work.
Supposing that we have some sort of pressure to produce the minimum mechanical effort neces- one school of design places the pneumatics di-
reducing apparatus or bellows. And suppose that sary to move the piano action. Hence, in soft play- rectly in front of the abstracts, and operates these
we are aware that a convenient form of mechan- ing, the small pneumatic is best. In loud playing, latter through flanges springing from the moving
since the tone force depends on the mechanical walls of the pneumatics to lugs at varying positions
ism may be devised for utilizing the power of
external normal-pressure air as opposed to internal power and since this is simply a matter of the ag- on the abstracts. The positions of the lugs on
each abstract vary according to the position of
gregate external pressure on the moving wall of
reduced-pressure air.
Now, it is obvious that the problem of utilizing the pneumatic, and this in turn simply means so each pneumatic in the stack. If preferred, the
this power is at once resolved into two divisions. much partial vacuum, it is plain that a bellows sys- pneumatics may all be arranged to push up on
One relates .to the space limitations of the piano. tem that will reduce pressure rapidly in connection plungers which come together in a line, and con-
nect with the under side of the wippens of the
The other rs connected with the nature of the with a pneumatic stack which has a minimum of
mechanical work to be performed on the piano waste exhaustible area, will be easier on the per- piano action.
The other school generally places the pneumatics
action. These two points must be considered former than a system of larger pneumatics with
correspondingly larger truck and valve systems. with the operating end facing toward the frame
above all others.
Taking the second point first, we observe that This is plain, but it has sometimes been over- of the piano, so that the valves are turned toward
the piano action. This is just as if the other style
the mechanical function is the lifting of eighty- looked.
Another excellent thing to remember, in addi- of stack were entirely turned around. Then the
eight abstracts of similar connecting rods through
a distance of about % inch. The minimum power tion to this, of the necessity for making pneu- pneumatics operate rocking levers, the further
required for this purpose is equivalent to about matics small, is that of ensuring air-tightness. ends of which come in contact with the piano
2V2 ounces. The maximum may be anything that Primarily this must and will mean two special action.
Pneumatic Itself Is the Key.
things: First, the elimination of long channel-
the mechanism is capable of providing.
As for any mechanical advantage that this latter
Now, very plainly the simplest method of ob- ings, of sharp corners in channels and of exposed
taining this mechanical duty is to provide a set edges at joints; secondly, it must mean a con- system may imply, this is a matter to be decided
of eighty-eight units, of bellows type, each con- struction that will not warp or buckle under in each case individually, but it is safe to say that
nected with the corresponding abstract and each pressure. This means hard wood, laminated or there is no advantage whatever in the use of a
arranged with one wall fixed, while the other, veneered crossbanding and the very best leathers rocking lever from the viewpoint of touch. The
when it moves, shall move upwards. In this form, for packing. The use of shellac for coating is interposition of an auxiliary key of this sort does
not, and cannot, improve the touch. The pneu-
then, the moving wall must always be the lower likewise indicated.
matic itself is the key of the pneumatic mechanism.
The Valves.
wall. We are speaking, of course, of simple
Tf a double valve system is used there is no This question has been thoroughly discussed al-
direct contact.
All this being understood, it is equally clear that question as to the general advisability of (bringing ready in this section.
Much more can be said, but the above sugges-
the mechanical problem -before the designer is to the primary and secondary systems into the closest
give the right dimensions to these pneumatics connection. If the space limitations as to depth tions are fruitful. Later on we must find space
and to mass them on some sort of trunk arrange- are very narrow, it will probably be necessary to for further consideration of the many interesting
ment whereby each of them may be brought into place the primaries above the secondaries, with points included in the topic.
NATIONAL F l P f t r i
9 Player
Tlie
"No Trouble
Trouble"
Tlie "No
' Player
NEW ART STYLES
MANDOLIN, a n d t h e N e w VIOLIN-FLUTE
ATTACHMENT
Jjj M ^ / V/ I I
1
NATIONAL PIANO PLAYER CO.
OREGON-ILLINOIS
Write lor Descriptive Catalogue
PIANO
Nickel-in-me-Slot
Continuous Roll, and Automatic
Rewind Styles—Also 88 Note Pedal
and Combination Pedal and Elec-
tric Styles,
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
11
The Principles That Govern the Successful Building of Player Mechanism—
the Subject of Explanatory and Informative Remarks—Problem of Utilizing
Power and the Mechanical Work to be Preformed on the Piano Action.
One may take the liberty of supposing that there connection with the source of power, while at the a passage for suction between the two. If this
is as much desire to know all that is to be known same time all of them are adequately supported has to be done, however, an advantage can be
gained by having direct rubber tube connections
about the principles that govern the successful and held rigidly in position.
between each primary and its corresponding sec-
building of player mechanisms as there is diver-
The Element of Space.
gence of opinion as to the merits of such sys-
This introduces the element of space within the ondary. This is more economical than the prac-
tems as are now on the market. We have had piano. It is easy to see that the first thing to be tice of running passages, from primary to sec-
one controversy after another over the matter of
considered is how big the pneumatics are to be. ondary through the wood of the primary and
valves, and are yet no nearer to agreement than On the one hand, they must be narrow enough secondary chamber walls, for in the latter case
we were before the argument began. And it to be placed in front of the abstracts in not more it is always necessary to carry the passageways
really does not seem as if there were any particu- than four banks. That is to say, the width from round corners, and this is something to be avoided
lar possibility of an agreement being reached. It center to center of adjacent pneumatics on any if possible.
can do no harm to talk about principles as applied one bank must not be more than the width of
If it can be done, the ideal method is found in
to methods, if only for the reason that in the four abstracts, and, in fact, should foe as much placing the primary system on a level with and
midst of so much moonshine a little direct sun- less as is practical. A pneumatic, in short, ought in front of the secondary system. But sometimes
light will tend to improve matters. As for that, never to be more than 1% inches wide. Length the limitations of space preclude this.
of course, even moonshine is better than fog.
The single valve people are in happier position
is a matter where more leeway is allowed to the
But we propose here neither moonshine nor designer, but even here it is well to keep within as regards the position of their valves. In the
fog. We have no intention of reopening any the limits of SY2 and 4 inches. The greater the first place, they do not need so large an arrange-
of the controversies which during the past year width, the shorter the length, of course, and vice ment of trunks and chambers, and, in the second
have been so painful. It saddens us to see a dis- versa. The point to be aimed at is the provision place, they avoid a lot of channeling. All this
tinguished gentleman calling another gentleman of suitable area, and this should not exceed 5.5 tends towards air-tightness. When a single valve
system is to be used, it seems better to place the
names and intimating that the latter is a pompous square inches.
jackass or something equally pleasant. But we At this point it may be observed that a plausible valve immediately upon the pneumatic, as a part
shall steer clear of all such possible complications fallacy often creeps in. There is a lot of talk of the latter's structure; in fact, in a unit with it.
(being by nature averse to taking chances on very often about using larger pneumatics and This is a good scheme in every way and saves
objurgatory contests) by calling attention to some thus getting greater power. This is absurd, since, waste channeling.
The Pneumatic Contact.
facts little appreciated but quite vital to all who beyond narrow limits, every increase in the indi-
There is one remaining question that has always
undertake to build players. In so doing, by the vidual size of the pneumatics means geometrically
way, we shall not find it necessary even to touch increasing power consumption. And that simply provoked a great deal of discussion, but which is
on the question of the comparative merits of one means that what is gained in one respect is lost in no nearer settlement than any of the others. I
or another system of valves.
another. Mark this: A large pneumatic consumes refer to the question of the contact of the pneu-
more energy in the way of effort on the foot pedals, matics with the piano action. In regard to this,
The Ground Work.
Supposing that we have some sort of pressure to produce the minimum mechanical effort neces- one school of design places the pneumatics di-
reducing apparatus or bellows. And suppose that sary to move the piano action. Hence, in soft play- rectly in front of the abstracts, and operates these
we are aware that a convenient form of mechan- ing, the small pneumatic is best. In loud playing, latter through flanges springing from the moving
since the tone force depends on the mechanical walls of the pneumatics to lugs at varying positions
ism may be devised for utilizing the power of
external normal-pressure air as opposed to internal power and since this is simply a matter of the ag- on the abstracts. The positions of the lugs on
each abstract vary according to the position of
gregate external pressure on the moving wall of
reduced-pressure air.
Now, it is obvious that the problem of utilizing the pneumatic, and this in turn simply means so each pneumatic in the stack. If preferred, the
this power is at once resolved into two divisions. much partial vacuum, it is plain that a bellows sys- pneumatics may all be arranged to push up on
One relates .to the space limitations of the piano. tem that will reduce pressure rapidly in connection plungers which come together in a line, and con-
nect with the under side of the wippens of the
The other rs connected with the nature of the with a pneumatic stack which has a minimum of
mechanical work to be performed on the piano waste exhaustible area, will be easier on the per- piano action.
The other school generally places the pneumatics
action. These two points must be considered former than a system of larger pneumatics with
correspondingly larger truck and valve systems. with the operating end facing toward the frame
above all others.
Taking the second point first, we observe that This is plain, but it has sometimes been over- of the piano, so that the valves are turned toward
the piano action. This is just as if the other style
the mechanical function is the lifting of eighty- looked.
Another excellent thing to remember, in addi- of stack were entirely turned around. Then the
eight abstracts of similar connecting rods through
a distance of about % inch. The minimum power tion to this, of the necessity for making pneu- pneumatics operate rocking levers, the further
required for this purpose is equivalent to about matics small, is that of ensuring air-tightness. ends of which come in contact with the piano
2V2 ounces. The maximum may be anything that Primarily this must and will mean two special action.
Pneumatic Itself Is the Key.
things: First, the elimination of long channel-
the mechanism is capable of providing.
As for any mechanical advantage that this latter
Now, very plainly the simplest method of ob- ings, of sharp corners in channels and of exposed
taining this mechanical duty is to provide a set edges at joints; secondly, it must mean a con- system may imply, this is a matter to be decided
of eighty-eight units, of bellows type, each con- struction that will not warp or buckle under in each case individually, but it is safe to say that
nected with the corresponding abstract and each pressure. This means hard wood, laminated or there is no advantage whatever in the use of a
arranged with one wall fixed, while the other, veneered crossbanding and the very best leathers rocking lever from the viewpoint of touch. The
when it moves, shall move upwards. In this form, for packing. The use of shellac for coating is interposition of an auxiliary key of this sort does
not, and cannot, improve the touch. The pneu-
then, the moving wall must always be the lower likewise indicated.
matic itself is the key of the pneumatic mechanism.
The Valves.
wall. We are speaking, of course, of simple
Tf a double valve system is used there is no This question has been thoroughly discussed al-
direct contact.
All this being understood, it is equally clear that question as to the general advisability of (bringing ready in this section.
Much more can be said, but the above sugges-
the mechanical problem -before the designer is to the primary and secondary systems into the closest
give the right dimensions to these pneumatics connection. If the space limitations as to depth tions are fruitful. Later on we must find space
and to mass them on some sort of trunk arrange- are very narrow, it will probably be necessary to for further consideration of the many interesting
ment whereby each of them may be brought into place the primaries above the secondaries, with points included in the topic.
NATIONAL F l P f t r i
9 Player
Tlie
"No Trouble
Trouble"
Tlie "No
' Player
NEW ART STYLES
MANDOLIN, a n d t h e N e w VIOLIN-FLUTE
ATTACHMENT
Jjj M ^ / V/ I I
1
NATIONAL PIANO PLAYER CO.
OREGON-ILLINOIS
Write lor Descriptive Catalogue
PIANO
Nickel-in-me-Slot
Continuous Roll, and Automatic
Rewind Styles—Also 88 Note Pedal
and Combination Pedal and Elec-
tric Styles,
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).