Restoration
REBUILDING
PLAYER PIANOS
IS OUR PASSION
Call us to discuss options…
We have full experience in rebuilding a wide range of player systems from pumpers to reproducing pianolas.
We are specialized in rebuilding of grand piano and upright actions. We use the Precision Touch Design method to optimze touch weight.
We can rebuild the entire acoustic system of your instrument. New pinblock, new soundboard, bridges, etcetera.
Experience the Magic of a Live Performance in Your Own Home!
Step back in time with the legendary Ampico Reproducing Piano, an engineering masterpiece that brings the golden age of piano music to life. Unlike ordinary player pianos, Ampico doesn’t just play music—it performs with the expression, dynamics, and artistry of the greatest pianists in history.
– Authentic Live Performances – Listen to historic recordings from legendary composers and artists like Rachmaninoff playing his own work, exactly as they were recorded over a century ago.
– Superior Craftsmanship – Ampico was installed in premium pianos such as Mason & Hamlin, Knabe, and Chickering, known for their rich tone and lasting quality.
– Restored to Perfection – We offer beautifully restored, ensuring that this century-old masterpiece remains a fully functional and exquisite work of art.
– Investment in Musical Heritage – A beautifully restored Ampico player piano is valuable collector’s item.
Whether you’re a musician, a historian, or simply someone who appreciates the elegance of fine craftsmanship, the Ampico Player Piano is an opportunity to own a living piece of musical history.
History of the Welte Licensee Player Piano
The Welte Licensee Reproducing Piano was a continuation of the renowned Welte-Mignon system, originally developed by the German firm M. Welte & Söhne in 1904. The Welte-Mignon was the first true reproducing piano, capable of capturing and replaying a pianist’s exact performance—including expression, dynamics, and pedaling—far beyond the capabilities of standard player pianos.
Due to international demand and the impact of World War I, the Welte Licensee pianos were introduced as a collaboration between Welte & Sons of Freiburg, Germany, and The Auto Pneumatic Action Co. of New York. These American-made instruments, produced from 1919 to the 1930s, used the original Welte recording system but were manufactured under license for the U.S. market. They were installed in some of the finest pianos, including Steinway & Sons, , bringing world-class performances into homes, concert halls, and luxury venues.
Famous pianists, including Claude Debussy, Alexander Scriabin, Ferruccio Busoni and Horowitz recorded for Welte, making these pianos not only technological marvels but also cultural treasures. Today, restored Welte Licensee pianos remain highly desirable for collectors and musicians alike.
History of the Ampico
The Ampico (American Piano Company) player piano was one of the most advanced reproducing pianos of the early 20th century. Introduced in 1911 by the American Piano Company, the Ampico system was designed to not just play piano rolls mechanically but to faithfully recreate the nuances of a live pianist’s performance.
Ampico was a direct competitor to the Duo-Art (Aeolian Company) and Welte-Mignon systems. It became particularly famous for its ability to reproduce dynamic expression, phrasing, and pedaling with remarkable accuracy. This was achieved through an advanced pneumatic system that controlled the touch and volume of each note.
Some of the most renowned pianists of the time, including Sergei Rachmaninoff, Artur Rubinstein, and Ferde Grofé, recorded for Ampico, making it an invaluable part of musical history.
Ampico was installed in some of the finest pianos of the era, including Mason & Hamlin, Chickering, Knabe, and Baldwin. Despite its success, production ceased in the 1940s due to World War II and changing musical technologies. Today, original Ampico pianos and rolls are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
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Add Any content hereThe Duo-Art Reproducing Piano, introduced by the Aeolian Company in 1913, was one of the leading player piano systems of the early 20th century.
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