Ampico Piano Roll Perforator

[DoeSigns]

The perforator requires special MIDI files having all events timed on even multiples of 72 ticks per punch row.

[BladeBronson]

Can you produce custom rolls from a midi file? I'm interested in producing music for Ampico players (with expression). I've found a roll perforator in Reno that can do 88 key rolls, but I really want to produce Ampico. Thanks!

[Wurlitzer157]

Now THIS is a roll cutter! Much faster than the computer controlled ones I've seen.

[berntd]

Wow! That is way cool. Is there a description somewhere on how it works? Does it move the punches underneath the hammer or something??

Superb!!

[56Packman]

WAY COOL! are these rools availble for purchase?

[DoeSigns]

@56Packman The rolls are sold by Keystone Music Rolls in Bethlehem, PA.

[bachinorl]

Is there any way to digitally convert a piano roll into standard piano sheet music (ie., so that one would be able to play pretty much the exact same notes/arrangement as was originally recorded on the piano roll-- provided there were no "3rd or 4th hand" embellishments, of course?) Thanks.

[DoeSigns]

@bachinorl Yes, this can be done by scanning the piano roll, converting the image to MIDI using specialized software and finally using Cakewalk to display the MIDI as sheet music.

[cbkidder]

awesome!!! can you produce 65 note rolls too? If not I need a 65 note perforator so i can begin production of new 65 note rolls.

[DoeSigns]

@cbkidder This machine can only do rolls with 9 holes per inch across the paper width. You will need to find a roll cutter who does 6 holes per inch spacing. Nickelodeon roll cutters can usually do 65 note rolls.

[DoeSigns]

The rolls are sold by Keystone Music Rolls in Bethlehem, PA. Most original piano rolls can be scanned and recut. Keystone is seeking rare and unusual reproducing rolls to reissue. Keystone possesses a nearly complete library of classical Ampico master stencils.

[douro20]

Did you make the control hardware?

[DoeSigns]

The control hardware was custom-built for us by an organ builder and converts MIDI to a serial stream which is fed into an organ rank driver.

[hotsickle]

Is this a stock ticker machine?? What's the Dow at today??

[KawhackitaRag]

The Dow is at Bb. The Nasdaq, however, is at G#.

[hotsickle]

....WOOF !

[MANTLEBERG]

Is the paper impregnated with any chemicals to keep it from braking down?

[DoeSigns]

It's what's not in the paper that prevents it from breaking down. Today, acid free paper is used. Thanks for viewing and sorry for the late reply.

[RobinPratt]

So when does the new catalog come out?

[bigcity233]

As an Ampico collector - it's great to see how these rolls are made - and that they're being made today! Thanks for posting.

[risingchads]

Good to see these getting back into production again, especially using computerised replica masters - the more the merrier!

[andyofvermont]

WAY cool! Very inspiring. I need to get off my butt and start building or fixing something like this.

[daddybear1965]

all i can say is WOW!!!!!! and its about time!

heheheheeee

[Ampico]

Wonderful to see that these rolls are being made- is there a site to find out more information about the availabity of them?

Would like to get some new music for my machine.