Questions and answers |
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Serenade (Schubert) |
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1. I've heard MIDI files of piano rolls but was not impressed. |
It depends on how the rolls were converted to MIDI files. A simple method that has
been used extensively is by adding a MIDI recording system to a player piano,
and relying on the performance of the player. The PA erolls are from Ampico reproducing
piano rolls that were scanned in a purpose-built electro-pneumatic "scanner",
eliminating the use of mechanics. Download About the erolls for more information. |
At this stage we don't have a credit card facility. Instead, we invoice you, so you
pay on delivery by check, Western Union transfer etc. |
5. If I order a product, how do I pay? |
6. I only want to buy a few files. Can this be arranged? |
Please email us. We can usually make some arrangements to suit you. |
7. What support do you offer? |
We've been selling eroll files since 1980. We guarantee our products, we're committed
to answering all emails daily, and have a history of providing full support
for our products. |
4. Being from piano rolls, surely this is old fashioned music? |
The classical works are timeless as are many of the popular songs. As well, pianists
of the time "interpreted" music, giving a refreshing look at well known pieces.Download About the music for more information. |
2. What do you mean by "optimised for mechanical pianos"? |
The internet offers a lot of free MIDI music (including scans of piano rolls) that
can often only be played on a MIDI sound generator or computer. Playing this
music on a Disklavier or PianoDisc can mean excessive volume, lost notes, poor
repetition, missed phrasing and bad pedalling. The PA erolls were developed from the outset for use on a mechanical piano. Each file was monitored during recording on a mechanical piano and the volume range suits a typical Disklavier or PianoDisc. They sound fine when played "electronically", but are at their best on a "real" piano. See our downloads page for sample files to try on your piano. |
3. Why were your roll scans done with air, not light? |
Optical scans can produce a good copy of a piano roll, but not necessarily an accurate
performance. Obtaining an optical roll scan is relatively easy, but it requires
the scans to be processed, so monitoring during recording is not possible.
If a roll has fuzzy perforations, it can be difficult to tell between bridges
and repeating notes, or when a note should start and stop. Optical "noise" is
also generated, resulting in extra notes, or when the file is processed, original
notes being deleted. Because it's more difficult to build an electro-pneumatic
scanner, we thoroughly researched optical scanning as an option before deciding
to "read" the rolls with air. |