Over the years I have heard each of the 'modern' versions of the player
piano.  Honestly, I must say that I have been disappointed in their
performance.  They don't seem to have the punch or dynamic range when
compared to the pneumatic systems such as the Ampico and Duo-Art.

Is there some sort of limitation that the solenoid system has which
prevents it from delivering a concert performance, or is it due to a lack
of quality musical arrangement, or something else.  Please enlighten me.

Best regards,
Joe Hutter, NY

 [ Editor's note:
 [
 [ I heard performances by Earl Wild reproduced on a Boesendorfer SE
 [ that were ear-shattering at close range.  But you're right, Joe --
 [ most of the time when you hear a solenoid piano either the piano or
 [ the music has been selected for low volume and minimal dynamic range.
 [
 [ I believe that the current systems by Disklavier, and perhaps
 [ PianoDisc, may be capable of concert-style performance, i.e.,
 [ sustained high volume levels with accurate dynamics.  Can our
 [ readers tell of their impressions?  Has anyone ever placed an audio-
 [ intensity meter at the piano, to compare the volume during recording
 [ with the volume at playback?
 [
 [ Robbie