Components for a third Ampico perforator were brought out of storage, cleaned and assembled last week. When complete, this original Taft Pierce Ampico perforator will be identical to the existing computer-driven machine now in use at Keystone Music Rolls in Bethlehem, PA. This third machine had been unusable due to a damaged intermittent transmission (used for advancing the paper). Thanks to the stepper motor-driven motion control system designed by the author, it will now be possible to place this perforator back into service. The photos show some very seldom-seen views of the perforator components which were broken down into small enough subassemblies to allow the individual parts to be cleaned and moved into the perforator room. Some components weigh nearly 300 pounds and the assembled perforator is estimated to weigh in excess of 1000 pounds.

While in Bethlehem last week, we were fortunate to entertain Ray Scheffy, Paul Manganaro and Randolph Herr. These fellows brought some of their favorite rolls for our enjoyment and some of these rolls are now in the queue to be scanned and recut. Later, we went to Paul's place nearby for a tour of his beautifully restored collection of automatic musical instruments.

The 1926 Chickering Ampico grand is progressing nicely. The new soundboard is installed into the case. The plate is beautifully gilded with new decals and felts. The new bridges are finished and installed. All cabinet components are in the spray booth being prepped. A new bench is being made up from scratch, reusing only the original lid. I've restored most of the pneumatic drawer components and the expression cutout is in process now. It's looking like another 10 weeks or so for completion of the piano by John Zeiner & Co. Before and after photos have been provided for several of the pneumatic components.