Otto Higel Player Piano

Datec. 1915

DimensionsOverall: 132 × 154.1 × 73.5 cm (1.32 × 1.54 × 0.74 m)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Ed Drane, 2004

Object number2004.002.001

Label TextThis is a circa 1915 player piano, also called a pianola piano. Unlike reproducing pianos, this instrument required an operator. The pianolist pressed the pedals, creating suction that activated the mechanism to play notes. He or she also had to adjust the tempo control to create an accurate rendition of the music recorded on the perforated roll. First radio and then the Great Depression made pianolas obsolete.

NamePiano, Player