ARi`ISTIC KRAKAUER PIANO - Mmdigest.com

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THE FINEST COMBINATION
OF PLAYER Al\iD PIANO EVER
OFFERED, EMBRACING THE
ARi'ISTIC KRAKAUER
PIANO
AND A PERFECT AUTOMATIC
PlAYER DEVICE
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Manufactured
by
KRAKAUER BROS.
ESTABLISHED
Cypress
1869·
Avenue.136~-137~Streets
NEW. YORK
u. s. A.
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PLAVER
Introductory
~~~»)l URSUING our well-known business
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;, policy, ,:e presented th.e Krakauer
--"ir~'. Player-Plano to the public only after
,I(' ~ ,. \.~ a lengthy period of deliberation
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and patient, elaborate and farreaching experiment; it having been proven
conclusively- to our entire satisfaction - that
the Krakauer Player-Piano is worthy to bear
the Krakauer name and take its place among
other notable Krakauer achievements.
Many unsolicited testimonials and the con­
stantly increasing demand for the Krakauer
Player - Piano is incontrovertible evidence that
others share our opinion that it is the latest,
least complex, yet most perfect example of the
new twofold plan of producing perfect musi­
cal harmony.
Like the Krakauer Piano, of which it is (when
so desired) an important, if not component
part, the new Krakauer Player- Piano, in its
duplex field of operation, stands for all that is
best in tone, construction and durability.
In constructing the Player - Piano the exten­
sion of the Krakauer Piano's sphere of useful­
ness in several directions was ever kept in view,
since, under ordinary conditions, the service­
ableness of a piano, as we all know, is limited
to keyboard operation.
With the addition of the self~playing features
the Krakauer Piano enlarges very considerably
its capacity for giving pleasure and recreation,
extending its availability to every member of
the household.
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PLAYER
The Krakauer Player - Piano enables even
untrained fingers to play a piano in as skillful
manner as the most talented pianist, and with
but little study and practice there can be an
almost perfect reproduction of the human touch
and expression. In fact, the player-piano has
become the .home educator, and opens to the
world of music lovers the works of the great
masters. Even a child can, by sliding the
panels in the music' desk, turning down the
treadles and inserting a perforated roll, play any
selection without previous knowledge of music.
For evening parties and other gatherings the .
utility of the KrakauerPlayer-Piano is especially
recognized, as host or guest may render a
complete program of the choicest music, with­
out arduous labor or inconvenience.
For dancing. the Krakaller Player - Piano
makes the famed Krakauer Piano still more
complete than heretofore by supplemented auto­
matic operation, to such a degree that a danc­
ing program can be rendered with ease. What
a vista of pleasure is thus opened up I
With this introduction the Krakauer Player­
Piano makes its bow to the music lovers of
America, thousands of whom know and prize
the Krakauer Piano. To all of these we extend
hearty greetings. They must bear well in mind
the fact that the .Krakauer Piano, as sweet in
tone as of yore, is still theirs to keep and to
play - the Krakauer Player - Piano takes noth­
ing from it. Indeed, it gives them, if they so
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decide, an acceptable extension and develop­
ment of the Krakauer privileges they now enjoy.
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Krakauer Player-Piano
Intelligence
Convex Tracker-Bar
This solid brass convex tracker- bar with concave
, openings (as will be observed iIi the illustration) lengthens
the bridges between closely following perforations in the
paper, and on account of
their shape insure perfect
repetition in playing. One
will perceive that the per­
forations in the music sheets
conform to the hole in the
tracker-bar on both sides of
the opening, and being con­
structed in this manner,
the results referred to natMovement of Music-Sheet over
urally follow. The idea is
Tracker-Bar.
a scientific one, nevertheless easy of comprehension.
This is but one feature of vital importance found in the
Krakauer Player-Piano.
Special Flexible Tubing
Take note of the flexible tubing (air ducts) connecting
the tracker-bar with the pri'mary action, absol utely pre­
venting vibrations and rattles, common in most players.
These air ducts, from tracker to primary action, are con­
nected in an ingenious manner, and it is almost impossible
for them to become loose. . The air passes through the
perforations in the music sheet, thence through the tracker­
bar and the air ducts to the power pneumatics, connected
to which are the almost human striking fingers.
The Striking Fingers
These exceedingly sensitive yet powerful striking fin­
gers, interposed between the power pneumatics and the
piano action, are so cleverly constructed that all thumping
and snapping sounds are entirely eliminated, and the
stroke of the "finger" very closely approximates the
human touch. The elastic stroke of the "finger" pre­
vents undue strain on the piano action, and furnishes a
natural stop for the pneumatic action, eliminating the harsh
automatic blow, so noticeable in many player-pianos.
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Double Primary Pneumatics
The pneumatic action is constructed of the very best
seasoned wood, by skilled mechanics, and every part of
the material employed is of the very best obtainable. The
pouches are made of the very highest grade imported
pouch leather, the thinnest and softest being selected and
used for the primaries;
Feeders and Reservoir
From the pneumatics explained above, the air is drawn
into the reservoir and feeders, which are made of highly
seasoned three-ply stock, the covers of which are of the
very best quality
double-texture rub­
ber cloth, the most
reliable and best
possible system of
construction.
The
relative size of the'
reservoir and feed­
ers is such that, with
little practice, one
can obtain the most
Reservoir and Ft:eders wit'h Treadle~.
artistic and beautiful
effects, by graduating the pressure exerted upon the
treadles (or pedals), rendering it unnecessary to depend
wholly upon the phrasing lever for expression.
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The Treadles, or Pedals
The treadles (illustrated above) are pivoted in a steel
frame, making them strong, durable and reducing friction
to the minimum, and are connected to the feeders, or
bellows, by steel links.
Automatic Pedal Door Opener
Attention is called to the .patented pedal door (or panel)
opener - an ingenious mechanical device - coupling the
player pedals to the door or panel concealing them when
not in use. By raising .the panel referred to, the pedals
are ~utomatically placed in position for use, and are instan­
taneously replaced within the piano when the panel, or
door, is closed.
Unique
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Solo" Device
This remarkable device (iUystrated in the cut) enables
the performer, by the use of these buttons, to gradually or
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instantly subdue the bass notes and accent the treble, or
vice versa, thus insuring an artistic rendition of the selec­
tion played. The re­
.sult is obtained by the
operation of two pri­ mary and power pneu­
matics, connected by a
lifter to the hammer­
rail, which open and
close at the wIll of the
performer by pressure
on the bass or treble
Soloist Buttons.
buttons to which they
are connected. This feature is distinctly original, and one
of the many which have made the Krakauer Player-Piano
superior to others.
The Quadruplex Air Motor
The positive, exact and uniform tempo, which is a
marked feature of the Krakauer Player - Piano, can be
attributed to the superior excellence of the Krakauer air
motor (patented), which
has but four points and
two slides, doing its work
. better than other motors
containing a greater num­
ber, and reducing friction
to'the minimum. Every
mechanic will admit the
advantage of as few
points and slides as posQuadruplex Air Moroc.
sible, provided the motor is efficient and reliable, be­
cause the fewer parts any piece of mechanism contains,
the less complication and liability to get out of order.
Transmission and Shifter
The automatic music-roll transmission and re-roll is a
most ingenious device. The gearing and one-piece frame
are made almost entirely of metal, and are noiseless. Its
unique construction compels the music roll to " travel"
properly, and, on account of connection with the four-point
motor, jumping or unsteady motion of the music roll is
avoided.
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Music Sheet Tracking Device
No player can be satisfactory, regardless of other merits,
unless equipped with this ingenious device, which insures
perfect tracking of the perforated music sheet, andposi­
tively eliminates· those difficulties with the music roll
which everyone familiar with players has hitherto
experienced.
The Krakauer tracking device has no mechanical compli­
cations, yet it compels the music sheet to track perfectly,
should it either shrink or expand through atmospheric con­
ditions. As the sheet is re-rolled, the guiding device
automatically moves away from the edge· of the music
sheet, thereby protecting the edges from turning, tearing,
or being otherwise damaged.
Tracker- Bar Adjuster
An exceedingly simple yet highly efficient device, insur­
ing exact adjustment of the tracker-bar or mouthpiece to
the perforations in the music sheet, under any and all
climatic conditions. This device may also be used as a
medium for transposing, a most desirable feature when
the player is used to accompany vocal numbers, and
doubly appreciated when accompanying transposing in­
struments, such as clarinets, cornets, French horns, etc.
The Silencer
Occasionally the pedormer may desire to play some
particular part of a selection, and to obviate the necessity
of playing the entire roll, we have perfected and installed
a divided re-roll iever (at the extreme right of the group of
four), which, when thrown to the left from its normal
position, controls the valve in the gate-box, diverts the
air from the striking pneumatics, causing the music sheet
to travel silently, at high speed, over the tracker bar.
In Conclusion
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The Krakauer Player mechanism is simple, ef(tcient and
duraqle. It contains no devices or attachments intended
to confuse or mystify the intending purchaser. Every
part of the player mechanism h.as an important function,
and is not incorporated as a "talking point."
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Distinct Feature.s Which Have Characterized
the Unprecedented Success of the
Krakauer Player-Piano
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Superiority of Construction.
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Ease of Operation.
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Wonderful range of Expression.
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Absolute control of Tempo.
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Unexcelled Repetition.
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Solid Brass Convex Tracker-Bar repetition.
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Human-like Striking Fingers on the action.
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Double Primary Pneumatics - most substantial and
compact system of construction.
insuring perfect
prevent undue strain
9 . Three-ply hard wood Bellows and Wind-Chest Boards
-veneered on both sides, preventing checking and
splitting, and consequent leakage and loss of power.
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Unique Solo Device-enabling the performer to obtain
every possible degree of musical expression.
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Quadruplex Air Motor-simple in construction, posi­
. tive in action under high or low pressure.
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Tracking Device - compels
" track" perfectly.
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Pedal Door Opener - places player pedals in position
for use and replaces them inside the piano case by
a single movement.
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Tracker-Bar Adjuster- insures exact adjustment of
tracker-bar to perforations in the music sheet.
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Movable Transposing Tracker-Bar when playing accompaniments.
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The Silencer-permits the performer to play any part
of a selection.
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The Tone-that incomparably sweet, pure, sympa­
thetic, singing quality, demanded by those of
discriminating music~l tastes, and always found
in the Krakauer Piano.
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the perforated roll to
very essential
Style Thirty-Five
(Ready to be played manually)
Case
Double veneered in lvlahogany only; other fancy woods to
order. Trusses and pilasters of solid Mahogany. Artistic and
original case design. Pedals, continuous hinges and other metal
trimmings of solid brass. Ivory keys and ebony sharps. Full
length music desk. Rolling fall- board.
Patent noiseless pedal
action.
Dimensions
Height, 4 feet 6 inches.
Width, 5 feet 2 inches.
Scale
Seven and one-third octaves. Full composition metal plate, sup­
ported and re-enforced by a Hard Maple back frame.
Overstrung
.copper bass. Three unisons of strings except in the wrapped bass
section. Brass-plated metal depression bar. Tuning-pins specially
fitted with original hardwood bushings.
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Style Thirty-Five
(Music roll inserted, ready to be played automatically)
Krakauer Player - Piano, Style Thirty - Five, in Semi - Puritan
case design (see illustration above), has been produced to meet
the constantly increasing demand for a player - piano of the
highest order of merit, in a case of smaller dimensions than has
heretofore been manufactured.
If the unprecedented demand
for this instrument is a criterion of its popularity, it would
indicate that the buying public is quick to recognize superior
quality, even in diminutive form.
Like all other Krakauer
Player - Pianos, Style Thirty - Five is equipped with our Unique
Solo Device, Automatic Tracking Device, and our new Silencer
Mechanism. 88-Note Pneumatic Player Action.
For Specifications see opposite page.
Style Thirty
(Ready to be played manually)
Case
Double veneered in Mahogany, Walnut and Oak; other fancy
woods to order.
Trusses and pilasters of solid wood to corre­
Artistic and original case design.
Pedals, continuous
spond.
hinges and other metal trimmings of solid brass. Ivory keys
and ebony sharps. Rolling fall-board. Full length music desk.
Patent noiseless pedal action.
Dimensions
Height, 4 feet 8,% inches.
Width, 5 feet 4 inches.
Scale
Seven and one-third octaves. Full composition metal frame, sup­
ported and re-enforced by a Hard Maple back.
Overstrung,
full copper bass. Three unisons of strings except in the wrapped
Tuning-pins
bass section.
Brass-plated metal depression bar.
specially fitted with original hardwood bushings.
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Style Thirty
(Music roll inserted, ready to be played automatically)
Style Thirty is manufactured with the 88-note pneumatic
player action.
Every Krakauer Player - Piano is equipped with our Unique
Solo Device for subduing the bass or treble section of the piano,
and producing solo effects.
Another and indispensable feature is our improved and
simplified Automatic Take - Up Spool Device, insuring absolute
alignment of the- music roll at all times and under all climatic
conditions.
For Specifications see opposite page.
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Style Thirty-Seven
(Ready to be played manually)
Case
Double veneered with selected quarter - sawed Oak (Mission
finish). Special brass pedals and hinges. Ivory keys and ebony
sharps. Full length music desk. Rolling fall-board. Patent
noiseless pedal action.
Dimensions
8;1z inches.
Height, 4 feet
Width,S feet 3 inches.
Scale
Seven and one-thlrd octaves. Full composition metal plate, sup­
ported and re-enforced by a Hard Maple back.
Overstrung,
full copper bass.
Three unisons of strings except in the
wrapped bass section. Brass-plated metal depression bar. Tun­
ing-pins specially fitted with original hardwood bushings.
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Style Thirty-Seven
(MuSic roll inserted, ready to be played automatically)
This unique style-a perfect type of Mission architecture­
is designed especially for summer homes, the "den," lodge
rooms, etc.
Specially selected Quartered Oak in the accepted Mission (or
waxed) finish is used in the construction of this case.
Upon special order this Mission design will be furnished in
any desired color, such as Flemish, Old English, N\odern or
Stickley finish. Sample panel of color required should be sup­
plied, if possible.
For Specifications see opposite page.
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Definitions of Expression Marks
Used on Music Rolls
Marks Indicating Tempo
Presto. .
Allegro .
Allegretto
'Moderato
Andante
Adagio
Largd .
Fastest Tempo
Fast
Moderately fast
" In moderate tempo
. Rather slow
. . Very slow
'Slowest tempo
Marks Indicating Change of Tempo
Accel .
Ritard .
Piu Mosso
Meno Mosso
, ' . . Gradually faster
. Gradually slower
(More movement) faster
(Less movement) slower
. . . . . Hold or pause
Resume the original tempo
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Tempo
Marks Indicating Style
Maestoso.
Vivace . .
Agitato
Con Moto
Con Fuoco
Animato .
c'
Majestic
Lively and usually fast
· . . Agitated
. . . With movement
. With fury
Animated, sometimes gradually faster
Dynamic Marks
FF.
F
MF
P
PP.
SF or
Cres
Dim,
· . ,Very'loud
, . , . ,Loud
Moderately loud
. . . Soft
· , . Very soft
· , , Accented
Gradually louder
. Gradqally softer
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Mailed' Upon Request
A Special Art Catalogue of Krakauer Bros. Grand and
Upright Pianos.
Regarded in musical circles as an ideal and artistic instrument.
Unexcelled in purity, sweetness and volume of tone.
Booklet: "Those Who Know and What They Say."
CQ)'ltains a number of convincing, unpurchased testimonials from
.professionals and others throughout the country.
Booklet: "The Best Test."
Contains a list of hundreds. of public institutions owning and using
Krakauer Pianos.
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I(ETTERLINUS,
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PHILA.- NEW
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