Pianolas

A pianola is a brand name for a type of player piano developed by the Aeolian Company. The term has become a genericized trademark, often used to refer to any brand of piano that plays music automatically by means of a pre-programmed music roll. These instruments function by using a pneumatically-operated system. A motor, typically powered by electricity or foot pedals, creates suction. This suction draws air through the perforations in the music roll. As the roll moves across a tracker bar, the holes in the roll align with corresponding holes in the tracker bar, allowing air to pass through and activate pneumatic valves. These valves then trigger the piano's hammers to strike the strings, producing the music. The music roll dictates the notes, rhythm, and often the dynamics of the performance. Early pianolas relied on foot-pumped bellows, while later models incorporated electric motors. While the technology was innovative for its time, allowing people to enjoy complex piano music without needing to play the instrument themselves, its popularity waned with the advent of recorded music and other forms of home entertainment. However, pianolas and other player pianos remain a fascinating piece of musical history and are still collected and appreciated by enthusiasts.