{"id":1985,"date":"2018-04-06T19:19:33","date_gmt":"2018-04-06T19:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/mux\/?page_id=1985"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:53:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T20:53:05","slug":"steinway-duo-art-player-piano","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/mux\/about\/collections\/specialcollections\/collections_descriptions\/steinway-duo-art-player-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"MPAL’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano"},"content":{"rendered":"
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About the Piano and Rolls<\/h2>\n

MPAL\u2019s Steinway\u00a0Model M walnut piano was made in\u00a0New York on October 4, 1927, and\u00a0then shipped to the Aeolian Company of New York City raw (with no lacquer), for installation of the player mechanism. Steinway made relatively few models over the years, and the M was the most common size for a home piano. To make them \u201cplayer ready\u201d the Steinway company lengthened the case by six inches, allowing the installation of the reproducing mechanics, but the rest of the piano remained the Model M scale design. School of Music inventory records indicate that the piano was purchased from Mrs. Lee Drendel in Springfield, IL in the 1950s or 1960s.<\/p>\n

In 2017, a generous grant from the University\u2019s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and additional funding from the Dean of Libraries and University Librarian John Wilkin, enabled renovation of the piano and creation of a secure room for it. The piano and its case were renovated by The Piano People of Champaign, IL and the player mechanism was restored by Mel Septon of Player Pianos Plus in Northbrook, IL. On September 22, 2018, an event was held featuring the renovated player piano and speakers Dr. Catherine Hennessy and Mel Septon.<\/p>\n

MPAL holds approximately 270 Duo-Art original and reprinted rolls as well as compatible rolls from companies such as Connorized, Imperial, and QRS. An inventory of the rolls is available on request.<\/p>\n

Piano and Rolls Use Policy<\/h2>\n

Use of the piano and rolls is mediated by MPAL personnel. Interested individuals, groups, or classes should request an appointment\u00a0via email<\/a>. For extensive use of the collection\/piano beyond a one-time visit, it is best to schedule with us at least a month in advance. The piano rolls do not currently circulate outside of the library.<\/p>\n

\"Black<\/p>\n

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Select Titles in MPAL About Player and Reproducing Pianos<\/h2>\n

History and Reference Works<\/h3>\n