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What were the first successful player pianos?

1. Aeolian Pianola

- Manufactured by the Aeolian Company in 1895

- Used perforated paper rolls to control the piano's hammers

- Could be played manually or with a roll

- Became very popular in homes and public places

2. Welte-Mignon

- Manufactured by M. Welte & Sons in 1905

- Used a metal roll instead of paper

- Could produce a more nuanced and expressive performance than the Pianola

- Was considered the highest quality player piano of its time

3. Ampico

- Manufactured by the American Piano Company in 1913

- Used a unique "reproducing" system that could record and play back a pianist's performance

- Was the most expensive player piano on the market

- Was highly prized by professional pianists and music lovers alike

Musical Instruments

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