ABSTRACT
Reproducing pianos were originally invented and developed at the beginning of the twentieth century by the Welte-Bockisch firm in Freiburg, Germany. Many refinements and innovations in the field of piano performance reproduction were accomplished, however, by a host of American firms that came into existence a decade or so after the reproducing instruments’ inception. Before discussing these firms and their unique contributions to reproducing piano design, it would be advisable to preface our discussion with a brief overview of the inventions and principles that led to the concept and design of reproducing pianos.
