The Fascinating History and Resurgence of Pianola, the Self-Playing Piano

Pianola, also known as player piano, is a self-playing piano that uses a system of rolls to reproduce the sound of a live performance. The rolls contain perforations that correspond to specific notes and rhythms, and are read by a mechanism inside the piano. As the rolls are played, hammers strike the strings to produce the sound of the music.
The history of pianola dates back to the late 19th century, when inventor and pianist Edwin Scott Votey developed the first self-playing piano. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the technology became widely available and popular. During this time, pianolas were a common sight in homes and public spaces, providing entertainment for people who could not play the piano themselves.
Pianola experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1950s and 60s, thanks to the efforts of collectors and enthusiasts who preserved and restored these instruments. Today, pianolas are highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike, and are considered an important part of musical history.
Pianola is also used as a term to describe the music rolls themselves, which can be found in a variety of styles and genres, from classical to jazz and popular music. These rolls are often highly prized by collectors and can fetch high prices at auction.