"Pineapple Rag" on a 1916 Behr Bros. Player Piano

[@Fishycheese99]

Scott’s songs were great, but for a lot of them I like to imagine while he was naming them he just stuck his head in his pantry or took one look out the window and said “bingo.”

[@TheEcpeze1387]

Underrated comment.

[@Gamalielslay]

Well done, Ghost.

[@HardcoreChewie7]

Galadriel Godriforth lmaoo i thought that as well when i first saw one in a museum

[@therealtornadosam]

I remember my Grandpa playing piano rolls on our piano and for the one I remember he hovered his hands above the keys and looked our direction and smiled. A nice memory.

[@allison88888888]

👻🎹🎶

[@mounted_future939]

Nah, it's John Cena playing

[@lukassteinbrink322]

Naah that kind of effect would not come to me as I would directly see the paper sheet and then eversthing is clear.

[@Jurgh909]

These pianos might have been useful at those saloons where shooting the piano player was common back in the day. A safety measure for the innocent musician

[@PiotrBarcz]

Great idea!

[@skrappjaw.studio]

I'm sure there were professionals that hated theses machines just like modern purists hate on using laptops to aid in live performances.

[@merimar3]

@@skrappjaw.studio while this is a standard action player piano (and not a reproducing action player piano), many of the professionals actually made piano rolls of their own performances for the player piano! Both Gershwin and Rachmaninoff played on special recording pianos that were used to make piano rolls. These rolls can be played back on a reproducing player piano as if the original pianist is playing.

[@jasonsummit1885]

Even the author of this song did, there are a few Pianola rolls of Scott Joplin out there.😁

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@jasonsummit1885 And he has one too.

[@irburns4734]

What a beautiful piano.

[@merimar3]

Thank you! Subscribe to see more videos of all of my antique instruments.

[@dougklein2378]

Always amazed at a bit of vacuum, air pressure, wire and voila.....great music.

[@sequen-cielscientific]

Pineapple Rag and the sound is perfectly tuned.

[@NSSignalGuy]

Rags are those songs that almost everyone can enjoy. It’s those songs that made this type of piano a thing

[@PiotrBarcz]

Not really true, player pianos predate ragtime by.... oooh... about 30 years actually. However you are so correct about ragtime being an enjoyable genre ;) It's one of the best!

[@mikeflynn1629]

My grandfather a musician himself hooked up a Hoover vacuum cleaner and ran it into his extra workroom. He had a very very nice upright piano in there. It had pedals that you didn't need them he had a switch you would turn on and it would be ready to go. He had probably 400 rolls to play. The best was on Saturday nights my cousins sisters and I would be in there playing rolls and singing some of the greatest memories I had. When it was my turn to pick a roll I would always pick the William Tell overture they didn't like that after a while and would not let me pick it. I was much younger maybe that's a recent

[@jholl_0889]

Scott Joplin was hearing the glory of ragtime up in heaven so, Scott came on Down to this piano to play for the listeners of his music

[@Sano_Kiyoshiro]

Indeed!

[@PiotrBarcz]

Even though this things a mechanical wonder it's still a fun idea.

[@m.w4683]

This is too underrated

[@timd7782]

Fabulous. From a time when things were built in America that were superior quality, built to last and in this case - magical.

[@JohnDoe-ym9le]

That key change at 1:25 is so insanely slick

[@PiotrBarcz]

No kidding!

[@petetotaro1077]

Mom was a piano teacher and the first piano we had at home was player piano!

[@idkwhattocallmyselfsothiswilld]

I cant stop listening to this, it's great!

[@PiotrBarcz]

Literally the best arrangement of this!

[@shafihaque3896]

Came here from mark rober just to see your comment lolll

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@shafihaque3896 Hahaha, I was wondering if my comment there would do anything xD

[@torracat-q2j]

But you where on that maple ra- 🎹

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@torracat-q2j I was where?

[@AgentR-Arts]

@@torracat-q2j he's on almost every player piano video i watch!

[@PiotrBarcz]

I keep coming back, this is such a good video! Also, getting really close to 1000 subs! You deserve more!

[@jheovoez3507]

*THE GHOST OF SCOTT JOPLIN*

[@SQUAREHEADSAM1912]

Jheo Voez I wish, he did allegedly make a roll of pineapple rag with thrills in the last verse but there is no proof that is him playing it.

[@ItsAustin18]

Well played, Casper!

[@xenophiliusrex2501]

I love that it's slightly out-of-tune but not enough to ruin the piece.

[@piggyman-st8iu]

Personally, I love this piano because it’s slightly out of tune. Adds character to it.

[@dubbydub9245]

I'm pretty sure slightly out of tune is traditional ragtime.

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@dubbydub9245 Nah, a hollywood stereotype.

[@jaredharris1940]

My pianos are not often "in tune" due to all those vibrations...they're also pricy to tune too.

[@KevinCeniceros-z9u]

Beautiful.

[@kennethroyce101]

We had a piano the same as that one in Highton Geelong Victoria until 1972 when it was sold to a young girl to learn on for 70 dollars ,it wasn't in good running condition though it alright to on.

[@dorothywells-wz5nr]

Happy music. Thanks D

[@creativecolours2022]

I want a pianola! I love it!

[@nathanberardi7294]

Learning this rag right now!

[@merimar3]

Nathan Berardi lucky you! I have the sheet music, but I've only been playing piano for 7 months, so this piece is still too challenging for me. Good luck!

[@nathanberardi7294]

Nate Montgomery I’ve been playing for 5 years and it’s still challenging lol

[@merimar3]

Nathan Berardi haha that makes me feel better. Overall I think I'm progressing quite well, but ragtime is certainly a challenging music type to play. Getting there though! I love to play despite owning a player piano.

[@TitaniumSubscriber]

I learnt this around a month ago and I always play this first then probably a bit of Maple Leaf Rag which I finished around September this year. Even though I still make mistakes here and there, this piece is still fun to play regardless tempo! Right now I'm doing Peacherine Rag, another fun Rag by the one and only!

[@Wallhackingplusesp]

N M hey, if you want to try an easier rag try Elite Syncopations or Sunflower slow drag by Joplin

[@reneegoocey164]

Whoever punched this roll had a really good idea of how this piece is supposed to sound. It's almost like it was punched with ahead of its time trills and charms.

[@PiotrBarcz]

This roll dates from the 1970s. A very good arrangement I have to say, based on the orchestral arrangement from The Sting.

[@OmniversalInsect]

It sounds almost identical to Tom Brier's recording of the piece.

[@lucym5163]

Fabulous!😊

[@DorAntCr]

Really reminds me of the version from The Sting. The key changes are particularly interesting, as the "Pineapple Rag / Gladiolus Rag" from the movie's soundtrack has this piece in the original key (1st and 2nd Bb major, 3rd and 4th in Eb major), but the "Pineapple Rag" from the movie's soundtrack has the 1st strain in F major, but the 3rd and 4th in the original Eb. Something else the soundtrack has the same with this piano roll is the slighly changed ending of the 2nd strain at 1:10, which the "Pineapple Rag / Gladiolus Rag" closely resembles. All of this leads me to believe that this is the roll that Marvin Hamlisch wrote the soundtrack about. I also noticed a similarity with The Entertainer and this piano roll: kzbin.info/www/bejne/monXaquLpJySjrc

[@deeannmartin5021]

Lov that statement. Well done ghost pretty neat,

[@ThePolarBearProductions]

John Cena is such a talented Pianist!

[@PiotrBarcz]

That wasn't him who arranged the roll! It was Oakes & Williams!

[@ujustgotpwned2008]

Lol underrated comment

[@PiotrBarcz]

@LeKing_ I don't even know who Cena is xD

[@FilipinoFurry]

@@PiotrBarcz well, he is just a wrestler in wwe who has a quote "you cant see me" Not literally

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@FilipinoFurry Ooooh ok

[@therealpatriarchy]

Three-handed piano playing at its finest.

[@DennisKovacich]

I thought I saw a bunch of spots where too many keys were being hit for any two human hands to be able to do!

[@TheSteinmetzen]

This number was included in The Sting.

[@PiotrBarcz]

True that, one of the reasons Joplin's music is known at all these days because of that movie xD

[@johnfenner347]

Absolutely Marvellous !. I've never heard so many key changes, and terrific right hand additions. Truly an historic, Roll, and Piano x x .

[@dennisspinkshappyforbusker2523]

Nice! ❤

[@Samlol23_drrich]

Thank you so much for posting these. In another lifetime, without four children’s college to pay for, I would buy one of these in a heartbeat. What a delight. Quick question; is the electrification of this piano done by a restorer? Or was it built from the factory like that? Also, I cannot find even a ballpark cost for a player in this type of shape from this era. In the 30k range? Higher or lower? Thank you in advance.

[@merimar3]

You're welcome, I'm glad you take joy in listening to my player piano. My player piano was not originally built with a vacuum pump, however, some reproducing player pianos around the 1920s (mine is just a standard action) actually did get built with pumps. These pumps run off bellows and a flywheel, whereas my modern pump is basically a retrofitted vacuum cleaner motor. As for price, you can find a free player piano for every day of the year. However, these will need player action work and possibly piano action work too (these mechanical instruments can be handplayed just like a normal, or "silent", pianos). If you want a working upright standard action* player, I would ballpark about $3,000-10,000 depending on brand and condition. But if you had $5,000, I'd say you can get a pretty nice, working upright player piano from this era. I did a bit of the work myself on mine, so I saved money. Many resources out there to help you through rebuilding yourself! Also many Facebook groups you can join to ask these questions and get advice from experts before making a purchase.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@merimar3 thanks so much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive answer. I have built some furniture for our home, and can fix most anything, so that’s encouraging information. Thanks again.

[@merimar3]

@@Samlol23_drrich join Player Piano Talk and Player Piano Enthusiasts on Facebook. Buy Art Reblitz' maroon book "Player Piano: Servicing and Rebuilding". Player-care.com also has many articles on how to rebuild player pianos. Along with parts to purchase.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@merimar3 okay. Just went to that link player-care.com, and wow- what a site. I can smell another hobby just around the corner. I dont play (wish I did), but we are starting our younger kids on piano lessons. The Roland synth i bought as a toy a couple of years ago won't work, so we were going to take my wife's dads old upright, which requires 100 mile move. Would much rather find a local player. I may be closer to having one than I imagined. Oddly, it would be because of your you tube page. Those videos sparked an old desire to have a player piano one day. So thanks again!

[@merimar3]

@@Samlol23_drrich I've been handplaying nearly 3 years now. I wish I started as a child, so kudos to you for getting your children into piano at an early age. Look on ebay, Craigslist, and the like. Post your questions on Facebook and we (the group) will put our two cents in as you look for a player piano. They are great to handplay on and just as fun to listen to with a roll in the spoolbox. Like I said, many free ones out there. Find a decent one for under $1,000 and spend some time rebuilding it. With the virus going around, it's a great time for a project at home. I'm glad I inspired you! Please keep watching and commenting. It's been a pleasure. More videos to come in 2021 after I get my pianos tuned!

[@johncarcher]

Scot Joplin: Best Musician ever.

[@PiotrBarcz]

I think the tempo is faster than the normal version of the song but with this speed it sounds better in my opinion.

[@cepsluvr]

It doesn't start that fast--and Joplin himself said ragtime should not be played fast--but it gather speed as it goes along, and is pretty exciting at the end.

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@cepsluvr It's still playing at around 80 bpm which is quite a bit faster than many people play it and yes the build up jumps the tempo even higher...

[@Semper_Iratus]

I want to wear a bowler hat and get a beer.

[@RWBHere]

Beautiful! And even better if played a little slower, at the intended tempo. Thanks for having the piano tuned just about right for the authentic sound of a 1900’s brothel saloon piano.

[@PiotrBarcz]

I love the sound of your piano! It has that loose-stringed sound that make sound almost like a guitar! I love it!!! Could you maybe tell me how you got it? Pineapple rag is the best!!!

[@sethery7826]

Piotr Barcz how they got the piano? Or how they got the sound?

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@sethery7826 The piano. I found out he got the piano from a friend and did some work on it. (I might be wrong)

[@nathanhirsch9654]

I'm pretty amazed you still have the sheet for it, not sure how well they survive or if thats a copy but if thats the original its in great shape

[@PiotrBarcz]

The piano roll? That roll was punched in the eighties or nineties, it isn't really that old.

[@SkipPlaysStrings]

@@PiotrBarcz That being said, if stored in a dry place even ancient rolls survive quite well.

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@SkipPlaysStrings Of course, if the roll is taken care of and the little tears that inevitably form are taped over religiously then original rolls will fare just fine. Though in all honesty, recut rolls, when done correctly, will almost always sound better than originals since recuts often eliminate errors in punching and bridging.

[@jessihawkins9116]

i have a piano like this but it’s more ornate with stained glass and has tambourines and stuff in the bottom of it.

[@malik-a-creeper]

Its like a midi in the midle

[@merimar3]

The original MIDI!

[@PiotrBarcz]

Looks EXACTLY like a DAW piano roll.

[@johnluger1642]

Cool!

[@ThatGuyJames15]

It may be some little piece of the action has shaken loose and it's rattling around and also reducing velocity to the hammer. Look for pins that have wiggled out or little bushings or washers that have worn or cracked. Pins you can probably push back in but beyond that seek professional assistance. Idk I found that online

[@PiotrBarcz]

I just wanted to ask if you would like to to watch a couple videos of mine and tell me what you think? I would appreciate it a lot and if you had any tips I would love to hear them! Cheers to the player pianos!!!

[@merimar3]

Sure, I'll give your page a look!

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@merimar3 Thanks so much! If you have any recommendations on how to film the piano (angles and perspective, that kind of stuff) the I would love that too. Thanks so much!

[@stanleystudios5186]

Great, just like the fruit !

[@PiotrBarcz]

Great way of putting it!

[@Jacob-jq2ot]

Nice :D 🍍

[@orolokjunda5268]

If you guys don't mind, I'll just be here tryin' to stop Edna and Mad Dog from destroying Hill Valley.

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

I have an Aeolian, and I'd love to have an electric pump, but I'm not sure how you stop it ripping the paper off the spool at the end...

[@merimar3]

They have auto-off switches that come with certain modern vacuum pumps. Mine doesn't have that so mere seconds after the song ends I rush to flip the switch off and turn the tempo down up 0! Otherwise, yes, it will rip the roll off the spool.

[@PiotrBarcz]

You just have to manually switch it or get an auto reroll pneumatic installed which isn't super easy.

[@djjlee]

Do you need to work the pedals on this?

[@merimar3]

You can work the pedals on it also (as was the original design). But this player has been retrofitted with an electric vacuum pump to run without the pedals (as seen in this video).

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@merimar3 How does it run with the pedals? Is it nice and tight?

[@misterofftopic]

Original Synthesia

[@MohsenBisher]

🎉❤

[@bernardocorrea2989]

How in the hell is a 1916 piano SELF-PLAYING??????

[@merimar3]

Standard technology over 100 years ago. Amazing machines that run off pneumatics.

[@Sano_Kiyoshiro]

@@merimar3 I agree, when i was 6 my grandparents had a massive upright piano (sadly i do not remember the company name) they told me it was a player and i did not believe them, then i saw on the inside it said player, sadly it was gutted of its working components many many years before. so i never got to see it in action

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@merimar3 You got "amazing" dang right!

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@Sano_Kiyoshiro To bad... well you can still get for almost nothing on Craigslist...

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@merimar3 Really cool stuff, I just worked on mine and boy is it a crazy piece of work!

[@kostyam2651]

Шедевр

[@ryansaxe745]

How is this piano powered

[@merimar3]

In this video it is powered by an electric vacuum pump that was not originally designed to be in the player piano. The original method of power is a bellow system that creates reduced air (basically suction). The bellow system is powered by a human pumping the two foot pedals (or treadles) back and forth. The original power method works also. So I can power the player with or without electricity.

[@BryanDelMonte]

seems a touch stiff in the playback... but I suppose it has to be crisp when they're recording to punch it correctly... There's also some sections that I think are impossible to play as a single person. :D

[@PiotrBarcz]

Stiff is the name of the game with these player rolls, they were meant to be sung and danced to so the arranged ones (not based on hand played performances) were rigorously mastered to play consistently. And this is a 6 handed arrangement, I made a score for it actually.

[@knottreel]

This makes me want to bet on the horses.

[@peramundsson2006]

Nice, but this piece is not played as it was written. Who made this recording originally? A human hand, not even a big one, could not press that many keys so far apart in the trebble simultaneously.

[@PiotrBarcz]

This is a 6 handed arrangement based on The Sting soundtrack. Rarely were piano rolls punched as written, what's the fun in that when you can make a far more spectacular take on a tune?

[@dubbydub9245]

Is this a 4 hand arrangement?

[@PiotrBarcz]

This was arranged based on the orchestra sheet music

[@BMerker]

@@PiotrBarcz Yes, destroyed one of Joplin's finest rags!

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@BMerker what do you mean? This is the orchestral arrangement that was made into a piano roll, I actually think it's one of the best sounding versions!

[@PiotrBarcz]

I forgot to add this is a 6 handed arrangement in theory.

[@georgivelev77]

Nice experimental play. I would have liked it better if the tempo had been slightly slower.

[@blancoj]

Who else is here because of the 100 Years of Solitude series?

[@marcopinheiro3483]

Essa precisa 3 mãos

[@playerpianogal]

Good song and great piano, but it needs tuning.

[@KevinCeniceros-z9u]

However, at least a couple of the keys sounded out of tune. Recommend tuning the piano if you have not done so in a while.

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way. We deserve Hell because we've sinned. Lied, lusted stolen, etc. But God sent his son to die on the cross and rise out of the grave. We can receive forgiveness from Jesus. Repent and put your trust in him. John 3:16 Romans 3:23❤😊❤

[@kupamon]

This arrange has way too many notes in some parts sounds great but a single human player wouldn't be able to play it.

[@BMerker]

See Piotr Barcz comments. The exquisite Joplin piece is hardly recognizable in this silly manipulation.

[@PiotrBarcz]

It's a six hand arrangement based on the orchestral arrangement from the Sting soundtrack.

[@ih8utbe]

I am not a fan of the Maple leaf rag. Its too over used as a song for movies portraying the 1900s.

[@beng6319]

Well this isn't the Maple Leaf Rag?