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Note: if there are zero copies of this disc in stock, and you’re serious about buying a copy should we do another print run in the future, please send me email and indicate which disc(s) you’re interested in.

The dusty old Winter spinet piano we recorded for this disc is the very same piano that Pea Hicks learned to play on, and is also the source of the photos on the jacket cover and in this video. This demo recording is just a quick improvisation to give you an idea of the overall sound possibilities of this disc. Toward the end, we’ve flipped the disc over so you can hear with it sounds like running backwards. Here’s the blurb from the back of the jacket:

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They said it couldn’t be done, but we’ve done it! We’ve brought the sound of a spinet piano to the Optigan® Music Maker in a way that is both musically captivating and strangely haunting. You’ll enjoy creating your own piano soundscape by merely pressing a few buttons and playing a few keys.

Now we’re going to test your creativity! Try playing this music program disc with an of the Optigan® Music Books. Give up? Next, try holding down as many of the keys as you can. Ah, that’s nice. Now it’s your turn to challenge your friends and family to create their own piano soundscape. Pianoscape!

Playing tips:

The attack of the keyboard piano tones are staggered across a 16th-note grid, such that by playing chords with your right hand, a windchime-like arpeggio effect is achieved. A drum loop is provided to help with your timing. The bass notes are staggered on a 1/2-note grid, and the chords on a 1/4-note grid.

Optigans equipped with a spring reverb will provide the most haunting sound, which is further enhanced by inserting the disc upside-down for backwards play.

Sound recording, arrangement and production by Pea Hicks

Disc creation software, disc production and jacket layout by Robert Becker

Cover photographs by Pea Hicks

Drums taken from an original Optigan® master tape

Rhythms: 4/4

LEFT HAND: Piano Chords

RIGHT HAND: Piano

SPECIAL EFFECTS SWITCHES: 1. Bb Bass 2. F Bass 3. C Bass 4. G Bass 5. Drums

Please read the blog post here for information about the licensing agreement and usage guidelines for this disc.