Kitten on the Keys

This design is a re-imagination of an antique player piano of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Novelty pianos, coin-operated pianos, re-producing pianos and other pneumatically controlled types reached a height of popularity in the 1920s.

“Kitten on the Keys” was composed and performed in 1921 by Zez Confrey, who wrote piano music and did arrangements for the QRS Piano Roll Company and also worked with other companies in the industry.

I originally built this about ten years ago, being inspired by my brother-in-law, Curtis, who played ragtime piano and re-built player pianos. “Kitten on the Keys” was one of his favorites - when he played he would often use all 88 keys and would play so fast his fingers seemed to disappear!

Curtis passed away recently, and that has inspired me to “finally” submit an idea for your consideration and enjoyment.

I revised the original design, “enclosing” the bottom front (adjacent to the pedals) with an apron, which hides some of the pneumatic controls. My experience is as an Architect, so the mechanisms depicted at the rear of the piano are my “artistic representation” of the true inter-workings, which have always intrigued me.

The hinged front panel below the keys was part of the original design, but the sliding doors above the keys were revised to actually “slide”. Piano rolls on top, the piano stool and other elements were also added and/or developed.

There is a large community of player piano enthusiasts out there and we have already heard from some since Curtis passed. I think this would be a great “novelty set” and would strike a chord with a lot of people! Personally, it would be a fitting tribute to my late brother-in-law, Curtis.

Enjoy!

Mikey Brick House