The first Pianola was patented in France by Debain in 1860. As support, this instrument used strange little wood blocks, which nails were driven into, each one making a note. Other constructors used a system with rolls of perforated paper as support. The “Reproducing” model even managed to reproduce the exact touch of a pianist. Greatest success was found in the USA where around 4 million examples were produced.

Grand pianola “The Autogrand Kastner & co” Rachals Hamburg – around the 1920s.