The Catalogue of ArtEcho Reproducing Rolls 1000-4000 (updated Oct. 2nd, 2022)

1000-3000 series and historical information compiled by Mark J. Reinhart

4000 series, Google Sheet, and additions compiled by Jason L. Balcom

Introduction

     The intent of this catalogue is to familiarize collectors with the library of recordings originally available for the Apollo Reproducing Pianos and to others bearing similiar systems.  The index is also an aid to help identify those rolls known only by their number.  This index lists rolls manufactured by QRS under the ArtEcho and Apollo labels.  The 4000 series is not included since it has not yet been compiled.  Contained herein are the 1000, 2000, and 3000 series.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION REGARDING ROLL PRODUCTION.

     The earliest rolls were introduced around 1920.  There exists confusion about this because Apollo* reproducing pianos were assigned serial numbers four years previous to the date of manufacture.  The practice of predating pianos helped to differentiate between pianos of reproducing nature and those which were not.  It is not known if Wurlitzer or any other companies also followed this practice.

     Initially QRS sold rolls under the ArtEcho label.  This helped QRS to define the reproducing line from other Apollo label rolls.  All ArtEcho rolls have an R prefix preceeding the roll number, R indicating reproducing.  Two different style labels were used.  Both labels stated QRS in bold letters at the top and ArtEcho just underneath.  The only variation between the two label styles is the type of lettering used.  All ArtEcho labels are blue with QRS ArtEcho written in red letters.

     Around 1924 QRS began issuing rolls under the Apollo label.  Apollo reproducing rolls are attractive with Apollo written in white letters on a field of blue surrounded by a highly detailed gold boarder.  It is not uncommon to find Apollo rolls with Apollo labels pasted over earlier ArtEcho labels.  Apollo rolls unlike their ArtEcho predecessors have no R prefix.  They also vary in that they contain either one or two additional digits following the earlier catalogue number.  The additional digits indicate the price in quarter dollar increments.  Catalogues and supplements of this period are marked Apollo Reproducing Rolls.  The last rolls to be issued bear Apollo labels and are of 1930 or 31 vintage.

     Furthur changes occured when QRS began to mark Apollo rolls with V and VA prefixes.  The introduction of these letters being spurred by the close numerical listings of QRS hand played 88-note rolls.  Examining roll numbers alone it is easy to mistake the listing for an 88-note roll.  In general the V prefix designates popular Apollo rolls and VA the same except classical.

     In all nearly 1600 different rolls were issued under Apollo/ArtEcho labels.  It is obvious that these rolls were the top of the QRS line.  No expense was spared in preperation of masters.  A great many european recordings were transfered to Apollo/ArtEcho format.  The 1921 ArtEcho catalogue is a fine example of the treatment given this line.  It is sad to see how the catalogues and supplements declined in quality as sales dropped off around 1926.  New issues slowed to a trickle until finally being discontinued altogether ca. 1931.

     *Apollo Reproducing Pianos manufactured by the Apollo Piano Company.

The 1000 series.

     The series was among the first series introduced.  Rolls of highly specialized nature were placed in this catagory.  Recordings found here are accompaniment, comparison, and demonstration nature.  It has been difficult to trace this series because of the specialized nature of the rolls.  It is not known when the series was discontinued.

The 2000 series.

     The 2000 series was begun early in 1923.  It was intended for wordless classical rolls of european origin.  The recordings were prepared from masters of the firm M. Welte and Sons.  Many rare composer played recordings are found here.  Among the many notable  pianists here are Busoni, dePachmann, D'Albert, Paderewski, and Hofmann.  The 2000 series was short lived and was discontinued by 1926.

The 3000 series.

     The 3000 series was one of the first two series and initially contained all issues not listed in the 1000 series.  The ArtEcho/Apollo was designed with the classical music lover in mind and virtually all the early rolls  were classical.  There are a few popular rolls included but they are of pre-1923 issue, before the start of the 4000 series.  After 1923 the 3000 series contains classical rolls recorded at the QRS studios only.  The rolls are wordless except the rolls issued prior to 1923 of popular nature.  Also found here are a few non-word medley rolls and ballad rolls which are more popular than classical but these are very late issue just before the demise of the series.  At least one error exists in this series.  Roll #3291 was issued as The Swan by Saint-Saens Played by Marguerite Volavy and The Swan by Palmgren Played by Mrs. E. Newman.  The 3000 series was discontinued ca. 1927.

The 4000 series.

     The 4000 series was begun in 1923 and included popular word rolls.  QRS sensed that the market might be expanded if popular rolls were offered to Apollo owners.  Many top pianists of popular fame may be found on Apollo/ArtEcho rolls.  Included here are Wendling, Arden, Confrey, Ohman, and Kortlander.  This series was the most long lived and issues are known as late as 1931.

The Balcom Extended QRS Rollography is a work in progress.  This extended rollography is meant to cover every other existing piano roll manufactured by QRS not included in the Billings Rollography. This includes updates (1994 and onwards) to the popular domestic word roll series, XP-extended play series, CEL-celebrity series, and Q-series. The ArtEcho/Apollo rollography will one day be added to this extended rollography.  Special thanks to Jason Klinger for allowing me to use his master list of organ rolls to complete the QRS KM-Organ series rolls.