THE PLA-OLA

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 12

THE PLA-OLA

in these days of greater home music pleasures, pianos have a correspondingly increased vogue. Though the standard piano, in upright and grand models, still has its popularity—price bringing it within the reach of all —construction advancement has given the world wonderful additional facilities. A few years ago the Player piano was introduced, and its advent created interest, but even that progress has been superseded by what is appropriately termed the Pla-ola—or rather, the Williams Pla-ola, the famous makers of the Williams Piano having produced an instrument of remarkable distinction. The Williams Pla-ola, which attracted considerable attention at the recent Auckland Winter Show, has a unique combination of features, for it is at once a commanding orthodox piano, a player piano of excelling merit, and, above all, it is the cue and only pla-ola with an exclusive action. Most people realise that the familiar piano is known by its touch and tone. The modern player gives a similar expression because its resonance is only subject to keyboard touch with the extra advantage of foot pedal-action. THE EXPRESSION DEVICE The Williams Pla-ola, however, offers all that scope for touch and tone, but, within its marvellous body action is incorporated a device which enables expression to be developed on a scale unapproached by any other typ of piano. The Wililams Pla-ola has individuality, and any person who is gifted with personality or soul, will find the Williams a veritable musical joy, even though entirely unacquainted with the language of music as it is read. When you look at an ordinary player you see an imposing array of levers in front of the keyboard. All player pianos are much alike in that respect. Here again the Williams Pla-ola is a contrast. Its simplicity of control is wonderful, and though mechanical, its responsive flexibility is quite unusual. The latest action shows compactness and details that give thorough interpretative possibilities without interfering with the pla-ola’s general strength as a piano. The Williams Pla-ola, which won fame at Wembley Exhibition, is built to suit all climatic conditions, and the makers have a market that embraces even China, Japan and the Straits Settlements. Many schools and other institutions about Auckland are using the Pla-olas. There are models for private homes or for concert halls, and the prices range from £165. It should be noted that the Pla-ola incorporates the well-known ordinary William piano, a model of which was used by Dame Clara Butt during her recent tour of Canada. The great artiste was very emphatic about her choice and equally delighted by the results. The provincial agents for the Williams Pla-ola and pianos are Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., who have a range of new models just to hand. These may be inspected at the firm s city showrooms and at branches in Whangarei, Hamilton and Gisborne.