M. Welte & Söhne (Freiburg, Germany)

In the early 20th century the Welte-Mignon reproducing piano, introduced in 1906, became a musical sensation worldwide. Famous artists came to a studio in Leipzig, where their actual playing was recorded. The first Welte-Mignons were keyboard-less cabinet styles, an example of which is in the present sale. Soon, keyboard models were introduced as were Vorsetzers.

The "Vorsetzer" is a cabinet style instrument containing all the mechanisms of a Red Welte reproducing piano but without the piano. Instead, it has a series of felt-cushioned fingers that play the keys of a regular piano. This was an ideal way for the owner of a fine upright or grand piano to enjoy Welte-Mignon rolls on an already prized instrument.

Both rare and infrequently found in good restored condition, owning a Welte-Mignon Vorsetzer presents an excellent way to enjoy the historically important music library of Red Welte rolls without owning a separate piano with a built-in Red Welte or T-100 system. Included is a large library of Red Welte rolls. This Vorsetzer has been restored and refinished in ebony to match the Steinway Welte-Mignon Green Welte T-98 in this sale. The serious Welte aficionado is encouraged to consider acquiring both lots in this sale, as this is an extremely rare opportunity to own a combination of both systems in a compact format with a high quality Steinway upright piano.

(Can be easily pushed up to any fine keyboard piano.) 50x43x21 inches.