Mechanical pianos are also known as player pianos or automatic pianos. These instruments were very popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in saloons, bars, and dance halls. Some other synonyms for mechanical pianos include piano-players, pianolas, or reproducing pianos. Mechanical pianos work by playing back a musical roll that was previously perforated with holes. When the roll spins beneath the piano's keys, the holes trigger a set of levers that produce the sound of the notes being played. Although today, mechanical pianos are less common, they still hold an important place in the history of music and technology.