M Schulz Player

[Richard Moody]

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul <tunenbww@clear.lakes.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2000 8:58 AM
Subject: M Schulz Player


List

I was asked by a local restaurant to install a power unit (pump thingee) in
their recently acquired M. Schulz player. I checked the player over and
replaced some tubing and have it working-sort of.  My diagnostic skills are
limited ( Aeolian factory training in the 80's),which I've explained to
them, but there is no one in this area to take the job. The player works but
is very weak, with many notes not hitting. I have set the speed control to
zero to see if the reservoir holds and it takes about 5 seconds for the
bellows to relax.
       Will it work to install the powered pump and a rewind unit for now
and anticipate other repairs, or am I headed for a lot of trouble. Is there
something simple I've over looked?

Paul Chick

Installing an electric "pump" may hasten its demise.  The critical component
for any player is the pouch.  In Schultz there is no pouch.  Instead they
put in a miniature pneumatic covered with zephyr skin. It works the opposite
of the player pneumatic, it blows out instead of being sucked in.  And that
is what might happen when an electric vacuum is attached.  Once these
literally "blow out", ie the old material crumbles, hastened by the increase
in vacuum, the valve won't work.  If the valve doesn't work its pneumatic
won't work, and of course the note won't play.
You might try a regular vacuum cleaner to see what happens.  If it wheezes
for a couple of rolls wo self destructing, then you can take a chance on
installing the comercial unit, which might get it through a couple of more
rolls.
    I have seen the insides of only one Schultz stack and that was about 6
times.  It had been recently rebuilt, but wouldn't play right.  I believe
the rebuilder finally installed an electric unit, and/or offered a trade
back.
    For  complete rebuilding instructions see the Player Piano Co. catalog
of 1983-'85 and before.  By now they must sell reprints.    Maybe they can
be rebuilt but I wouldn't want to risk business time and reputation on one.
>From that early experience I have always turned them down.    ---ric