Player pianos

[Stephen Grattan]

Hi Melissa,

It is very unlikely that the piano only needs bellows cloth.  I have restored over 300 of them and never found one that the fabric was the problem.  The valves, pouches, seals and gaskets are all made of leather, felt, paper, cardboard, bakelite and/or celluoid and this has long since ceased to be airtight.  Plus after all these years, the strings, bridges, action and everything else between the top and casters needs replacement or reconditioning.

I suggest that you visit our web site under 'find a technician' and locate one in your area that rebuilds players.  It may take some detective work as there are not a lot of us that do this work.  Hire a technician to inspect and appraise the piano for repairs.  There are thousands of parts in players - and there are even some pianos that cannot be repaired.  Having a qualified person inspect it will be the best way for you to start and not make a potentially expensive mistake.  Check some of the technicians work to be sure you are happr with the results.  A proper working player piano shuld be able to be pumped with one foot and play with ease.

Costs vary widely across the country depending on the work needed.  If you have any other questions, please write or call me toll free at 888 742-6644
 
Steve Grattan
Lost Chord Clinic
Port Huron, MI



----- Original Message ----
From: Melissa Q. <mq1979 at msn.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 3:29:39 PM
Subject: Player pianos

Some people think I'm crazy because I've wanted an antique player piano for
years. Well, it looks like I may have one given to me that is in decent
shape. The only problems are the air bellows. Apparently they need new
fabric.

I'm looking for a quote or price range as to how much this would cost before
I take the piano. Everything else works fine (the keys are surprisingly nice
and very similar to my Baldwin to the touch).

Help? Anyone?

Melissa Q.
http://www.freewebs.com/onqpiano  
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