Pianola and rolls

[Robert Goodale]

The "spinet sized" players are all post-war era "instirmints".  They were
made largely from cheap materials such as plastics and low grade rubber
cloth.  Plexiglas unit valve blocks with neoprene rubber valve facings are
common on these and are particularly famous for being leaky and worthless.
Often the spool box transmissions were operated by cheep motors with plastic
gears that are inevitably stripped.  The pianos themselves were also
typically very cheep.  You are correct that these "playa pianas" have little
value.  The old pre-war players, (typically in full size uprights), were far
superior in quality and if properly restored, (including piano), they can be
very impressive and fun machines.

The rolls themselves have "some" value though not exceptionally so.  The
biggest problem with them, (particularly the early ones), is that the paper
becomes brittle with age and then tears easily.  Just like anything else
organic paper has a life expectancy.  Because the rolls you have are
somewhat comparatively young they may be okay.   A realistic value for them
is about $2.00 $3.00 each.  I have seen some in places like e-bay for
anywhere from $5.00 to & $8.00 but that is pretty outrageous.  I myself have
an impressive collection of rolls, many of which I purchased for as little
as $.50 each in large lots.  Expression rolls, (such as Ampico or DuoArt),
are slightly more valuable since there are fewer of these out there and they
are a little more specialized.  $5.00 - $7.00 are a fair price for these
although again I have purchased them in lots for as little as $1.00 each.

Rob Goodale, RPT


Terry Neely wrote:

> Dear list,
>
> I have a church that owns a Piano player piano ( the one that is about
> the size of a spinet piano). It is in the average poor condition that
> one would expect of a piano that has received minimal service over its
> life.
>
> They also have a collection of approx. 200 rolls of music ranging from
> religious to ragtime. I am told that the rolls have been inspected and
> are, with a very few exceptions, in great shape.
>
> I am guessing that the rolls are worth more than the piano. Anyone out
> there know anything about these critters? What would be the best way for
> the church to maximize its income from the sale of these items?