<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> Autopianos are favorites among mechanical music collectors. This is largely because of the name but they were also pretty good instruments.  The company was controlled by the Standard Pneumatic Action Company and consequently the player action closely resemble the Standard design with subtle differences.  Both single and double valve versions were made. You might want to look into the "LockNStitch" cast iron repair system.  I successfully repaired an upright with a broken strut, (between the mid and high treble).  I discussed this on the list so you might want to review the archives.  You can also visit the manufacturers web page at: <A HREF="http://www.locknstitch.com/">http://www.locknstitch.com/</A> The system is very unique and quite amazing.  The company has a video tape demonstrating destructive and nondestructive tests on cast iron repairs with this system which is very impressive.  The first rule before you start, however, is to determine WHY the crack formed in the first place.  Somewhere for some reason there is a stress that shouldn't be.  Cast iron doesn't break on it's own, something is causing it to break.  The exception to this is if the instrument was dropped during moving or some such thing.  Check all screws for tightness, make sure everything is lined up and that the plate is seated properly, etc.  It is suggested by the manufacturer that if possible the repair be made in it's present position rather than forcing it back into the position it was in before the break.  This way everything is where it "wants to be" instead of being forced into doing something it can't do.  This of course also requires that its current position is acceptable and it won't interfere with anything, (i.e. down bearing, etc.), by leaving it where it is. Good luck! Rob Goodale, RPT Las Vegas, NV   "Berley A. Firmin II" wrote: <blockquote TYPE=CITE><style></style> Hi all:I am in desperate need of another plate for an Autopiano upright. I subcontracted from a PTG member to restore the player mechanism for the piano, which he was to refinish and re-string. I just received a call from him saying he had it re-finished and had just re-strung it and broght it up to A-440. He says that after a few days the plate just cracked. He had a welder repair it, but it broke again.    The make is Autopiano. Serial number 78088. Cast into the plate below the first bass pin is: BX    In the bottom center is W         15    and     J  (1 or 7) 046 Bass strings.Would anyone have a plate to replace this? Or Suggestions?!!!Mr. Berley Antoine Firmin IIBayou La Combe, Louisiana<a href="mailto:FIRMAN1@prodigy.net">FIRMAN1@prodigy.net</a> </blockquote> </body> </html>