I did an evaluation of an Autopiano player this weekend. I had a friend
tell me he saw it in the paper for sale and I called and told the guy I
might be interested in buying and restoring it. He then said he was selling
it because he could not find someone to "fix" it.

The piano itself is in fair shape. All the notes sound and as far as I
could tell there was no buzzing. The piano is 1 whole step out of tune and
really sounds bad. The bass section is in pretty good tune but the treble
section drops off pretty bad. I inspected the bass bridge and it is sound.
The all the steel strings are rusted and I'm afraid to tune it fearing one
will break. The hammers are grooved pretty good but there is room to file
and reshape. The dampers are hard and buzz and will be replaced. Overall
the piano is in good shape. I have seen a lot worse.

The player mechanism has never been touched. All the original hoses and
tubes are there and connected. The wind motor runs when suction is applied
but lopes BADLY. The main pumps show no holes but the outer flap valve
leather was curled and would not create a suction. I believe this will be a
straight forward no surprises restoration. (if there is such a thing)

Here are the distinguishing markings found on the piano. The serial number
of the piano is 118498 and the patent on the automatic tracking device was
reissued April 2, 1912. The wind motor has a plate that reads The Autopiano
- Gold Medal Player Action. The tracker bar tubing is not lead but appears
to be cloth covered tubing. The owner asked me about the date of the piano
and I told him I felt from the looks of the player I would date it in the
neighborhood of 1920 - 1925, but I wasn't really sure. If you look it up
and find out for sure let me know, I would like to give him a more definite
date if I can.

We agreed on a price of $2,000. $600 up front and the rest at time of
instillation. The man had known a man who did this type of work but he was
now older and was no longer able to do the work. He had watched this friend
do player work so I was lucky that he understood how much work was involved
and he let me know if I was to do it he wanted it done right, 100%
restored. How many times has that happened to you. This price includes
complete rebuilding of the upper and lower action and electrification. It
does not include any piano work or the tunings that will be needed. I
appreciate all the response and I will keep you posted as to how the job is
going. I plan to start the first week of January.

If any of you have had experience with this type of player and feel as
though there are a few things I should know I would appreciate the
information. This will be the first Autopiano I have done but according to
"Player Piano Servicing and Rebuilding" it is much like the double valve
Standard which I am very familiar and I anticipate no problems.

If any of you are interested in selling me the supplies from your stock I
would really appreciate it. I trust you guys a lot more than I trust the
piano supply houses.

Unless directed otherwise by the editor respond personally.

Have a great day,

Sam Harris
3742 Old Creek Road
Greenville, NC.  27834
Sam@Greenvillenc.com