Hi all,

Can I add my twopence worth to the subject of Duo-Arts found in the UK. I
first bought a Duo-Art in 1976 and have had perhaps thirty through my hands
since then. Contrary to popular opinion, the supply seems to be steady and
more exciting, the prices appear to be falling.

Julian Dyer said... 'Only Steinway, Weber and Steck were
normally fitted with Duo-Art actions.'

The first one I bought was an Aeolian Pianola Piano (Duo-Art) with the
electric only steam boat pump. I bought it from a large house near the
village of Eye in Suffolk. This piano was made in Hayes but was not a Steck
or Weber. I paid the sum of 260 GB pounds for it. I sold it to a guy who
lived on or near Hanger Lane in London some years later.

Phillip Dayson said...'The question to other pedal electric owners is
simply this--has anyone seen this problem  and if so do you just have
to live with it or is there a solution?'

The problem was of a pedal and electric model being hard to pedal.

Most that I had were not too easy to pedal, however, I had a Steinway grand
pedal/electric for many years (bought in 1978 in Hitchin Hertfordshire for
1500 GB) It was just about the easiest to pedal. You only needed one pedal
(or one foot) however, how you can remedy the problem, I don't know. This
instrument, I sold only this year to Mr Nijson in Eindhoven of Dutch
pianola fame.

With regard to present prices, An upright duo-art in unrestored condition
can still be had for less than 300 pounds. In the last two years I have
bought two upright Ampicos for less than 300 and four Duo-Arts for less
than 300. One appeared in an auction 6 months ago which was a Weber PEDA
and I got it for 160. Another appeared in the same auction last week which
failed to reach its reserve of 250. It will come up again in two weeks and
I expect to get it for 200 or less. Prices were higher in the 1970s. At
this rate, they will be given away with cornflakes in 20 years.

Brian Chesters