[ Editor's note:
 [
 [ Damon has written many times with good questions and worthwhile
 [ topics.  I always enjoy his fresh views.  ;)   He says that he
 [ feels that it's time he introduced himself.  Thanks, Damon,
 [ for writing!
 [
 [ -- Robbie


Hello, my name is Damon Atchison, I am 16 years old and live in
Michigan.  I have been on the MMD for over a year and I have posted 
a lot of opinions and questions.

Many MMD members have encouraged me to make my introduction.  My 
age might explain my asking a few more questions than usual.  Most
important, I have an interest in mechanical musical instruments.  
I am doing my best to learn the best possible way to rebuild and
restore players, and appreciate everyone's patience and helpful
suggestions.

The first automatic piano I had ever seen was a 1915 Seeburg E at 
an antiques arcade.  In addition, there were other amusement devices
from the 1890's - 1930's.  One interesting device were some gypsy
fortune tellers.

That interesting Seeburg piano stimulated my curiosity, and I put a
quarter into this odd looking piano with glass on it.  The result has
fascinated me ever since.  When the glass lit up and I saw those keys
move and heard the sound of all the violin pipes with the rich piano
accompaniment I immediately wanted a "player piano" too.  At the time 
I did not know the difference between a player piano and an orches-
trion.  I thought they were the same thing!!  From that day on, I
wanted a self playing piano, and started out searching for one.

I was in seventh grade, and I used my savings I had collected over
years to buy my piano.  I almost thought that I wouldn't get one
considering how much most people wanted for theirs.  I had only $300.
After a year of looking, a local player technician found me a 1921
Beckwith upright player, which cost $250 + $100 moving.  It had a
cracked bass bridge, and the bellows needed to be replaced.

For $30 per hour the player technician showed me how to do basic things
and we cleaned the inside of the piano and he taught me how to recover
the bellows.  Some of his restoration techniques were not up to the
standards I read about in MMD.  He took quite a few shortcuts.

I am thankful for MMD and those who have been so patient and have
assisted me.  I realize that everyone must start at the beginning, 
and am working very hard to achieve the best possible results.  I have
a copy or Reblitz's book and hope to be able to do my restorations the
best possible way.

My parents have been very encouraging and supportive in my growing
interest in learning the skills necessary to rebuild players properly.
They have assisted me in buying bellows cloth and paid for several
hours of instruction from the player technician.

Interests continue to grow as I gather experience and can make more
dreams come true.  I am currently working on my geometry teacher's
Aeolian piano (#79890, style 551P; could someone tell me what year that
is?).  I am currently rebuilding the air motor and bellows.  I am doing
all this work for the cost of the parts, although she insists on paying
me.  I am replacing all cloth, leather, and rubber.  And doing the very
best job possible.

MMD is the most important source of information for me.  I look forward
to reading the MMD every day and corresponding with those interested in
assisting me.

Damon Atchison