I would like to correct the impression that electronic tubes (as for
old radios) are hard to come by.  And to urge Dan Armstrong to restore
the original amplifier in his odd electronic piano, assuming he has it
(it may be just a pre-amp, with the final amp and speaker having used
the radio-phono in the bench).

Tubes are easy to find and usually not expensive, if you know where to
look and whom to ask.  Much easier and cheaper than parts for a
Disklavier will be in 10 years.

Remember, most folks would be surprised how easily we find parts and
materials for player pianos.  Wonder how many players were gutted and
junked because owners (and tuners) assumed that materials couldn't be
found?

Tubes can be found at hamfests (amateur radio swap meets) and similar
meets of antique radio clubs.  Also can be mail ordered from Antique
Electronic Supply in Tempe, AZ.

Assuming one wants to replicate the original sound of this
RCA/Storytone piano, all surviving electronics should be restored, not
replaced.  In short, keep the same attitude towards electronics as we
do towards mechanics and pneumatics.

By the way, in my teen years I had a tiny upright chimes keyboard made
by RCA, with magnetic pickups.  About two chromatic octaves of chime
rods that sounded a very good likeness of tower bells, with one black
key at the bass end whose deep "bong" was perfect for striking the
hours.

So I'm not amazed (just surprised?) that RCA would have partnered with
such a piano, along the lines of Les Paul's electric guitar.

Baldwin tried a similar stunt in making an electronic harpsichord;
Wally Zuckermann hated the tone of it.

Actually, having defended original restoration, I'd be "amazed" if the
Storytone sounded anywhere near as good as an ordinary piano.  Of
course it could fill a large hall with sound -- but that's what a
Novachord is for (anyone want one of those, very cheap)?

Mike Knudsen

 [ If the harp and plate are well-designed, I bet it sounds nice;
 [ perhaps not like a piano, though.  -- Robbie