Hi All,  Just a relatively short note for all those who advocate doing
a complete rebuild or nothing at all.

One of my recent customers, Gabriel Della Fave from South Amboy, NJ, is
so excited about being able to hear his player piano again that he has
created a web page devoted to the unit.  Before I did some major repair
work, the unit hadn't played for about 30 years.  For considerably less
than the cost of a full rebuild, the unit is back in operation and
being thoroughly enjoyed.  Gabe has started recording tunes using Real
Audio and I invite you to visit his site at:

http://www.mindspring.com/~gabedellafave/player.htm

I was so impressed by his enthusiasm (which I feel is contagious)
and his recordings, that I have selected Gabe's site as the Featured
Site at Player-Care for the month of April.  His site and attitude
are the type of overt advertising that really help our trade and
the industry in general.  And it's happening NOW!  Not at some time
in the future.

My point is, I gave Gabe the option of a full rebuild or a 'make it
work' repair job.  He choose 'make it work'.  Well, it works (and works
better than I had anticipated) and he's enjoying it so much that he's
telling the world.

Will it last as long as a full rebuild?  Never!  Will I have to return
and do more work?  It's already happened and now he's considering
having more work done.

Is he HAPPY?  You bet!!!  And isn't that the MOST important thing?
I think so.

So to those who advocate an 'all or nothing' mentality or methodology,
stop by Gabe's site and see for yourself how being a servant to your
customers and giving them options can help promote your business and
the trade.

Musically,
John A. Tuttle (john@player-care.com)