Before one goes out and purchases a player piano that makes sounds 
via an electric vacuum pump, I suggest you visit a few people who have
well-adjusted reproducing pianos and properly rebuilt pedal-type player
pianos, and compare them to an electrified player piano.  There is
quite a difference.  Many find this difference unimportant, because
they are not true music lovers, and have a tin ear.

To me, an electrified player piano (new or old) is monotonous: every-
thing is clanking away at the same volume level, usually competing with
the sound of loud humming vacuum cleaner-type motor.

In most cases, an old player piano is electrified to compensate for
major leaks and imperfections in the "rebuilding" or more likely patch
work.  Yes, they will play for a few months, but eventually the patches
give out and you could be faced with a very expensive rebuilding job.

A well restored player piano does not require an electric pump, because
a properly restored player should be very easy to pedal.  Using the
pedals correctly, one can accent the player music rolls very easily and
the operator can put his or her interpretation into the music.

When you find an electrified player, old or new), and you are interest-
ed in it, ask the seller to issue a written guarantee that the piano
has been completely rebuilt, and the seller should be interested enough
to dismantle the piano and show you the work that has been done.

Ask why the pedals are inoperative.  Ask if the pedals can be put back
in order, then try them out.  If you think you are treadleing on an
exercise machine, then the player was not rebuilt properly at all!  Forget
it!  In many cases, an electric motor was added to compensate for major
leaks.

I prefer a reproducing piano because of the excellent quality and work
put into each roll.  Each reproducing roll has a personality of the
artist playing the musical selection.  The classical rolls can be
astounding!

Be aware that some player owners don't have a clue if their piano is in
good condition or not.  It may sound wonderful to them; they may think
it is in perfect condition.  They may not know about any of the complex
mechanisms that makes it work.

For example, I was shown a piano that was supposed to be in excellent
condition (the owner felt that it was).  The facts were: it leaked like
a sieve, and it was powered by an old Electrolux forced into the bottom
of the piano and wrapped in a thick blanket!  There was no felt on the
hammers -- moths ate it all.  The case was painted orange.  Worst of
all, it had not been tuned since 1928!

These people were beaming with smiles, and just thrilled with the
dreadful cacophony that came from this pile of junk.  I was smiling
too, and afraid I was going to laugh, but I politely thanked them and
departed quickly.

I strongly advise buying a piano built during the 1920s or '30s rather
than a later good-looking piano shaped object (PSO).

Bruce Clark