>  Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 17:18:20 -0500
>  From: Marc Machtinger <MMachtinger@wallywag.com>
>  To: rollreq@foxtail.com
>  Subject: player pianos
>
> Hi,  I am considering looking for a player piano to purchase, but
> I have some questions.  Would you mind offering any advice?
>
> I enjoy playing the piano, and I would like to raise my children
> with piano lessons.  What I would like to know is whether the player
> mechanism in a player piano takes anything away from the quality of
> the piano as a fine instrument?  Does it adversely affect the touch
> and mechanism of the keys and hammers at all?  Is it possible to
> find an instrument which is considered a fine piano, which is also
> a player piano?  Should I consider an older piano, or a new one?
>
> I would appreciate any advice you are willing to offer.  Thanks.
>
> Marc Machtinger


Dear Marc,  The questions you ask are mostly the same questions asked
in 1910, at about the beginning of the "Pianola Era".  The salesman's
replies are as true now as 90 years ago.  I'm not an expert but I love
player pianos, so I'll say a few words and then point you to the real
experts.

Q:  Does the player mechanism adversely affect an otherwise fine piano?

A:  A well-designed player mechanism, _properly installed_, has no
effect on the host piano.  Practically all player pianos made up to WW2
are good pianos with good player actions.  And some built after the war
are also good.

Q:  Should I consider an older piano, or a new one?

A: If you want a modern computer controlled player piano -- which uses
electric solenoids and floppy discs instead of tiny pneumatic bellows
and paper rolls -- you can appraise new player pianos made by Yamaha
and a few others.  If you want a foot-pumped piano like great-grandma
enjoyed, I advise you to purchase a properly restored piano of the era
(1910 to about 1935).

Q:  Is it possible to find an instrument which is considered a fine
piano, which is also a player piano?

A:  Certainly, and it will be worth your while to search patiently all
over the country.  Folks who love Steinway pianos can find wonderful
Steinway player pianos, both as vertical (upright) pianos and grand
pianos.  Somewhat less expensive are player pianos by Baldwin, Chicker-
ing, Mason & Hamlin, and many many other fine old names familiar to the
old time piano dealers.

Q:  How will I know if an old piano is a good buy?

A:  Hire a player piano technician whom you trust to advise you.  It's
the same as buying a restored vintage automobile.

Q:  Is a player piano a good investment?

A:  Some say "yes", others would say "no".  But you have stated that
you want it for its musical pleasure, so investment value shouldn't be
a concern to you.  Am I right?  ;)

Q:  Where do I start?

A: (1) Browse the Links and Archives of Mechanical Music Digest:

    http://mmd.foxtail.com/Links/
    http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/

   (2) Visit John Tuttle's "Player Care" web site, and see especially
his pages with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the list of player
piano techs:

    http://www.player-care.com/

   (3) Telephone some player techs and get acquainted.  Ask them
for names of piano stores they think could help you.  Visit or phone
the piano stores and ask for the names of good player techs.  Get
the picture?  ;)

It won't take long to find dealers and techs whom you trust.  Then
you can confidently begin the search for your player piano.

Best wishes,

Robbie Rhodes