There is nothing inherently wrong with charging for information, but
you must ask yourself this question, "Which is more important to me
-- saving as many player pianos as I can, or 'cashing in'"?

Indeed, we all need to make a living.  We can also elect to be helpful
to others, or we can be selfish and risk not learning any more that we
already know.

These piano rebuilders who want to "keep this to themselves" is only
hurting their own profession.  Complacently is the most self destructive
form of arrogance.

The fact simply is this: Some people simply don't have the $6000 to
have their player rebuilt by someone else.  Does that mean they should
not attempt to rebuild it themselves?  Of course not!

Art Reblitz's written efforts have done more to help the "average Joe"
bring old pianos back to life that otherwise would have certainly been
scrapped by now.  Some of these people have went on to make piano
rebuilding a profession.  I personally have learned a great deal
myself.  I certainly never could have never afforded to have these
repairs done by someone else.  The second edition of his book is the
best $29.95 I have ever spent.

Personally, my enjoyment and knowledge of pianos has been greatly
enhanced by information written by Art Reblitz, Larry Givens, Harvey
Roehl, John W Travis, and many others.  It would be interesting to find
out just how many pianos have been rebuilt as a direct result of these
peoples efforts.  I doubt that these people have became very wealthy
because of it.  We owe these people Big Time.

Rebuilding Players also make a great Father-son project.  This alone
has many rewards.  "Gee, I wonder how much I should charge my son for
the information I give him?" (being sarcastic).

Frankly, I am tired of this "exclusive" attitude, complaining about all
these things, and somehow thinking they have the market monopolized.
Perhaps it should be said if you are unwilling to exchange information,
then don't, nobody is twisting your arm. but a public forum is hardly
the place to show everyone your selfishness.  Help them with their
questions, or the most determined will go somewhere else.  It's your
responsibility how others perceive you as a person.  All the knowledge
in the world is useless if you are unwilling to make an effort to get
along with people.

Andy Taylor