My name is Carl Meyer and I've been reading the MMD for awhile now.
I was introduced to MMD by Bing Gibbs some time ago.  I guess it is
time to introduce myself.

Although I haven't been hampered by a formal education, I worked most
of my life in electronics, and did engineering work for many years
before getting out of the corporate world to work on pianos full time.

I had gotten into pianos due to my daughter starting piano lessons
many years ago, and then I got a dealership for the Pianocorder in
about 1979.  After doing this part time for several years I had enough
business to go full time, so I cut the cord.

After installing approximately 135 Pianocorder systems, I was neatly
put out of business when Yamaha bought Pianocorder and shut it down.
An antique dealer (that I did most of my work for) put up the funds to
buy as many kits as we could, to keep us going as long as the market
held up.  I now have several unopened Pianocorder kits and large
quantities of parts and tapes that are available for fair prices.

Due to my background in electronics as well as mechanical savvy I was
able to get better that average performance out of the units.  A simple
capacitor change on the playback board will improve the sustain
operation considerably.  Needless to say that neither Pianocorder nor
Yamaha was interested, so I just make the change whenever I have the
opportunity.  I'm happy to share that modification with anyone who
asks.

There have been many comments about solenoid pianos on MMD, some
I agree with and some I don't.  When the spirit moves me I might just
sound off about some of the subjects that I disagree with.

Now, being sort of retired, I do some tuning, repair and heavy duty
rebuilding of mostly antique grand pianos.  I'm active with the Piano
Technicians Guild (PTG) and will teach a class on "Make your own tools"
at the PTG California state convention here in Santa Clara, California,
in February of 2000.  I've designed and marketed several unique tools
for technicians for the last few years.

I talk much faster than I write, so If any of you would like to call
me with questions about Pianocorders or pianos in general feel free
to call me at 408-984-0482.

Bing Gibbs said I was the "expert" on Pianocorders.  You know, of
course, that an "ex" is a has-been, and a "spurt" is a drip under
pressure.  Always remember that my free advice has a money-back
guarantee.

Regards to all.

Carl Meyer

 [ Carl,  Welcome aboard.  Your mention of having Pianocorder parts
 [ available is very timely, as Phil Dayson inquired about this
 [ just a couple of nights ago.  I'm sure you'll be hearing from him.
 [ Oh yes, thanks for the humorous closing.  I'll have to remember
 [ to offer that guarantee myself some time.    -- Jody