Hi gang,  If you have been collecting mechanical music items over the
phone or by e-mail for a few years,  you have experienced deliberate,
malicious misrepresentation of an item you purchased.

Recently I purchased an Aeolian Pianola Push Up Player "recently
refinished and perfectly restored".  Indeed, a beautiful picture was
provided and the woman (certainly no lady) assured me that her father,
who had to "sell the item because of a stroke", would give me a fair
price.

The "recently restored" item finally arrived and looked great.  Then
I removed the top bonnet.  Much to my horror, only the spool frame was
underneath.  The player had not been restored since it was first
produced.  Our shop has restored over 100 instruments of all kinds,
in the past 35 years.  Nothing was tubed up and case parts were also
missing.  Bummer!

At a minimum, the air motor, tempo control and stack cutoff box for
reroll are missing.  My memory fails me concerning other possible
missing parts.  Perhaps you can refresh my memory on what is missing?

When I complained, this female (no lady) cursed me for everything she
could think of and then said, "Let the buyer beware."  After 35 years
in the business, I finally got stung -- big time.

Therefore, I am seeking everything that should be in the top portion
of an Aeolian Pianola push-up player except for the spool frame and
transmission.  In addition, if you have a junker from which you wish
to sell parts, I also need the sustain pedal assembly (in the back)
and the wooden wings that go on each end of the Pianola in the back
under the wooden cover for the key strikers.  A key to operate the
height levelers on each side of the case would also be great.

Thanks again for your interest.  If anyone wishes to avoid the same
hassle with this continuing seller of "her sick father's estate", just
contact my by e-mail.  I have the address, names and the e-mail I will
share with you.  After that, you are on your own.  Remember, their
slogan is "Let the buyer beware!"

Thanks for any responses,

Rick Cooley
700 Walnut Hill Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707 USA