Hello MMDers,  It has been my observation through the last several
months of reading the Digest that many of the readers may not own, or
are not aware of, several very valuable tools of knowledge, collecting,
and restoration.

I refer to the books "Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments",
by Q. David Bowers, "The Orchestrion Builder's Manual & Pneumatics
Handbook", by Craig Brougher, "Player Piano Servicing and Rebuilding",
by Art Reblitz, and "Player Piano Treasury", by Harvey Roehl.  Each
of these books have the answers to many of the threads that have been
brought up lately.

To a professional restorer, Art Reblitz' book may be redundant, but to
novices, I highly recommend it.  Even if you never open the lid or look
under your piano, at least you'll know what's going on, after reading
this book.  With Craig Brougher's manual, you'll know exactly why and
how.

"Player Piano Treasury", unfortunately no longer in print, is
invaluable as a descriptive guide to practically all instruments that
work via pneumatics that are connected to a piano.

I submit that everyone should try to obtain these books as a reference,
or see if they could borrow them from the local library system.

From "How many player pianos were made in 1923?" to the Mills Horse
Race piano, the answers are available.  The Bowers' Encyclopedia is
so detailed that, if a company made more than one of something, it's
probably mentioned in this tome somewhere.  By the way, this book must
weigh in at 10 pounds or better!

Check them out if you can, or see if you can get them from a good
source.  Player Piano Co. can set you up with "Player Piano Servicing
and Rebuilding" and "The Orchestrion Builder's Manual".

Rob Case