I'm surprised at the disapproval and even hostility aroused by my
inquiry about removing the Ampico from a 5'8" Mason & Hamlin to install
in a 9-foot Yamaha.  I'm a devout preservationist myself, and agree it
would be a shame to 'gut' a reproducing piano for no purpose.  But I
think the purists are losing sight of the main reason for our passion
for mechanical music -- to enjoy the best possible re-creations of
piano performances.

There's no contest between the sound of a 5'8" piano and a 9-foot
piano.  The Ampico grafted onto a concert grand preserves and enhances
the Ampico, providing one of very few existing pianos that can fully
show off the expressive and dynamic capabilities of a pneumatic
reproducing system.  The Mason & Hamlin would continue to be useful
as a straight piano.  Where's the loss?

To say that this is 'destroying' the piano or the Ampico is absurd.
The functionality of both are actually being enhanced.

I've been advertising this Mason & Hamlin Ampico on eBay for months
but no one has bid up to my reasonable price of $4999.   I tried
advertising it with the Ampico removed and had more interest and higher
bids!

The message I'm getting is no one is really interested in restoring a
fine reproducing piano.  This got me thinking about making the switch,
which would let me sell the piano in a more usable configuration for
a pianist (no drawer hitting the knees), preserve and use the Ampico,
and enjoy glorious roll performances on a concert grand.

If the purist/preservationists are not convinced by my reasoning,
I suggest they step up to the plate and buy this Mason & Hamlin Ampico
so they can preserve it for posterity.

Larry Lobel