Stephen Simpson asked, "What prices are being asked for a decent,
small case pianola 88-note in working order?"

The initial discussion was primarily concerned with unrestored players
in the UK.  However, there _are_ working players available for sale,
though perhaps not in great numbers.  People who enjoy the pleasure
that a good working Pianola can give do not rush to dispose of them!
Whether or not members would recommend small 1960s pedal/electric
players as good investments is open to question.  I put my trust in
1920s instruments and so will offer an opinion on those only.

Any 1920s player described as in "working order" must fall into one of
two categories.  Either it has been substantially overhauled in terms
of material renewal (possibly even to the point of full restoration),
or it is substantially in its original condition (though possibly
"repaired" in order to keep it going).  There are plenty of the latter
around.

But people's idea of "working order" varies.  My starting criteria for
the player action is fairly simple: It must pump comfortably, and with
a decent range of soft and loud.  All notes must play, and with good
repetition.  All additional features should operate properly.  I would
further expect the piano action to be in reasonable condition so as to
be able to respond properly to the player's demands.

To the potential vendor, however, quite often "working order" can
simply mean: the pedals move, the rolls go round, and some notes play.
You can just about recognise the tune.  Beware of such instruments.
They will not give satisfaction.

So, how much should you expect to pay for an 88-note upright in proper
working order?  Assuming casework and keys to be in acceptable
condition, my suggested guide would be as follows:

 * Standard upright, no frills: UKP 1000 - 1250.

 * Upright with some semi-expression capabilities, such as
   Themodist: UKP 1500 - 2000.

 * Reproducing upright such as Duo-Art: UKP 2000-2500, plus UKP 500
   for electrified models.  For grands I would double the above prices.

These are prices that I have sold instruments at over the last five
years.  Even so, they do not really reflect accurately the amount of
work that has gone into rebuilding them.  I welcome comments on my
estimates.

> Where are they all?

I have an excellent half Duo-Art advertised on my web site on
behalf of a customer.  Professionally repolished to showroom
standard, and fully overhauled by myself; in superb working order.
He is asking UKP 2000 or near offer.

I am just finishing overhauling a smallish Allison with Kastner action.
No frills but repolished casework, reconditioned piano action, lovely
Ivory keys, and in good working order.  And guaranteed.  I shall ask
around UKP 1500 for it.

Kevin McElhone has a couple of instruments for sale.  The Player Piano
Group bulletin frequently carries advertisements for instruments being
offered for sale.  These would be reliable instruments from people who
know what matters.  Join up!

> I would like one but the prices are always too high.
> Who can offer me one at a reasonable price?

Define 'reasonable'.  If you want a nice working player that will give
many years of trouble-free pleasure then you have to expect to pay a
figure that reflects the effort that has gone into resurrecting an
incredible piece of early Twentieth-Century technology.

Roger Waring - The Pianola Workshop
Solihull, England
http://www.pianola.co.uk/