Stephen Simpson wrote in response to the theme about excess Player
Pianos in the UK and asked

> Where are they all ?

Player pianos can be found in the UK from many sources. There are a
small specialist dealers, adverts in enthusiast's journals (The Player
Piano Group, NWPPA, PPASWW, Music Box Society, etc.), small ads in the
Exchange & Mart or local newspapers, piano dealers (they don't want
them), house clearance firms, auction houses, eBay or (for a small
commission you) could use a specialist to locate one for you (but you
must give them some price guide).

Which brings me to Stephen's next question.

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

This is like asking, "How long is a piece of string?"  But what is
"working order"?  You can still find players that play on the original
cloth (but will eventually require restoration), ones that have been
repaired to a level that they will play without too much effort, fully
restored (including the piano) or ones that have been bodged up (these
should be avoided). If you buy from a dealer or enthusiast I would
expect the condition to be reflected in the price.

I remember a friend purchasing a piano, a very fine instrument too, but
nevertheless I thought that he had paid too much for it.  He responded
by pointing out that my new car would lose value (by way of depreciation)
by more money in one year than his piano had cost him in total and that
his piano would last for decades after my car was a pile of rust in a
scrap yard!

A good player piano will give years of fun and entertainment, and is
well worth the investment, so take the plunge and buy one.

Good luck in your search.

Regards

Steve Greatrex
Plymouth (UK)