Thanks to D. L. Bullock for his amusing posting.

Who was it who said that England and America are two countries separated
by a common language?

If we are going to start trading great inventors and scientists then I
would just like to mention Newton, who defined the laws of motion
applicable to all things on this planet, including all moving parts of
every mechanical musical instrument, and Faraday, who discovered
electro-magnetism, a pre-requisite for the electric motor, as found in
all electric pianos etc.

Of course it was really the Greeks who first observed electricity
( Elektron -- Amber ).
Oh, and I could also mention that Swan was the real inventor of the
incandescent light bulb.  This sort of game gets us nowhere so I'll
stop now.

Somehow, the term Earth has been changed to Ground when it went across
the Atlantic.  As long as we all know what is meant, that is the
important thing, and MMD can continue to be the global network that
benefits all enthusiasts, in whichever country they live.

American mains supply is at 110 volts and 60 Hz whereas GB supply is at
240 volts and 50 Hz ( more like 220 volts these days).  This means that
any American motor operated in Europe has to be wired through a
transformer to lower the voltage, but also an induction motor will need
a larger pulley in order to turn the pump at the correct speed since the
synchronous speed will only be 5/6 of design.  This can lead to problems
where an American instrument uses a direct drive induction motor and the
belt trick cannot be used.  European collectors should beware the
Pianolodeon which uses just such a drive.  The roll drive belt can be
altered so that the roll goes through at the correct speed, but the fan
will still be weak.  Frequency converters are very expensive, so you are
left with a quiet and disappointing novelty.  Anybody want to buy a
Pianolodeon?

In conclusion, I would implore all persons having their pianos restored
to specify that the electrics are brought up to modern standards,
whatever the opinion of the restorer.  One day your life may depend on
it.  Bucket loads of money for your children and a restorer in prison is
going to be of no benefit to you then.

Best wishes from GB,  Nicholas Simons.