Bill Sharkey requested information about a 65-note Simplex player
mechanism.  I have restored a 65-note Simplex mechanism found in
a 1901 Simplex push-up, and I assume the mechanisms are the same.
My comments are based on the mechanism in my push-up.

The age of Sharkey's piano would obviously be earlier than the date
of the last 65-note mechanism.  I am not sure when this occurred,
but I would guess around 1910 or so.

The unit has a valve arrangement that operates pneumatics to strike
the keys.  This is pumped in the normal manner, with small pumping
and storage reservoirs to create and store the vacuum for operation.
The valving is unusual, being "flap" valves.  I just simply don't
remember if there are primary valves or not.  The vacuum is for
playing the notes only.  The roll is driven by a spring-driven motor,
wound by the operator using a crank on the front.  The speed is
selected by a lever on the front panel and controlled by a flyball
regulator.  I only had to boil mine out in carburetor cleaner and
lubricate it to make it function again.

Rolls are available, but not easily found.  Other 65-note rolls do
not fit, as they were not standardized.  I finally found a few for
my machine.  It took years to find them.

The piano is certainly collectable.  The value of the unit is another
matter.

The rebuild should be straightforward, although the valving is, as
I said, unusual.  Easily rebuilt, but selecting the proper leather and
proper valve gap requires research.  Mine is not very tight and does
not play well.  It might very well be suitable for regular home use,
if you can get the valving tight.  Please contact me if I can provide
any further information for you.

Ray Fairfield