My current player, a 1925 York upright, is showing it's age and
need for work on the piano itself: action, hammers, etc.  The player
action was "fully restored" (well the guy didn't apparently replace
the pouches, and 12-14 years of almost daily playing later, it's
showing.

It was my first player piano, re-done and refinished (Minwax) by
a Mr. Hall and his son up in Massachusetts, and purchased by me at
a Pennsylvania antique flea market (the Halls sold up and down the
East Coast at these venues).  It's a good, sturdy, adequately done
job, and although not perfect, I've more than gotten my $3500's
worth in over a dozen years of pedaling away.

But now that its needing attention, I would like to replace it with
a meticulously restored (finish, piano and player action) upright
Steinway 65/88 note Themodist piano -- which I've been told is the
ultimate player for those among us who enjoy pedaling and adding
interpretation to rolls.  I always figured when I upgraded it'd be
to a Duo-Art upright, but have realized that  I don't want to simply
switch on a motor and not take a part in making the music.  I have
a large number of themed rolls already, and some 65 note rolls I'd
like to play also.

I live in Alexandria, Virginia, just across the river from Washington,
DC.  If any readers hear of a 65/88-note Themodist upright Steinway
in need of an excellent home, I'd very much appreciate it if you could
email me any info.  If brands other than Steinway with the same
configuration are about as good, I'm interested in knowing about
them.  If it hasn't already been done within 5-10 years, I would want
to purchase it from or through someone who was capable of restoring
it to original factory specs (or better): easy to pump, airtight,
Themodist functioning properly, ivory keytops, etc., etc.

I'd also appreciate your opinions on what I should expect to
realistically pay for such an instrument.  I understand it is
relatively rare, but is it also not very desirable except to a small
group of crazy folks like myself, therefore less in cost than one
would think.

As always thanks for your advice!

Jim Canavan
Alexandria, Virginia
jcanavan10@comcast.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]