I have restored several Gulbransen players over the years; they were
efficiently designed and, although not intended to be rebuilt (replaced
with factory parts), like so many other pneumatic players from the past
they are unsurpassed when restored properly today.

I emphasize "restored properly".  Indeed, the stack requires special
attention such as precise woodworking for the removal of decks and
installation of leather gaskets, etc.  But when done correctly, they
truly are "Easy to Play" (as their baby-on-the-treadles logo showed!)
and allow an individual expression control not possible with any
electronic player system, such as Yamaha.

The saddest part of thinking in terms of "replacing" instruments
that can play as well or better than they were from the factory with
modern-made electronic ones is "Where does that philosophy stop?"

Do we just throw out a more challenging restoration job simply because
it is a challenge to restore properly?  If so, the hobby is doomed to
be nothing more than an historical record of pneumatic engineering and
ingenious designs that automatically played music without the use of
electronics.  Progress?

Stephen K Goodman - Professional Player Piano
& Nickelodeon Restoration Services
Tarpey Village (Fresno/Clovis) California, USA
http://www.mechanicalmusicrestoration.com/