The author granted permission to publish her email in MMDigest.

  "I'm searching for thoughts and opinions of the learned and
professionals of the piano, of which I am not, that might help me in
regard to the installation of a modern solenoid player system in my
piano.  The manufacturer and installer have answered all but one of
my questions; this is the one I would appreciate 'your' thoughts and
answer to.

  "I have an 88-year-old Bösendorfer, 6'2", that my mother  gave to me,
with perfect original ivories and a wonderful action.  It is a blessing
to my heart.  Can you guess what my question is now?  Would 'you' --
meaning the consensus of your educated staff, etc. -- install a
solenoid player on a piano like this?  This is where I am stumped!

  "The piano is part of our family and is not looked at in any other
light.  I just don't want to, someday down the road, kick myself and
wonder what in the world I was thinking when I installed the player
system.  Could it be something that would take away a part of the
integrity and beauty of the pianos original design?

  "Oh my, it sounds as though I am talking about my children!  Please
forgive me.  I'm sitting here with my pen and checkbook, anxious to
get the ball rolling, waiting on time to reveal more to me, and so I'm
looking forward to hearing from you.

  "Sincerely, Kathleen Cilker, California"

These questions come to my mind:

1. The felt hammers and other perishable components of the piano
action are now 88 years old.  For how many more months or years will
the unrestored piano survive after installing the player system?

2. If the pianos sound is too loud in a small room, what can be done
to reduce the volume?

3. How much impact will the installation of the player system have
on the pianos market value?

Robbie Rhodes, MMD
Etiwanda, Calif.