I read the thread on finding instruments with great amusement.  Of
course I've read Reblitz's chapters about the pioneering collectors and
heard stories of things that people have found and where they turn up.

I ask anyone that reminisces on these finds what would they do if they
found one?  I once answered an ad for "player piano parts" and found a
huge pile of things, including what looked like the piano part of a
Photoplayer, several reproducing piano drawers and pumps, and many
many things that I didn't recognize.  I was 15 at the time and did
not have the ability to store anything, let alone a Photoplayer, 20-30
reproducing piano drawers, pumps, stacks, etc.  I wish I could see now
what was there.  At that time I didn't know what most of the spare
parts were.

In today's market, reproducing pianos are extremely cheap, as are
standard players.  The marketplace knows that an unrestored piano today
needs a complete overhaul.  If you have to pay a professional, the
restoration will cost upwards of $5000.  Anyone want to comment on how
much it costs to restore an Ampico, Duo-Art or Welte?

Forty years ago people would pay you to haul off a Phonolist Violina.
Today they are worth hundreds of thousands.  What will be tomorrow's
major jump item?

Eli Shahar
Tel Aviv