Re: Andy Taylor's "Player Pianos Far From Dead" (101009 MMD)

Full agreement!  Frankly, I don't think they will ever be dead.  There
are simply too many still in existence.  I see literally dozens both on
eBay and in newspaper advertisements each week.  Some are free to
remove, others are modestly priced, and some are priced as if the item
were hand built by Rembrandt.  All classes are represented and yes, it
certainly is possible to buy a fine (albeit in need of restoration)
reproducing player piano in Australia for anything from AUD$50 up.

Gulbransen alone must have had enormous trade with Australia; there are
so many here, and of course the beautiful Beale pianos manufactured in
Annandale, Sydney, and fitted with Amphion players are abundant.  Many
brands of fine German player pianos are here in substantial numbers.
That so many have survived is a testament to the ethic of quality
workmanship and pride that once existed.  I know that they are being
repaired and restored in many cases, and some are advertised for sale
in fully restored condition.  I have a backlog of components to restore
myself.

As for the rolls, brand new rolls from many different sources are
available, re-cuts, new music, all excellent quality and reasonably
priced.  I can't see the volume of production slowing, let alone
stopping.  As long as player piano societies, the MMD, a multitude of
websites, roll makers, restoration material suppliers, and interest in
players exist, there is a future for almost all of the old player
pianos sitting stored somewhere just waiting to play again.

Paul Brennan
Australia