I have recently begun to indulge one of my childhood passions: player
pianos. I first encountered several players when I was about twelve
years old and was immediately smitten. In my late teens I purchased a
Bell player piano, bought supplies from Player Piano Company, and did
some basic repairs, recovering the key pneumatics and bellows, etc.
Marriage and children put all this on hold.
However, I recently came into the possession of two Heintzman upright
pianos, one with an Otto Higel Metalola action and the other with an
Artecho reproducing action. Both date from 1922 and require repair and
future restoration.
Currently I am seeking your assistance with the tubing on the rear of
the Metalola stack. While most of the tubing was lead, the tubing for
the pneumatic tracking mechanism, sustaining pedal switch, etc., was
rubber and has completely disintegrated. I am also looking for a pair
of expression buttons. Lastly, I am interested in obtaining a few
Artecho rolls. Any information would be most appreciated.
Andrew Thomson
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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