Greetings all,  Yesterday I had the opportunity to get into a warehouse
that belonged to an old time piano and organ technician.  There were
seven upright players (all seemingly untouched), two grand pianos (not
reproducers, but one was a 6'4" Kimball, mahogany, already stripped
with the plate and pinblock out; the other was a no-name 5'4").

The best part, as far I can tell, was the number of player parts that
had been removed from pianos and hung on the rafters.  There were
probably 30 or 40 stacks (most complete with spoolboxes and striking
pneumatics; several stacks without spoolboxes).  There were also 20 or
30 main chests, all with pedals attached & seemed complete.  Some of
the pneumatic cloth had torn, but the leaves were still there.

I noticed a couple of reed organ chests and reservoirs.  I saw an
upright Duo-Art stack and spoolbox, with the upper expression valve
block, and at least two Gulbransen stacks.  There are also seven or
eight upright player actions.

Some piano rolls were evident, as well as lots of miscellaneous player
and piano parts.  One would have to go through all the drawers of
stuff.  It's a lot sale, no cherry-picking.  All in all, I'd estimate
that there is enough stuff to fill at least a 20-foot U-Haul truck.

The business closed 20 years ago and the owners passed on seven years
ago.  The present owner wants to dispose of the pianos and all so the
property can be sold.  The parts are located in Albuquerque, New
Mexico.  I have no interest in the material, financial or otherwise.
I'm just trying to help find a good home for the stuff rather than see
it hauled off to the dump.

We never discussed money, that is something to be worked out, but I did
say that the market is severely depressed.  Some photos are available,
so email me and I'll send you the contact info.

Gee, it's almost Harvey Roehl's barn find!

John McClelland