[ Ref. Luke Myers in 160401 MMDigest --

> I went and looked at a Wurlitzer player piano... He told me,
> "It _did_ play."

Luke, I will defer to any Wurlitzer experts on the list as far as
technical advice or precautions, but I would think that the power
cord would be easy enough to test.  It would just require a $10
multitester/ohmmeter and basic electrical knowledge, and can be
done with the plug disconnected.  Maybe a friend who dabbles in
electronics can help you out.  I also assume you and the owner made
sure the wall outlet itself was "live" by plugging a table lamp or
other appliance into it.

Over the past 40+ years I have seen numerous players advertised
as "needing a hose replaced" or some other minor repair, and very
rarely do things turn out to be that simple.  In other cases, the
piano "worked the last time we tried it" but that was many years
before.  Usually, with private sellers at least, it's just honest
mistakes or wishful thinking.

My point is that if you are looking for a working player piano,
make sure it actually _is_ working, and working well enough, before
you pay for it and move it.

Richard Friedman
Upstate New York