Luke, your post is interesting concerning the Wurlitzer spinet
player piano.  I remember when these were sold new in the late 1970s.
The performance of these instruments at their best will not compare
to a good upright from the 1920s.  My Cable Euphona could outplay
one of these in circles and it was built in 1914.

Always beware on player pianos when they tell you "it did work" or
"it just has a small hole in the bellows."  The instruments usually
have problems far more serious and expensive to repair if you want them
to play as they were intended.  Usually any of these instruments after
a generation is going to need something.

Pianos are like cars -- they _do_ require repair and maintenance.
I had the pneumatic action on the Cable rebuilt in 1972.  It has played
literally thousands of rolls and has moved with me several times.  The
action still pedals easily and repeats well, despite original valves
and pouches.  I have always kept it tuned but now, after 102 years,
it needs a set of new hammers.

Some actions are definitely more difficult to rebuilt as opposed to
others.  You cannot just judge by the appearance of the instrument.
Your player is no better than the piano into which is was installed in
the first place.  Almost all original instruments will require tuning,
action, and hammer work.  If the piano has cracked bridges or loose
pins, again, that has to be dealt with unless you are satisfied with
something that is out of tune, missing notes and/or noisy.

Some of the best rebuilders and technicians in the US participate
on this site and I think that they will tend to agree with this post.
The instrument will only be as good as the care, attention, and time
put into the rebuilding.  Shortcuts tend to backfire.  Unfortunately,
I have seen so-called technicians who hook up an old vacuum cleaner to
a piano, re-hose it, forget about any kind of work on the piano itself,
and then claim that the piano has been restored.

Don't be so anxious.  In Minneapolis, Minnesota, there have been many
really nice rebuilt and refinished players that have been available
in the past year for a fraction of the cost of restoration.  Do your
homework.  If the piano is not playing, more often than not, _beware!_

If you are serious, have a reputable tuner check the instrument, if the
instrument is out of tune.  Electric pumps sometimes cover up problems
in a system.  If it is a really good rebuild, you should be able to
pump the instrument without worrying about the need to call in a
paramedic.

Good technicians will stay away from certain brands and certain
actions.  Most of the people who rebuild, learn as you have learned
but they definitely take their time and seek advice from people who
have been there and had the experience.  This is definitely a hobby or
profession where you learn by doing.  Remember, the piano may be cheap
but it is not necessarily a bargain.  I really question these electric
Wurlitzer spinets.  They have parts that you cannot rebuild and you
cannot buy.  Again this is my opinion, but it is an instrument that
personally I would not buy.

A close friend of mine just bought a fully restored and professionally
refinished Cable Euphona with a quarter sawn oak case for under $500.
This piano had been on Craigslist for a long time with no offers.  It
came with a substantial number of rolls, mostly recuts, and it had been
redone in the late 1980s.  It was a full rebuild, and it pumps and or
can be played with an electric pump.  The only thing really required
is tuning.  This is a wonderful instrument at an excellent price and
it will perform well for many years.

Be patient and do your homework.  These instruments are out there and
baby boomers are now downsizing.  If you want a modern spinet or studio
upright, the Aeolian are probably a better bet.

Randy Hammond