[ Ref. Player Pianos at Craigslist, 160917 MMDigest ]

Three years ago I found a Jesse French and Sons "Lagonda" player
piano on Craigslist located about 20 miles from me in Beaufort
County, South Carolina.  It looked a mess but every part was there.
I paid $100.

It is a 1926 model with a Simplex player.  The hammers were in
surprisingly good condition and the key tops had probably been
replaced as they were plastic.  But all the felts, dampers, etc.,
had to be replaced.  The player action had to be completely rebuilt
(I don't think it was ever rebuilt before).  I agree that the
Simplex was a great unit to restore, although I replaced all the
lead tubing with brass nipples and rubber tubing.

But refinishing the matched burl walnut case turned this piano into
a showpiece -- a beautiful case that gets compliments from everyone
that sees it!

Joel Holden
Dataw Island, South Carolina