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MMD > Archives > July 2004 > 2004.07.16 > 10Prev  Next


R. S. Howard Player Piano
By Roger Waring

Well, yet another player new to me in the UK.  This one is a large
upright with the name "R. S. Howard, New York" stamped on the frame,
serial number 39265.  This name is also on the spoolbox.

A nice rich-toned instrument with what looks like a fairly typical
Standard player action, but one very puzzling component:  On the right
of the spoolbox is the usual drive mechanism, though the wind motor is
missing.  Does anyone know the correct design as originally fitted?
It would be nice to fit a proper replacement type, but I do have a
spare 5-pneumatic unit that will probably suffice.

My main query is regarding the take-up spool spindle.  As well as the
small-toothed cog connected by ladder chain to the absent wind motor,
right next to it there is a large circular black disc about 4 inches
in diameter and half an inch thick.  It has small screw holes on two
flattened parts of its edge as though something was fastened to it.
It appears to be made of bakelite -- definitely not metal.

Is this the flywheel referred to on page 14 of Art Reblitz' book,
as fitted to pushups?  Were they also fitted to later models?  Or is it
something else?  Should I concern myself with this or simply remove it
and fit the 5-unit motor?

All advice acknowledged.  Many thanks.

Roger Waring - The Pianola Workshop
Solihull, United Kingdom
www.pianola.co.uk


(Message sent Fri 16 Jul 2004, 09:22:17 GMT, from time zone GMT+0100.)

Key Words in Subject:  Howard, Piano, Player, R, S

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