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MMD > Archives > October 2011 > 2011.10.11 > 06Prev  Next


Coin-operated Melville Clark Player Piano
By Andy Taylor

[ Jeff Adkins wrote in 111010 MMDigest --

> Looking at pictures of this piano, the internal electrical workings
> seem "fairly" modern.  Is it likely some sort of retro-fit?  Factory?
> If the serial number provided me is correct, then the Internet tells
> me that this piano is from before 1901.

More than likely the piano is a retrofit that plays what is known as
a style "O" format roll.  It's my doubts that a piano that early
would be a genuine article.  Melville Clark was known for his early
work, and 1901 is early.

What you may have here is a retrofitted early gutted player piano with
a plastic unit action that is very difficult to service.  If, conversely,
most of the parts and stack are wooden, it's quite possible that an old
player was converted to a orchestration.  Depending on who built it,
and how well executed the builder's plan was, it may be fine.  Neither
of these cases make the piano valuable as an antique.

Also bear in mind that the piano may be tired and old, and unrestored.

Andy Taylor


(Message sent Tue 11 Oct 2011, 06:56:35 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Clark, Coin-operated, Melville, Piano, Player

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