Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > May 2014 > 2014.05.03 > 01Prev  Next


[Re-] Introduction
By Larry Toto

In following Deirdre Dixon's lead [140502 MMDigest], I am making
a brief re-introduction of myself.

I followed and participated in MMDigest almost 20 years ago when
I was rebuilding a 1919 Pratt-Reed player in a Fischer upright.
I then purchased a 1927 Chickering Grand with an Ampico reproducer,
which I proceeded to dismantle.  I repaired some cracks in the
soundboard, refinished the harp, including new decal.  The finish
is partly stripped.  The complete Ampico system is sitting on a
large table all labeled in my basement.  I petered out after that.

Over the years, I shifted my focus to learning old time banjo
(clawhammer) and then on to fiddle.  The player went to the back
burner, and the rebuild of the grand stopped altogether.  Now I am
tightening up and adjusting the player.  And I must continue
rebuilding the Chickering Ampico or else sell it to someone who
can.  I am thinking of my options and available time...

I just ordered some hose from John Tuttle to tighten up some older
hose fittings on the player and the wind motor was lurching with each
rotation, so I straightened that out -- one of the motor bellows was
not opening fully without some resistance.  A few stretches resolved
that.  The player stack and pump are in the middle of my living room
today while I tighten things up.

I have been using the player piano for one thing every day, though:
I use it to put my fiddle stand on, to hold my fiddle music and as a
shelf for my bow rosin and clip-on tuner.  Getting the player spruced
up mechanically is what I am doing now.  I just wanted to touch base
since I am putting some thought into players again.

Larry Toto
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania


(Message sent Sat 3 May 2014, 15:49:41 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Introduction

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page