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MMD > Archives > November 1996 > 1996.11.08 > 13Prev  Next


Ragtime Player Pianos
By Bob Ebert

I need help/advice, whatever.

Does anyone out there have experience in installing a Ragtime Piano Co. nickelodeon kit (which in its basic form converts a piano into a player for "O" rolls) in a standard upright? I am considering installing such a kit in a 1910 Price & Teeple upright that is in very good condition (reconditioned about 17 years ago).

I know some of the pros and cons; we would be modifying a perfectly good piano - it would be neither new nor an antique player. On the other hand, for personal reasons we do not want to part with the Price & Teeple and we do not have room for another piano, yet want a player. Also, although not a technician by any means, the challenge of doing the installation is intriguing.

Ragtime told me it takes them 3.5 hours to install the mechanism in their pianos; customers average time is about 8 hours, and the maximum is about 11 hours. If you install drums, cymbal, or xylaphone, etc., it would take longer. These items could be added later, finances and time permitting.

Does a novice dare do this? What is the likely quality of the final product? Does anyone have a Ragtime Piano or one converted from one of their kits, etc., etc?

Talk me out of it or talk me into it - I'm open to advice at this point. (With discounts the kit, uninstalled, is available for around $1500.)

Thanks for any suggestions/advice/help.

Bob Ebert


(Message sent Fri 8 Nov 1996, 21:26:12 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Pianos, Player, Ragtime

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