Is your electric piano wired safely?   Not long ago, I rebuilt a small
Ampico upright piano. While inspecting the electrical wiring I was
somewhat horrified to find that the original wiring within the conduit
on the back of the piano, petrified and most of the rubber insulation
crumbled, leaving exposed bare wires.

I cannot help but wonder if it is safe to leave my 1922 Seeburg L
connected to the electrical outlet when it is not being used.  All
the original wiring is intact, and working.  Should this old wiring be
replaced? Is it safe to leave it connected in this very humid environment?
Has anyone experienced any problems?

Over the years, I have never had any problems with electrical wiring
within electric pianos that I have serviced,  but recall servicing a
Weber Duo-Art grand which refused to play.  Upon removing the canvas
belly cover, I was horrified to find a charred mass!  This piano had
also been connected to a pipe organ and had an additional connection
for a circuit for turning on the piano motor via the player console.
It looked like it had been struck by lightning! Well...  something.
However all the switches worked, and the motor was fine.  What ever
the problem was, will remain a mystery.  Since that time, I have been
very cautious about leaving electrically operated pianos connected to
house current, other than when I am using them.

Has anyone ever had any problems with these old wires and connections?
Are they safe to keep connected. Obviously the Ampico with crumbled
rubber insulation was not safe..  My Seeburg seems to be ok, yet the
wires are original, and that switch is a miracle.

Let's hear from others on this subject.

Bruce A. Clark