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MMD > Archives > September 2004 > 2004.09.20 > 04Prev  Next


Simplex 65-Note Player Piano & Rolls
By Bill Sharkey

Question for readers:  I have a Moore & Moore of London upright
player piano (serial # 9258) with a Simplex 65-note player action in
it.  The piano itself has 85 keys (yes, 85 keys) and the outer cabinet
is pretty fancy with moulding, a not-too-bad finish but does need some
minor work, and even two brass candle sconces.  (Would anyone know the
approximate age?

The motor that drives the roll is foreign to me.  A lever comes out
under the keyboard on the right side. When this lever is rotated it
operates a strictly mechanical gear assembly that operates the roll for
playing and rewinding (no air motor).  You do have to pump the pedals
in the regular way for the pneumatic stack to function.  All in all,
I would say that this piano is in excellent restorable condition.

1. Are 65 note Simplex rolls available?

2. Is this type player piano very collectable?

3. Does anyone know of any pitfalls on doing this rebuild?
(I have rebuilt many, many regular players)

4. Would this piano be a good fun player piano for regular home use,
or would the song material that would be available on 65-note Simplex
rolls limit its use?

I would appreciate any additional info that can be supplied to me.
It actually sounds as if I am talking my way out of keeping this player
for my own use, so I guess I should also ask if anyone is interested in
purchasing it as is.  I live in Long Island, New York.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Bill Sharkey
Hicksville, New York
ftdwilly@aol.com.greentroep (delete: ".greentroep" to reply)


(Message sent Mon 20 Sep 2004, 15:51:20 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  65-Note, Piano, Player, Rolls, Simplex

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