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 > March 2014 > 2014.03.16 > 04Prev  Next


Wurlitzer Kingston Player Piano Problem
By Dan McGrath

Although a long-time subscriber to the Mechanical Music Digest, I have
not needed help on maintaining my 1918 Wurlitzer/Kingston player until
now.  So here we go:

My problem is a diagnostic one.  The vacuum source for the player is
an electric pump.  Both the player action and the air motor roll drive
appear to work okay when I supply a vacuum to test them separately.
When I try to operate normally, however, the system barely functions.

I can find no apparent leaks.  The pneumatics and valves have been
rebuilt, and all check okay.  Externally, the bellows and reservoir
appear to be fine, yet it is clear that the vacuum is insufficient.

My conclusion is that a problem exists with either the vacuum motor
itself or an internal leak in the bellows/reservoir, perhaps a flap
valve.

I am reluctant to take the bellows apart or replace the motor without
some confidence in the fix; hence I am hoping for a suggestion that
would assist in isolating the problem.

Thanks for any ideas.

Dan McGrath

 [ Andy Taylor wrote in 1998.03.27 MMDigest:
 [  "A most unusual example was a Kingston player-piano, sold under
 [   the Wurlitzer name.  This piano was (at least the one I seen)
 [   built by the American Piano Co.  There is no mistake here.
 [   The nameplate was different, but that is it.  Same scale, same
 [   plate casting."
 [ -- Robbie



(Message sent Sun 16 Mar 2014, 23:09:22 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Kingston, Piano, Player, Problem, Wurlitzer

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