I have been reading the discussion about repairing the much-maligned
Gulbransen with great interest.  As the owner of a working Gulbransen,
I want to add my two cents.

While growing up, we had two working players in the house, a Hammond and
the Gulbransen.  I always thought the Gulbransen had a better quality
sound.  I inherited the G. which has been a family piano from the start
and originally belonged to a great uncle.  Although I'm not 100% certain,
I believe it has been operating continuously ever since it was built,
and has never had a major overhaul or been in storage for a long period.
My Dad had it since the late 50's-early 60's and the only repair that I
know of during that time is the lower bellows were rebuilt in 1977.  Most
of the relatives who could verify its history and use prior to that are
now deceased, but I have a few living cousins who might know, and I will
contact them.

I opened up the G. a couple of weeks ago, and although I'm no expert,
I did not see any obvious signs of rebuilding (mismatching parts, parts
that didn't seem to fit, etc.).

That is why I am so amused by all this talk about Gulbransen repair.
Mine has not been so cantankerous.  Are there any other Gulbransens out
there that work fine or am I just lucky?

Thanks -¶
Joyce Brite