From: bruce_jones@blake.pvt.k12 To: ALL                       Orig: MBNET
 Subj: Re: Welte-Mignon Baby Gra Area: 0-sic.makers.piano      Date: 02/09/96
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•In article <4f2sj2$rs6@mark.ucdavis.edu>, szfishr@boris.ucdavis.edu
(Sandra Fisher) wrote:

> 1. Can anyone direct me to a source of information about Welte pianos?
> I've read Larry Fine's "The Piano Book," but haven't yet attempted to
> contact any of the player piano information sources.

I have sources which sell the rolls for the Welte.  They may be able to
refer you to more:  Keystone Music Roll Co. 1-800-367-8259, and Play-Rite
Music Rolls Inc. 1-209-667-1996 in CA.  When we got our Duo-Art restored,
it was just the player .  We didn't bother with the case, or rebuilding
all the sound mechanisms.  It's been a treat, but much of it is indeed the
sentimental value.  The restorer is a member of the Automatic Musical
Instrument Collectors Ass'n.  Maybe a local restorer has such professional
associations too, which would be of help.

> 2. Sentimental value aside, can anyone offer any general advice on the
> refurbishing vs. new/used purchase decision?

Just that it's worth a lot more with the player mechanism, and you already
know that.  I believe the Welte was not just a player, but a reproducer,
which is much more desirable, for it reproduces nuances that regular
players do not.

Good Luck.