Hi folks.

I found this on rec.musicmakers.piano.  Anybody able/want to help this
fellow out ?

> I am looking to purchase an Ampico Baby Grand Reproducing Piano. It
> has been meticulously refurbished and plays beautifully both in its
> reproducing mode as well as via normal playing.
> Can anyone direct me to resources and information about the values of
> such an instrument?
> Thanks
> Dave Wentroble
> davewent@eliza.netaxis.com

I have already suggested to him that I could have a look in the MBSI and
AMICA ads, as well as mention it on this list.

Here is his reply.

> Jim:
> Please forward my message to that list. I know nothing about Ampico Pianos
> other than what I learned in the hour I saw the one in question. When someone
> first mentioned it to me, I thought he was speaking of a Disklavier. I had no
> idea that reproducing pianos had ever been made.
> Thanks for your help.

Jim in Sechelt

 [ Editor's Note:
 [
 [ I received a message from him at rollreq@foxtail.com.  He was referred by
 [ Dave McNally (a subscriber to this group.  I sent him the following
 [ message.  I'm posting the message here for a critique of my information
 [ request to him.  Did I leave anything out ?
 [
 [ Thanks,
 [
 [ Jody
 [
 [ >>  Dave,
 [ >>    I'd be happy to post your question to the group, but I can
 [ >>  tell you in advance that more information will be asked:
 [ >>
 [ >>          Describe more fully the piano:
 [ >>
 [ >>                  Make of Piano
 [ >>                  Size of Piano (length in feet & inches)
 [ >>                  Type of case (plain, art case, etc)
 [ >>                          if art case, describe
 [ >>                  Type of finish
 [ >>
 [ >>          Describe reproducing action
 [ >>
 [ >>                  is it an Ampico "A", or Ampico "B".
 [ >>                  If you don't know, describe the controls,
 [ >>                  especially whether the speed control is
 [ >>                  a slider or a knob.
 [ >>                  Can you identify the date of manufacture
 [ >>                  (not the date of the patents!)
 [ >>
 [ >>          Describe the roll collection
 [ >>
 [ >>                  How many rolls, and their condition.
 [ >>                  What portion of the rolls are "ampico"
 [ >>                  rolls, rather that just "plain 88 note
 [ >>                  player rolls".
 [ >>
 [ >>          Describe the restoration job.
 [ >>
 [ >>                  Was the piano re-strung
 [ >>                  New or repaired pin-block
 [ >>                  was the piano refinished
 [ >>
 [ >>                  was the pneumatic section completely
 [ >>                  rebuilt ?  By whom ?
 [ >>
 [ >>          Have you had the piano inspected by a
 [ >>          piano technician.  One that knows reproducing
 [ >>          pianos ?
 [ >>
 [ >>  The more of the above questions you can get answered,
 [ >>  the more likely you'll get a meaningful answer.  These
 [ >>  pianos vary widely in value.  When working well,
 [ >>  they are wonderful instruments.
 [ >>
 [ >>  Jody
 [ >>
 [
 [ I've not received a reply from him about this list of questions.
 [
 [ Jody