If anyone in the Midwest is looking for a project, I saw an unrestored
WurliTzer Ampico baby grand at Coyle Music here in Columbus, Ohio
yesterday.  Being one of the younger subscribers of the MMD, I don't
have the experience to know what to look for in such a find, but here
are some observations:

     - looks like the reproducing mechanism died in the 40's and nobody
       has touched it since; it most certainly would not play now;
       assorted hoses were hanging out from under the piano

     - an external vacuum pump in a self-contained wooden box was
       sitting on the floor under the piano; the metal patent plate was
       dated 1919, with a company something like "The Chicago Vacuum
       Pump Co."; on top of the pump was what looked like a relay or
       something

     - some ivories were discolored, chipped, or missing entirely

     - the hammers looked quite worn, the interior was very dusty

     - roll drawer was intact; painted sort of a pine green color
       inside with gold/brass trim; there was a tempo slider and
       controls for "on/off" and "continuous play on/off"; all the
       spoolbox parts seemed to be there

     - tracker bar had 5 expression holes to the left and right of the
       note holes on each side; no other holes in tracker bar

     - auto tracking system uses metal feelers on each side

     - overall, I'd have to say this instrument is in poor condition
       but has potential...

Coyle Music wants $1995 for it.  They can be reached at (614) 885-2729.
This store is just two blocks from my home, so if anyone wants me
to take a closer look or something, just ask...

-Mark Fontana