My name is Harvey Chao, and I found this group in the process of
searching the web for information regarding a Baldwin Hamilton Manualo
player piano my wife and I just acquired.

I am an electrical engineer by education, and I have been in the service
and work in the defense industry.  Regarding music and pianos: nothing
since high school when I was active in orchestra (violin) and a-Cappella
choir; it was fun and I was reasonably competent.  I have always enjoyed
primarily classical music and other forms of popular and show music
(excepting hard/acid/heavy metal rock etc.)  I have a pretty extensive
library of recorded classical music from baroque to Copland, but I kinda
draw the line at Schoenberg et al.

My request is for any technical or other information regarding the player
piano we have just acquired.  According to the s/n 83326, I know it was
built about late 1916.   Technical info because it needs some maintenance
work (although it is functional) and I'd like to understand how it works.
Other information just because I am curious, such as:  how common and
frequently found is this particular piano player, does the piano and or
the player mechanism have a good or bad reputation, anything to be
particularly aware of, any idea of it's value if in good operating
condition, etc.?

Thanks, nice to "meet" you all.

Harvey Chao

 [ Welcome to MMD, Harvey.  Given your musical background you're sure to
 [ have a good time exploring "new" old-time music when you get your new 
 [ piano going.  See the fine article by John Tuttle, further in this
 [ Digest, and also explore the MMD Archive via ftp on your web browser;
 [ there's lots of good information in it.  I'll write a re-cap soon 
 [ about good books on the subject.  -- Robbie