Marc Finlen wrote:

> Thank you for the very detailed and informative e-mail.  We had
> budgeted about $2000 for refurbishing so I was not surprised at the
> costs for various repairs (sticker shock wasn't a factor).  Thanks
> for the information as to age and such.
>
> I did try to find out if the player mechanism is an Ampico.  There
> is a metal piece in the middle of the spoolbox that has some patent
> #'s on it, a treble clef sign with the words "standard player action"
> imprinted on it.  I'm afraid the piece that would ID the manufacturer
> is worn beyond reading.  I would my self like to know the origin of
> the player mechanism.  There is a number stenciled into the base part
> of the player mechanism, 214616.  Inside the spoolbox is a tempo
> scale.  I don't know if any of this helps.  If you have any other
> suggestions I'll dig further.


Hi Marc,  It's a Standard Player Action, but you actually already knew
that even though you didn't know it. :-)

In a way, it's a mixed blessing.  A Standard is typically less expensive
to rebuild than an AMPICO which is much more complex.  Basically there
are two types of Standard mechanisms.  The single-valve action and the
double-valve action.  Some of the typical 'accessories' include push
button LOUD, BASS SOFT and TREBLE SOFT.  The economy models had lever
controls which performed the same functions.  All are manually operated.

It's relatively easy to determine the 'type' of mechanism.  If you can
see the front edge of the platform that the spoolbox is mounted on, it's
a double-valve action and has 176 valves for the 88 notes.  For the basic
principal of operation of a valve, I invite you to see my webpage at
http://www.concentric.net/~tuttleja/mybook.html.

Musically, John A. Tuttle