Hi All,  Just wanted to let you know that I followed up on Roger
Hughes' lead about the photoplayer parts in Colorado [000918 MMDigest].
I really wasn't sure what to expect and figured that I'd at least end
up with a rank or two of pipes for other projects.

After moving all the junk that was piled everywhere, we discovered the
two side cabinets and the master valve chest to a style 45 American
Photo Player.  Apparently the piano portion had disappeared years ago.
I know very little about photo players, I was able to identify the
model from the original owner's manual which was, amazingly, still with
the unit.

Someone had robbed all the drums and traps, with the exception of the
siren and bird whistle, and three of the small flute pipes were
missing.  The rest was complete and in dirty but excellent condition.
(Thank goodness for dry Colorado basements!)

This particular model has three ranks of pipes: a stopped flute, open
diapason, and a vox mystica.  Each rank has 38 pipes, with the
exception of the stopped flute which has 65 notes.  There are also
three ranks of pressure operated reeds (65 notes each) and a 31-note
set of orchestra bells.  All the pipes and reeds are inside chambers
with swell shades for expression control.

A lot of thought was put into the design: the whole unit unscrews into
small modular components that made it easy to take apart and carry up
the stairs.  (I had brought my "Sawzall" just in case...)

Like I said, I wasn't expecting to come home with such complete units,
so my plans have changed a bit.  I'm going to do some searching for the
piano part but, if I can't find it, I may sell what I've got.  If
anyone is interested, let me know.

Many thanks to Roger for the tip!

Bruce Newman