A customer of mine wants to sell their 1906 Harrington Autopiano
65-note player (serial # 34350).  This is a foot-pumper that has not
been electrified.  The player has been restored, apparently recently,
and works well; it seems to need lubrication and adjustment, not having
been used for at least two years since the previous owner passed away.
The tubing, hoses, and pneumatic coverings are all soft and supple,
and it looks like a very neat job was done.  The player pumps easily
and seems airtight.  The spoolbox makes noise and the brass gearing is
dry, so I think it needs lubrication.  The speed control seems out of
adjustment.

The piano itself has not been restored; it has the original hammers
(mostly worn out), bass strings (mostly dead), tuning pins (moderately
tight) and strings (moderately corroded).  The ivory keytops are in
excellent condition.   Structurally it seems in very good condition;
the portions of the soundboard and bridges that I could see have no
cracks.  In spite of the age and wear on the action, when you play the
piano you realize this is a very high quality instrument; it's got
a big, powerful tone and very large dynamic range.  For optimal use as
a both a player and manual piano it should be restored, and would be
a very impressive instrument, rivaling the best $30,000 uprights of
today.  Or, other than needing tuning, it can be used as-is and will
give a very nice-sounding performance.

The tall, deep cabinet is either walnut or mahogany with squared,
fluted columnar legs and pilasters.  It's got a two-piece curved
fallboard.  The sides have raised panels.  A clear Plexiglas sliding
door to cover the spoolbox has been added, with the original wood door
still present.  The original finish has been stripped down to bare wood
and it hasn't been refinished.  The top of the lid has some buckling of
the veneer where a potted plant apparently was placed.  Otherwise the
cabinet is in good condition.  The piano comes with a round stool and
a dozen popular style rolls.  Photos can be seen on my web site:
http://home.earthlink.net/~hayforker/id7.html

The piano is located in Marin County, California.  Cross-country moving
can be arranged, to be paid by buyer.  Price: $600 as-is.  Contact:

Larry Lobel, RPT - Virtuoso Piano Service
Petaluma, California
tel.: 1-707-762-5800
hayforker@earthlink.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~hayforker