Hi all,  I first "restored" an old player piano at 15 years old; looking
back, it was laughable.  It was an old art case Foster (Standard) that
belonged to my mother.  I used a "plastic rubber" compound to patch the
striker pneumatics, and of course the proper amount of automotive heater
hose.  The striker pneumatics were stiff -- no problem, "3-in-One" oil
did the trick (or so I thought).

I wanted to "motorize" that player because it was very hard to pump.
Hummm, wonder why?  So, I installed an Electrolux vacuum cleaner with
a fan speed control (the old Electrolux vacuums were reasonably quiet).

The bushings on the ends of the wind motor were worn out.  Not having a
clue how to replace them at the time or what to use, I used small ball
bearings I found at the hardware store.

The thing did play.  Was it correct?  No, not by a long shot!  But
I enjoyed that piano until it was destroyed in a house fire on Feb. 22,
1976.  I've always wanted to replace it, but things has never worked
out.  I did find an identical piano, but sadly it was too far gone.

I remember some of the other offbeat things I've used on players.
I used automotive brake line to make the metal connectors on a Cable
inner player action.

I ran across an H.C. Bay player that someone had ruined the valve
seats.  I drilled them all the way through and used copper tubing for
replacement seats.  I remember an old Steger & Sons player that the
valves would not pull tight no matter what you did, so I installed
Standard type valves and valve guides.

I've also used craft beads for valve spacers.  Once I used rubber
punchings glued to washers for inner valves on an Autopiano. It worked
fine, but for how long?

We all started somewhere, and I'm sure that if we'll be honest with
ourselves there is one of those first players we have worked on that
we hope will never surface.  Let's simply guide the novice toward the
right way.  That is what makes us professionals.  All of us have made
mistakes, and paid our dues.  My Dad always told me, "Never forget
where you're from."  We learn by doing.

Andy Taylor

P.S. I never use duct tape unless it's "Red Green" approved!