Regarding the value of old player pianos: Mr. Barton and others are
certainly correct about the lack of interest in player pianos.  Supply
certainly exceeds demand.  This situation will no doubt lead to many
antique mechanisms ending up in the landfill or the fireplace.

I'm reminded of a lady on the Antiques Roadshow with a two thousand
year old Roman amphora.  Value?  $200.  Apparently the Mediterranean is
littered with these things.

Since we all don't have limitless space to store old instruments, many
are sure to end up destroyed.  Pianos are a bit too large to tuck away
in a closet or the attic.

What if an organization such as AMICA took up the task of promoting the
preservation of mechanisms removed from instruments and then catalogued
them, perhaps encouraging members to donate space?  Currently AMICA
catalogs the instruments of its members.  What about creating a data-
base of parts?  Something will need to be done if these mechanisms are
to survive the current lack of demand.  The typical player technician
has amassed quite a few irreplaceable parts that he will probably never
need, but which another technician may be trying to find.

It would be quite a project.  I wouldn't mind being involved.

Craig Roothoff
Escondido, CA