I guess this introduction is long overdue.  I have  been reading the Digest
since last summer.  My name is Randy Blake and as part of my interest in
antique furniture I acquired 4 reed pump organs several years ago and set
about trying to find out how to restore them.  With the help of a couple of
books from Vestal Press I muddled through and was pleased with the results.

I still have two of the organs today.  About a year and a half ago my wife
wanted to learn to play the piano and got the "bug" for a player after seeing
one in an antique shop.  After many phone calls I connected with a local
piano tech who has had many years of experience restoring players,
reproducers and nickelodeons.  (He needs to subscribe to the Digest, but as
yet he doesn't have a computer.)   Working with him, I was able to find a
player in need of restoration that would fit my budget.  We are now the proud
owners of  a 1929 Lester upright player.  I  so enjoyed the restoration of
the Lester that I bought another player (Woodward) in need of restoration and
finished it just before Christmas 1996 and sold it to the first family that
came to look at it.

Yesterday I saw an ad in the local paper for a Hardmann-Peck (sp?)  Duo-Art
console player piano.  I tried to reach my piano tech, but he is out of
town.  I'd like some feedback as to whether or not this is a quality player.
The gentleman who ran the ad was not much help when I called.  He bought
the player at an estate sale about ten years ago and estimates the piano
to be about 20 years old.  I recall my piano tech telling me that Aeolian
made a player back in the 70's and it was basically junk, plastic valves,
etc. and basically not repairable.  Before I drive 50 miles to look at
this piano I was wondering if any of  you could give me some information
about this instrument.  The guy is asking $3,300 or best offer.  Sounds
high to me as I didn't pay much more than that for my Lester and sold the
Woodward for less.

A big thank you for the wonderful source of information you provide.  I am
definitely a Digest ditto head!

Randy Blake
Budnick @aol.com