Can anyone help?  I live in somewhat sunny Cornwall UK, near to
Lands End, and have a small collection of instruments which is steadily
growing.

I am doing a somewhat rush job on an Aeolian 88-note Pianola which has
to be finished in two weeks time (a lot of burning the midnight oil)
and, although I normally get materials from the Player Piano Company
(in the USA), does anyone know of a supplier here in the UK that can
supply tubing and trunking?

If you can help please email me on <Jonathan.Holmes@pendeen.demon.co.uk>.
It will be most appreciated.

To introduce myself, I am the professional museum director of a large
art gallery and museum (not musical), and have been interested in all
the comments on the Digest about restoration and converting of
instruments to play other types of rolls --  some most disturbing
comments, such as the Mortier converted to play Wurlitzer rolls.  In my
view historic instruments should _not_ be tampered with at any cost.
It happens in the UK as well, especially with fair organs.  One notable
example being a rare barrel organ converted to play book music, and all
the original parts being discarded.

My CV is interesting for someone working in museums; I trained in
musical instrument repair and conservation and organ building, before
moving into the museum world doing a postgraduate qualification.
I even ran a restoration business for a while, but here in the UK
people are not normally prepared to pay for a full restoration to a
high standard, so I would rather not do a cosmetic job that probably
would break down in just a short while.

If anyone lives in the West of England why not get in contact, or,
in fact, anywhere.  I am also a friend of Dorothy.  !!

Jonathan Holmes

 [ Welcome aboard the Good Ship MMD, Jonathan.  I hope our UK friends
 [ can help you through your current distress!  Is your friend the
 [ famous Dorothy who said, "Look, Toto!  I'm afraid we're not in Kansas
 [ anymore!"  ;)  Best wishes for a happy Pianola customer!   -- Robbie