Hi, After lurking for a few days here's my first posting.

I live and work in Brussels, Belgium.  My first interest in mechanical
music instruments dates from when I was about six and my parents would
take me to see Decap dance organs on Sunday afternoons.  I was
absolutely fascinated.

Back in '81 I bought a "STECK Pianola" (that's what is says in brass
inlay above the keyboard) pumper at a specialized antiques shop.
It was semi-restored which means cleaned, lubricated, most of the
tubing replaced as well as the fabric of two bellows .

Shortly after that I got involved in buying a house which included some
long and extensive restorations.  So, the piano was stored in my
grandmothers bedroom.  Now 17 years later, it's ready for its voyage to
its destination : my living room.

After discovering the information on Internet I decided to have a
closer look at it again.  It still works fine although there may be
some leakage.

So, the _piano_ is a Steck.  I couldn't find any other reference but on
the voucher it says Steck No. 49618.  Perhaps I should inspect the back.
It's supposed to be dating from around 1925.  The automat is Aeolian
No. 49889.  It's painted black; the air motor has three bellows and is
located to the right from the spoolbox.  It has a needle that says
"Metrostyle path".

But to my surprise however (disappointment?) it's a 65-note player and
not an 88.  I did remember it was not a reproducing piano.  I thought
that 65-note players were much earlier models.

I have a few questions :

1) Is a 88-note model more desirable (wider range of keys, availability
of roll etc.) or is it just another format and nothing more.

2) Is it possible (technically) to put a 88-note player (or even a
reproducing model) in the Steck? Is it possible to trade in the
65-note player for an 88-note model somewhere? Or is this complete
heresy?

3) Based on the number, how old would the Steck be?  Where was it made
?  It seems Steck's were made in England, Germany and the US.  And if
it isn't that old how come it has a 65-note player?

4) I discovered the lead weights were removed from the keys in order to
make them go down when the automat plays.  Should I have them replaced
and settle for non moving keys?

5) Anyone has knowledge of the existence of player piano fans and
technicians in Belgium? (The gentleman I bought it from, Mr. J. M.
Glorie, seems to have disappeared).

PS: I just contacted Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Waters and am axious to hear
from them.  :-).

Thanks and
Best Regards.

Patrick Boeckstijns
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (vub)
Pleinlaan 2
1050  Brussel
Belgium

Tel: 32 2 629 2309
Fax: 32 2 629 2362

 [ Welcome to MMD, Patrick.  I'm glad that we have knowledgeable
 [ collectors all over the world, as there seem to be many different
 [ varieties of Pianolas.  The 65-note player was popular in the UK
 [ long after the States discontinued this style.  I think our
 [ members can help answer your questions!  -- Robbie