Hi list, l just wanted to share this with you.  Yesterday l tuned an
Estey player.  This was also a test to me 'cause it was the first time
since l read the Reblitz player piano book.

I was surprised at the sense of reality there is in Mr. Reblitz's
work.  :)   He describes how people say they have a "restored" player,
but in reality their player is in really bad condition.

The instrument l saw was such a "restored" one.  When l opened the
piano cabinet l noticed that the piano action was in bad condition.
When l got the stack out, and l could take a careful look at the
pneumatics, l saw the white glue hanging.  The pumping pedals were
still there but they had no function anymore.  The suction was pro-
vided by an electric suction unit.  In my opinion, the whole thing
wasn't airtight at all, and to "solve" this problem they installed
an electric suction unit, so the player could hold on a little longer.

The owner wants to have about $6700 for this player.  l told him (in
a decent way  :-) that his player is worth about $700 and he probably
has to spend $6000 to rebuild his player.

Like many other readers, l must say that Mr. Reblitz's book is very
good.  l learned a lot in a short time but I'm just at the beginning.
Before l begin to work on other's players, l have to rebuild one for
myself.  l've started saving for one -- my fingers are itching!  :)))

Best regards,

Wim Vermeyen
Wim's Piano Service
Ekeren, Belgium
wim.debby@village.uunet.be