Hi All,

Judi Wright asked about info for an H.G. Bay player piano. Problem
is, there never was a company named 'H. G. Bay', it's H. C. Bay.

According to the Pierce Piano Atlas, the H.C. Bay factory was located
in Bluffton, Indiana, Est. 1911, and used names such as Bay-Drachman-
Meldork-Vollmer and Bellman, Solo - Concerto.

Serial numbers indicate the company was in business from 1914-1929,
and made a total of 23,000 units.

According to the Presto Buyers Guide of 1926, the "H.C. Bay player
action, distinguished for its simplicity, ease of operation and
durability, is used in all players produced by the company." It
also goes on to say that, "Increasing business forced the company
out of its Chicago factory in 1917, and an extensive plant at
Bluffton, Indiana, was purchased...."

H. C. Bay players are also mentioned in the Official Price Guide
to Music Collectibles, Pub 1986, "..made their own player action,
also used in other pianos, e.g., Harmony, Strauss, Walters, Wegman"
And compared to the other players in the listing, there value is
basically middle of the road.

Musically,

John A. Tuttle
http://www.player-care.com/