In answer to Bryan Cather's query, I have just completed restoration
of a John Malcolm upright player, incorporating some (to me) unusual
features.

The name is stamped on the frame and also appears on the fallboard.
It reads John Malcolm & Sons, London.  Serial number is 39618.  The
instrument is circa 1928 I would guess, and has a fairly standard piano
action, the player having Melodist and Autopedal facilities.

The player action is particularly well built.  All hose connectors are
made from wood, with a graduated bore size.  The stack is supplied by
two suction supply pipes, both being connected at the bass end.  There
was almost universal use made of screws with sunken square-heads, re-
quiring the use of an Allen key, or very strong flat-headed screwdriver
across the diagonals.  There is the usual bass and treble expression
buttons which operate pneumatics to lift each half of the hammer rail,
but in addition there is a governor to allow graduated reduction of
suction to the whole stack - thus giving very effective, instant
fingertip control over volume.

The pouch board was covered in a single piece of maroon leather, in
excellent condition.  The valves are small by comparison with standard
valves, but again very efficient.  The whole instrument is a joy to
pedal and play, and I am happy to say that the customer is delighted.
Is this the same maker as Bryan's?

Has anyone else seen a John Malcolm player?

Roger Waring
The Pianola Workshop
Solihull, England
Pianolas@dial.pipex.com