I'm not really sure which way to jump on this issue, but I was working
on players back in the 70's.  I bought one at an auction that was
"overhauled", and had to learn by hook and by crook how to work on
them.  These were the days when there was NO information available
that taught you all the real details.

I later worked with a local piano tech who was glad to send me some
work doing minor fixes for his player customers.  We traded skills,
and things worked out well for both of us.  Now I only have the time
to work on my own pianos, but the details that Craig and others have
posted here are invaluable, and fill many tiny gaps in my knowledge.

As to losing business, a local heating and A-C business specializes in
selling parts and giving free info to do-it-yourselfers.  They found
that their business is actually better because many of their clients
get themselves in trouble, and are glad to be bailed out -- for a
price.  Maybe the same thing holds true for pianos.  Maybe it's age,
but I'm getting tired of doing things in sets of 88 all the time.

Yours

Larry Mayo