Be very careful when reading the MMD and D.L. Bullock's advice about
Bradford Electric [000718 MMDigest].  I took D.L.'s advice and sent
them my Holtzer-Cabot motor.  They did a first class total restoration
on my motor.  It now runs like a Swiss watch, and I am _very_ pleased
with both their work and the motors performance!

Here is a list of the work performed:

  Check, dismantle and inspect motor.
  Clean, check and paint parts.
  Fabricate, machine 2 new bronze sleeve bearings,
    duplicate those removed from the motor (worn).
  metallize and machine the shaft bearing journal & pulley end.  [$$!]
  Install and line ream the 2 new bronze sleeve bearings.
  Install new cord.  Install new oil wicking.
  Remove end play.
  Assemble, check run and paint.

All this for the cost of -- $692.49 !!

The motor runs absolutely true, and is so quiet you really _can not_
hear it!  They do fabulous work, but it is costly.

I wonder if there would have been a local motor shop here in town that
could have done the work for less?  Next time I will make a trip to a
few of the larger motor repair shops around town and show them the
motor and ask a few questions.  If I cannot find someone local who is
confident with this type of motor I will send the motor to Bradford and
ask for an estimate first.

I in no way hold D. L. Bullock responsible.  He and I have had a few
conversations about the bill, and he was kind enough to discuss it with
them on my behalf.  I have enjoyed a very rewarding Internet friendship
with D. L. and have always trusted his advice, and will continue to
look to him for advice.  Once he even sent me a "care package" of
player materials (including an experimental cutting tool he was
contemplating marketing) and asked me to try them, and let him know
what I thought.  D. L. is an honorable man.  I just wanted him to know
that I hold no resentment over the motor deal, and I look forward to
our continued friendship.  He was right!  They do first class work, are
very reliable and _quick_!

Sam Harris - Greenville, North Carolina
Player Piano Restorations Illustrated
http://www.Geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9374

 [ It sounds like you experienced "sticker shock", Sam!  :-)  I'm
 [ glad that you're satisfied with the workmanship.  Your tale makes
 [ me think of the folks who send a fine instrument to a good
 [ restoration shop without asking beforehand what the charges will be.
 [
 [ But suppose you had a nice reproducing piano with no motor, and you
 [ couldn't find an old Holtzer-Cabot.  What do you suppose an expert
 [ shop like Bradford Electric would charge to make a new motor, which
 [ performs as well as the motor they just rebuilt for you?
 [
 [ -- Robbie