I noted the recent posting relating to playing a pianola while having
back problems [Player Piano For Cardiovascular Exercise, MMD 010402].

I would recommend extreme care as for the past six years I have been
recovering from major back surgery and it is only now that I can play
for 10 to 15 minutes.  I would encourage people to start very carefully,
about five minutes a day at first, and then build up slowly.

The problem is playing the pianola is rather like driving a car,
which is the one thing that all spinal surgeons say should be left
till one is relatively recovered.  Having said that, I agree that
pianola playing is good cardiovascular exercise and, if you're healthy,
probably extremely good.  But I would advise caution in the first
stages so you don't get a recurrence of real spine problems.

Of course you can always listen to your Ampico or Duo-Art while you're
on the road to recovery, as I have done, and also listen to a lot of
recorded piano music so that when you are finally fit your pianola
playing can be a lot better!

Malcolm Cole
The Player Piano group
London