John Page wrote, "If you want an instrument to look and play exactly
like it was when it came out of the factory, why not have a replica
built?"

Mike Blackwell responds:  Cost comes to mind!  :)

While having a number of instruments in original condition for
historical purposes is a worthy goal, some (many?  most?) want an
instrument that sounds good, and looks at least good enough to be
put proudly on display in their abode.

Given that many player pianos currently languish in disuse (see D.L.
Bullock's post, among others), is it not better to have these rebuilt
or restored to the point where someone will buy and play them?  How
can we expect future generations of enthusiasts if all we have left are
instruments that look like they belong in a barn?

Mike Blackwell