This discussion has started me thinking about a project that I used
to joke about, perhaps it is time that I actually build it.

I have a 4-octave marimba off a Wurlitzer theatre organ.  The action
is shot, and it was water damaged, but the musical part of the
instrument is in fine shape.  So I have been thinking about building up
a suction powered action for it, and hooking it up the theatre organ
we have.  I was thinking suction, because it would seem that suction
powered things are not as bulky as pressure powered things.

At any rate, if I just added a roll box and motor from an 88-note piano
I would have a nice instrument for playing the "ever popular" marimba
waltzes, which I rather like.  Besides, I don't recall having seen
anything about a player marimba anywhere.

Ed Copeland