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