Randy Peck said [051219 MMD]:

> The player guts were removed at some point and I want to restore it
> for my children.

My experience with Schultz players was not very positive.  The Schultz
player I had (probably 20+ years ago) was one where tiny pneumatics
took the place of more traditional valves.  After many hours trying
to come up with a way to restore it (before I had the resources of the
MMD), I finally gave up on it, scrapped the action, and sold the piano
as a straight upright.  I have heard of those that have done it,
however.

I am not one to give up easily.  This is only one of two pianos over
the years I did this way.  I have rebuilt Gulbransons (although I don't
look forward to doing another one)  The other one I've about given up
on (but I still have) is a Farrand Cecelian with a 4-tier pot-metal
action.

Generally finding the right replacement action for a gutted player is
difficult (although I have done a couple).  If your Schultz is anything
like the one I had, I don't think you want to find that action to
restore it.  Perhaps this difficult to rebuild action is the reason
your player was gutted.

Although this is a "family" piano, you are probably best off keeping
it as a 'straight' piano and find another good rebuilt player piano to
have for your children also.

Gary Rasmussen
GaryRasmussen@aol.com