I have a Link Style A Orchestrion, Link serial number 3237, with a
Haddorff Piano, serial number 94479, which dates it to approx. 1921.
The piano is complete and outstanding in every way except that some
time ago it suffered water damage that caused the piano plate to bow
and then crack.

I am told this is a 3/4 plate rather than full plate, meaning it does
not rise to the upper reaches of the case and that no part protrudes
above the lower shelf of the pinblock.  The octave or pin breaks at
28 bass, 30 tenor, and 30 treble.

It was repaired with some bolts and a steel patch to try to keep the
integrity of the piano plate, then restrung.  The player was partially
restored to allow the instrument to play.  Unfortunately, the integrity
of the piano plate continues to suffer, and tuning is next to impossible
and it puts too much pressure on the plate.  Additionally, the plate
continues to stretch and retract from the case.

Two professional technicians have looked at it carefully with the same
verdict: the integrity of the piano is shot and must be replaced.  I'm
told welding is not practical.  The suggestion is to find a compatible
piano that can be inserted in the Link case and replace the other piano.

I'm interested in locating a compatible piano whose plate can be
inserted into this Link case and once again make this tunable, thereby
once again creating the grand instrument it was intended to be.  If you
know of a suitable piano or can suggest what types of pianos may share
this plate, your help will be appreciated.

Thank you,
Glenn Thomas
Princeton, New Jersey