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Working Conditions at Player Piano Factories
By Will Herzog

Back in the 1990's my first Internet search was in connection with my
wife's player piano.  It led to the MMD and to Ampico, in East
Rochester, N.Y. (locally known as the "Piano Works").

I remember that the MMD had an interview with a technician there.  I
called a friend who also worked there, and he said it was all accurate.
Yes, it was dark; they didn't care, because they were blind and tuned
the pianos.  Yes, it was cold and hot, as the buildings were old
railroad construction buildings, the old car barns.  His name is Tony
Kostanciak.  He made his living there for over 25 years.  I don't know
whether the interview is still on the Internet.

Will Herzog


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