[ Ref. Brian Smith writing in 100717 MMDigest

I thought I was the only one who heard that Violano at Knott's Berry
Farm in Buena Park, California.  It was in the bar just below the
"panning-for-gold" attraction.  I remember it was right inside the door
to the tavern.  I, too, played it until I ran out of dimes (everything
else was a nickel) -- a favorite instrument of mine, it was so different.

There was also a National piano that changed rolls by dropping a coin
into the appropriate slot.  The tracker bar was upside down.  Tubing on
the top and a half-inch wide by three inch re-roll slot that a finger
dropped into, causing the roll to rewind at three million miles per
hour (slight exaggeration), much like a roller window shade returning
after the doily ring was pulled and let go.  The exact National piano
I played is pictured in Q. David Bowers' Encyclopedia.

Ah, the memories!  I haven't been back there since.  The fried chicken
was great and right next door you could get your picture taken on a
150-year-old crocodile (we were told) and a tortoise of about the same
age...

Tim L'Amoureux