Hi All -- Again, regarding foot pumping or electrifying an upright
player, it is not just romantic to want to pump a roll.  It is about
making music and not just hearing a roll banging out each note the
at the same volume, which is _not music._  Just listen to the amazing
Bob Berkman (check YouTube) at his 88-note Pianola, wowing the audience
at one of his concerts.  A vacuum cleaner motor would never get an
audience response like that

Again, a non-expression player electrified and with nobody at the
controls to at least give some expression will keep any newbies with
any sense of music away from them.

If you do not want to pump, which is fine, get an Ampico or Duo-Art.
'Tis nice to sit at the player with a cute girl _or_ boy at your side!

And, this nonsense about the rolls falling apart -- I have over 800 rolls
that are 80+ years old that I have been playing since the 1960s and, with
only a few exceptions, they are in fine shape as they are rolled up and
away from the air.  "The great and powerful OZ has spoken"!

Best,
Marc Goodman
Cleveland, Ohio