In response to several posts that I have read over the past couple
of months regarding vacuum motors for the electric player piano
function, could I offer up this (probably over simplistic) option
that I have worked with.

You local vacuum repair shop usually has many vacuum motors on hand.
I had two such motors in my "hold for whatever reason" area of my
garage.  I also had several rheostats of various wattage ratings.
I opted for the "quietest motor", first bench tested all, then mounted
the motor in a plywood (stained, dark) box with hose connections to
the player, also mounted the rheostat and power cord to the outside
of the box, ran a paired wire to a toggle switch under the keyboard.

While this may not be an ideal answer to the purists out there, it has
worked mighty fine on my 1915 upright Stroud and is probably the least
expensive way to go since it's inside the bottom unseen.  Am I crazy
or just like to save money?

Best regards,

John Clear
Port Ludlow, Washington