> Bowers' "Encyclopedia", on page 482, mentions that about 80 percent
> of the Link pianos and orchestrions were purchased originally by
> route operators rather than business owners.  Why?

My Link information came directly from Ed Link.  Route operators
bought instruments in large numbers and put them out on routes.  Hence,
changing the endless rolls, an annoyance for some proprietors, was no
problem as the route operators could do it quickly.  With endless rolls
there was no rewind time needed.

Also see "Player Piano Treasury" and Harvey Roehl's experience with the
Lockwood hoard in Rhode Island.

Lots of route operators bought Seeburg and Western Electric instruments.
Putting Regina disc changers and Encore Banjos on routes was also common.
However, Farny Wurlitzer said his company did not have many such customers.

Enjoy your day!

Dave Bowers
Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire