The gutting of player pianos occurred after the Great Depression, when
unscrupulous piano hacks convinced the gullible their piano would sound
better with the (often, not working) player action removed because it
absorbed the piano's "tone".

There is a great lack of interest in players at the moment.  As proof,
I offer Craigslist "Free" as proof.  In Seattle, it's almost a daily
thing to see another free player.

Jim Fleagle and I, along with Roy Matson, used to haul players to car
shows, or anywhere else where player pianos or reproducing pianos would
be seen and attract people.  It was high energy, but it did work to
help rekindle a passion for the pianos we love so much.  I'm as guilty
as others for not carrying on Jim's tradition.

Tom Binnall