I am planning to build a hybrid player piano - the advantage being that 
instead of solenoids, it will use the Simplex stack which I own. The 
linkages and fingers that activate the keys will be all mechanical in 
operation. I will build this hybrid player with portability in mind.  The 
"piano" is an 88-note Williams Legato digital keyboard.

This player project will do away with the problem of the modern digital 
players which use media that in all respects is not nearly as reliable as 
a physical piano roll, and solenoids which burn up if they even try to 
approach the playing power of the original pneumatic design of 1920s 
players.  The playing range will be 80 notes. I have redone the 10 
non-working Simplex unit pneumatic valves.  The stack-to-keyboard finger 
design will be similar in respect to the old push-up pianolas whose 
fingers pushed on the actual keys, not the piano action, but will be 
designed so that the operator can see the keys move as in a regular player.

There will be no skimping or any "well, I'll just have to compromise with 
that" on this project.  This "new" player piano should be up and going a 
week from now or sooner. I will post photos and send a video to anyone who 
wishes to see it in action.

Luke Myers
Whitewater, KS

ldmyers95@gmail.com