S&S Duo-Art

[Richard Moody]

----------
> From: Robert A. Anderson <fndango@azstarnet.com>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: S&S Duo-Art
> Date: Saturday, February 12, 2000 6:35 PM
> 
> I have a new customer with a Duo-Art. I would like to get the
action out
> for some basic servicing.
> I'd appreciate knowing about any pitfalls waiting for me.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bob Anderson
> Tucson, AZ

You will need a Duo-Art specialist to assist you.   The major
pitfall is that the customer may claim it does not play the same as
when you "started removing things". The only servicing you can or
should do to this piano is tune it.  If you don't know how to
operate one I would suggest you have the client "play it" for you
before you do anything including tuning.   That way if it is not
functioning right, (but how would you know?) at least the client
won't blame you afterwards.    I am not suggesting player piano
owners are waiting for hapless piano tuners.  I am suggesting that
when removing a player action, if anything is weak and ready
to"break" it will when you try to.  
	I am a player piano specialist, but not for Duo-Arts.  I would ask
the client who services their unit, and suggest that tech be the
one to remove it so  you can service what ever  player tech can't
do.  If they have not had a reproducer specialist look at their
playing mechanism or maintain it,  it may be old and falling apart,
and you will be glad not to make matters worse.  	In Tuscon, there
should be members of  AMICA  (automatic musical instrument
collecters association) who can recommend the specialist you will
need to remove the player action, and more importantly put it back
in with all the tubes in the right places.   ---ric.