[pianotech] Pianola player...plastic parts?

Duaine Hechler dahechler at att.net
Thu Nov 3 16:27:38 MDT 2011


On 11/03/2011 01:40 PM, David Renaud wrote:
> Pianola, 4octave piano, bicords throughout entire treble....
>
> Traditional player with pump bellows, 5 bellow motor, individual cloth bellows
> On each key......but on the base of each and every individual key bellows is a
> Plastic clear box..........that scares me.....w..
>
>      Family of some substance and means, want the player and piano fixed,
> And there is some sentimental attachment.  Rebuilt some old players in my time,
> And this looks traditional player, except for those plastic boxes and the base of each bellows.
>
> ,........not enjoyed pervious experiences with old 1950s plastic.....
>
> Anyone out there worked on these specific pianos and have words of warning for
> Me, and/or advise on working with these......or not working on these.
>
>         Doing estimate, but not before touching base with someone that has touched those
> Plastic components before and retrofit a replacement part successfully.
>
>                                                         Thanks you
>                        N.                               David Renaud
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
I have worked on as well as tuned these players. These players were made in the late 60's to early 70's.

Schaff sells the complete plastic valves (see attached) although I no experience in using these. I am assuming these are 
made to correct specs (0.35" valve travel and pretty descent inner parts).

Unless you plan on re-hosing, you better make sure you number each hose.

I had to re-valve a newer one (a Universal player, that the valve chest was aluminum and the valves were that crystal 
clear polyethylene - that had disintegrated) in which you have to disconnect all the hoses before you can take it out. 
And as I was putting it back, a few of the pieces of tape came loose and had to trace several to play the right notes.

Oh, don't forget to do the regulation - before - you start putting the player back - since it's nearly impossible to do 
with the player in place.

Lastly, if you need a replacement suction box, these are GREAT. I've installed 5 so far .....

http://www.pianoproservice.com/BT002.shtml?mode=preview

Other than that - take plenty of "reference" photos.

Good luck,
Duaine

-- 
Duaine Hechler
Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ
Tuning, Servicing&  Rebuilding
Reed Organ Society Member
Florissant, MO 63034
(314) 838-5587
dahechler at att.net
www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com
--
Home&  Business user of Linux - 11 years

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