Pianotech

  • 1.  Old Player Mechanism question

    Posted 10-18-2023 19:01

    Good Evening,

    A client called and wants me to look at the re-roller aspect of a 100 year old player mechanism.  I have not been there yet, and told the client that I know just enough to be dangerous, but she begged.  She said she has looked far and wide for someone to work on her player and cannot find anyone.  Which sounds about right.  Do any of you all have experience with the re-roll aspect and could point me at what I should be looking at?  Could it possibly be a rubber tube that has dry rotted and no longer functions?  She said it is an electric blower system, so no pumping.

    I figure if I learned how to fix these monsters, I could add a hundred dollars to my income every year.  :-)



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    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    (865) 384-6582
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  • 2.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Posted 10-18-2023 20:33
    You should spend a little time and get to know the local techs.
    There are specialists here.

    -chris





  • 3.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Posted 10-19-2023 06:21

    I keep forgetting that. There is only one guy, not in the guild, who I know that works on old players in our area. He is so busy, he doesn't even return phone calls for people needing his assistance, let alone me.  By the time he answered my question, it would be the first of the year. 



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    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    (865) 384-6582
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2023 23:35

    Hi Patrick,

    Yes, I had to figure out the same problem not too long ago. Not sure what type of player you're dealing with - there are a lot of different designs out there. Depending on what you have, you may find this manual useful. In the very least it will give you a starting point. 

    https://my.ptg.org/viewdocument/lemac-player-service-manual?CommunityKey=bf04dfa7-4ff7-4efb-bc7c-ade1614c8da2&tab=librarydocuments



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    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
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  • 5.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Posted 10-19-2023 13:46

    Thanks Benjamin!  :-)



    ------------------------------
    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    (865) 384-6582
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Posted 10-19-2023 07:46

    Start simple by checking the transmission. The chain may be off or the rewind/play gear may not be engaging. Both are logical repairs. It's probably one of those two things if the roll moves forward.



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    Philip Jamison
    West Chester PA
    (610) 696-8449
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  • 7.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2023 08:17

    Good morning,

    I have rebuilt and serviced these player pianos for 40 years full time here in Connecticut. I am happy to try to answer questions either privatley or publicly. I can also take a phone call when convenient to help some one. I probably can offer some advice to many of you. Thanks. 

    Herb Lindahl, RPT Member 



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    Herbert Lindahl RPT
    South Windsor CT
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  • 8.  RE: Old Player Mechanism question

    Posted 10-19-2023 13:46

    Thank you Herb.  After I look at the piano, I will be asking some questions.



    ------------------------------
    Patrick Greene
    OWNER
    Knoxville TN
    (865) 384-6582
    ------------------------------

    Original Message