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This article is from the Piano General Topics FAQ, by Isako Hoshino rmmpfaq@yahoo.com with numerous contributions by others.

5.5] Restoring player pianos?

As with any pianos, a key to safely restoring old instrument
is patience and time. It is best to have restoration done by
a professional; however, anyone with a reasonable mechanical
aptitude and patience can restore a player.

The materials used in restoring player pianos are very
specialized, and are generally unavailable at your average
local stores. Vinyl covering (naugehide) will crack to
pieces in a matter of days when used to recover pneumatics.
Common rubber hoses (fish tank and automotive style) will
collapse and turn brittle in a matter of months, rendering an
irreplaceable antique musical instrument useless. Also,
white glue, silicone sealers, body filler, tape, etc., have
no place in player pianos. The tried and true methods and
materials as used when manufactured are to be used in the
restoration.

 

Continue to:

• prev: 5.4] How do they work? (Player Pianos)
• Index
• next: 5.6] Books on player restoration (Player Pianos)

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music, piano, playing, teaching, player piano, harpsichord