Owners of Pianolas are often faced with a choice between restoration or disposal. Perhaps you have inherited a much-loved instrument, or perhaps you couldn't resist that apparent "bargain" at auction! Here are a few frequently asked questions:
Q. I have a Pianola that I no longer wish to keep. How much is it worth?
A. It all depends. If all features work, it is easy to pump, and all notes play properly then it may well be a desirable instrument. If it does not work, or the player action has never been restored and needs serious attention, then it is probably going to be a liability rather than an asset.
Q. But it is an antique! Surely that alone means that it is valuable?
A. No. Do not believe antique dealers who tell you so. Especially if they are trying to sell you a Pianola that simply needs "minor attention".
Q. So what's the problem?
A. The cost of proper restoration. Player Pianos are very time-consuming machines to restore to perfect working order. The number of components involved, the cost of specialist materials, the rebuilding skills used, and the very exacting regulation techniques necessary to achieve original performance levels all place great demands upon the restorer. In addition, one cannot ignore the rest of the piano. A perfectly conditioned and regulated piano action is necessary to get the best effect, and restringing may also be beneficial. Then of course there is the casework. How good do you want it to look? The likely cost of full restoration will almost certainly exceed the potential selling price of the instrument upon completion.
Q. Really?
A. Really. Unless you have a superior instrument such as a one with a Reproducing Action - (e.g. an electrified Aeolian Duo-Art) or a Grand Pianola then you will struggle to find a buyer for the sort of money that you spend in fully overhauling and restoring a Player Piano. It is unfortunate, but true.
Q. So the type of Pianola matters then?
A. Quite a lot. There were a great many small, low-powered units built to satisfy the mass market, and even full restoration of these may not guarantee total satisfaction. Generally speaking, the larger the player action the better the potential playing performance. In the UK Aeolian, Higel and Autopiano are names commonly associated with Player Piano actions. The top makers such as Steinway would have ensured that their instruments had superior actions, but at the other end of the scale many cheap, mass-produced pianos had very ordinary systems installed. The rebuilding process is just as long though!
Q. Mine has 88 notes. Is that normal?
A. Yes. That became the standard. There are others, such as 65 or 73 note, but rolls for them are less common, and the range of music more limited. And 65 note instruments tend to be older - probably pre 1920. By the late 1920s 88 note upright Player Pianos had reached excellent, compact design levels.
Q. I have a non-working Pianola that is clearly not cost-effective to have restored. What other options are there?
A. Regrettably, very few. Most of my current work is commissioned by customers who wish to have their much-loved Pianola brought back to working order for themselves or their family. There are a limited number of full-time restorers in the UK and they probably have plenty of non-working pianolas waiting to be rebuilt. I have 8.
Q. So you don't want any more then?
A. No, thank you!