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Testing the Player Piano

Here are the links to the webpages that deal with understanding and testing the player mechanism. For future reference, you might want to Bookmark this page right now! To identify the various parts that make up a regular player piano, click here! Also, check out the excellent series of Technical Articles from the Tuners' Journal (circa 1927) - click here! Without exception, the most valuable tool you can use to test a player piano is a Test Roll.

Build a Vacuum Gauge

Testing Your Player Piano

Testing the Air Motor

Testing the Exhauster Assembly

Testing the Play/ReRoll Lever

Notes That Stay "ON"

Using a Trackerbar Pump

Adjusting the brakes

Testing Internal Flap Valves

Checking/Testing a Block Valve

Testing Various Devices

Testing the Stack

Testing the Air Motor Governor

Air Motor Timing

Testing the Tracking Device

The Transmission

Testing the Tracking System

Adjusting a Finger Tracking System

Adjusting Lauter Air Motors

Good and Bad Roll Tracking

Aligning the Take-Up Spool

Checking for Vacuum Leaks

Testing the Basic Controls

Basic Rules of Piano/Player Care

Basic Principle of Operation

Basic Tubing Diagram

Another Tubing Diagram

Evaluating the Piano

Evaluating the System

Test for General Stack Leakage

Test for Kimball Valve Block

Understanding the Standard Tracker

Below is a video that shows how you can use your
lungs to check various devices in a player piano.

For Links to more information, try the Drop-Down Lists on the Main Page - CLICK HERE!
Or, Search Player-Care.com for specific Keywords - CLICK HERE!


This page was last revised on February 25, 2022 by John A. Tuttle


Since "Player-Care" is an internet business, I prefer that we correspond via E-Mail (click here to fill out the 'Request Form'). However, if I'm not in the middle of some other activity, you can reach me at 732-840-8787. But please understand that during the hours from 8AM-5PM EST (Mon-Sat), I'm generally quite busy. So, I probably won't answer the phone. If you get the answering machine, please leave a detailed message stating the reason for your call. Also, repeat your name and phone number clearly and distinctly. By necessity, I prioritize everything in my life. And, if you call and just leave your name and number, and ask me to call you back, it might be a day or two before I return your call. Why? Because I don't know why you want me to call and I might not be prepared to assist you in an effective and efficient manner. If you leave me an E-Mail address (which I prefer), spell it out phonetically. The more you do to help me, the more I can help you in return. Don't rush. You have four minutes to record your message.

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