Autopiano information

[kyokat]

Hi everyone.

I've been looking for some information about my piano. I don't really know very much about it. It is a walnut veneered Baby Grand. I believe is was brought from Selfridges just after world war 2 but I'm not completely sure about this. On the front of the lid when raised the is some gold lettering is the word 'Autopiano'

Below the keyboard is a draw that slides out if two knobs are pushed that are either side of the drawer. The player scrolls can be placed in here. There is a re-roll switch and tempo controller these slide from left to right. On the right and three buttons that say bass, Loud pedal and soft treble on the left side of the drawer. The roll is placed in the middle with a brass bar that the sroll passes over. In the area that the scroll fits there is another small switch that says 'Pedal on' this is more like a small lever.

Below the drawer is a coloumn that leads down to the loud pedal etc. This colum open by having it front lift open and the pumping pedals are inside.

Currently the player function does not work. I believe it is due to the age of the instrument and the rubber tubing has perished. There are also some loose bars at the foot pumps.

Another thing I have found is the number 56282 which is almost central on the piano and is printed not cast in any metal. I cannot find any name or other means of identification.

If someone has any idea about the age of this piano or make or name. Anything! I am really interested about finding out more about it. I am also interested in restoring it but I expect it will be quite unaffordable. I have many scrolls for it and unable to play any of them at the current time which is upsetting.

Another thing I have heard from my mum who gave it to me as I play piano and she inherited it from my grandmother is that it is quite rare and there were only three of them made. One was sent to Germany, one was given or brought by the queen and the other one sold in Selfridges and brought by my nan. This may not be reliable information but it may be a useful piece of information to someone who knows how to use it.

In any case i would appreciate any help.

Many Thanks

[Bill Kibby]

This story about there only being three of them made is all too common as a sales ploy, and it is almost impossible that a production line would be set up just for three pianos. Autopiano IS the maker, or at least the maker of the player part of the instrument. The was an Autopiano Co. in the USA, and Kastner Autopiano in London. I have very little to do with anything as modern as player pianos.