Excerpt from The Pneumatic Player: The Regulation and Repair of Some Modern Types

In the following chapters on player-piano actions, their regulation and repair, I do not intend to use the language of science, and this for two reasons. The first is that perhaps a few of my readers might not understand that lingo, and the second reason is that I do not myself. Fascinating as it might be to explain that every pneumatic, when at rest, contains billions of atmospheric molecules, and that each pneumatic is surrounded by an equal number of billions, which latter turn with the utmost fury and slam to the pneumatic when their fellows in the interior are reduced in number by suction. Yet to a majority of tuners a knowledge of such facts is quite unnecessary. It is enough for one to observe the work, and to know just how to regulate and maintain the movements of each part.

It is very possible that I may tread some old familiar paths, but I am sure I need not apologise for this, as to many the ground must be new, - or perhaps with a few of the more experienced I may have the good fortune to share my enthusiasm for some of the more intricate devices and the decided improvement of the player-piano in general.

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