As of January 20, 2014, we are just beginning to collect data about the above named player action. All we have at this point are some pictures of the action and six patents. The pictures were contributed by Randy Suva. The player action is in a Harvard Piano which was made in Cincinnati, OH. The exact year of manufacture is unknown at this time.

A few things about this action are fairly obvious. One, it has a split stack and some form of expression control. Two, it has what appears to be a tracking feature that moves both the music roll and the take-up spool back and forth across a stationary trackerbar. Marks on the trackerbar would seem to indicate that this feature can also be used to transpose the music up or down three notes. There are 88 note holes.

Just below is the listing of the six patents issued to the John Church Co., with a short explanation. Click on the Patent Number to view the PDF file. Once the file is opened, you may save it to your computer, or print a copy for yourself. When you're finished, simply close the window (or tab) to return to this page.

US1066632.pdf -Player Piano System: Patented July 8, 1913
US1068509.pdf -Valves and Windchest: Patented July 29, 1913
US1106822.pdf -Arrangement of Stack Pneumatics: Patented August 11, 1914
US1131390.pdf -Transposing Device: Patented March 9, 1915
US1131471.pdf -Pushbutton Control Valve: Patented March 9, 1015
US1166609.pdf -Double-Force Action Design: Patented January 4, 1916

Back to the Main Index Page (HOME)

Suggestions or Comments to John A. Tuttle (site administrator)
This page was created on January 20, 2014, and it will be updated as new information becomes available. Last Update On: January 21, 2014.

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.