What is a Themodist?

Recently, a customer posed a question to the Mechanical Music Digest regarding her Themodist player piano. She was very curious to find out exactly what the Themodist does and where it is located in the piano. Her desire is to rebuild the mechanism so that she can enjoy all the features the machine has to offer.

Her questions were answered the very next day by two of MMD's members and contributing authors, Dan Wilson and Richard Vance. Their responses were so informative that I asked them if I could post the articles at Player-Care. Both gentlemen kindly agreed.

To read each article, simply follow the link directly below. A BACK link is provided so you can easily return to this page or to Player-Care's Main Page.

Below are links to four pictures from "Player Piano Servicing & Rebuilding" by Arthur Reblitz (used by permission). They contain useful information about the Themodist mechanism. When you click on the link, it will open the picture.

Also, click on this link for more information and a diagram from Richard Vance concerning the Themodist Expression Mechanism. (To Return to this web page, use your browser's BACK feature.)

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.