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Link Piano Enthusiast Web Site | |
| My
purpose in starting this web site was to fill what I perceived to be
a void of Link-related material on the WWW. I felt that as
distinctive and interesting as Link pianos are, they deserve some
special recognition. My introduction to Link pianos started
with
Gary Bagley's beautiful Link that he placed on e-bay in 2004. Like most
enthusiasts today, I buy more sound recordings than I do instruments
because of daunting prices, even in the current 'slump'. Although coin pianos
all have distinctive sounds, none stood out for me more than the Link.
The
novel and interesting arrangements of Link music that I heard
convinced me that acquiring a Link was a good idea (I was the only one
at my house that was convinced of this, however). I tried to
buy
Gary's 2E on ebay, but in the end
I was unsuccessful as a bidder on that Link. Although most
coin
pianos have distinctive sounds, none stood out for me more than the
Link. I had given up on buying a Link after I was outbid on
Gary's e-bay Link, but I received a phone call from a Link owner who
had a slightly more worn-down Link for sale, but for a price that was
(in the short-term, anyway) more attractive. Being optimistic, when my Link arrived, I immediately checked it over for precarious situations, shipping problems, etc and then plugged it in. The motor started, the roll moved, and... well, that's all. So, not surprisingly, I had a Link 2E that didn't make a sound (other than motor noise). Although my qualifications are suspect, I decided that between my actual experience of rebuilding a few pumper players and careful study of the issues (along with good advice from the vast number of people who know more than I do about these things) that I might be able to slowly bring the Link back to life. That brings us, via a long path, to the purpose of this web page. I thought that it might be interesting to document the restoration of my Link here--for amusement, perhaps to get advice from others, and if I'm lucky, to show what's involved in a complex rebuilding project. I know that there are sometimes more than one 'right' way to do things, and other times there is ONLY one right way. I'm going to publish my work here, warts and all, so feel free to let me know if you feel that I'm taking the wrong approach. It won't hurt my feelings, I'll appreciate the feedback, and I'll publish your suggestions along with everything else (unless you ask me not to). So this is my attempt to share my defeats and victories in the Link universe with the world. I hope you enjoy reading some of what I wrote, and please let me know if there is anything you would like to see on this website. Please email me at webmaster@linkpianos.comwith critiques and requests. If you are interested in the history of the Clark Orchestra Roll company, or if you would be interested in acquiring some rare Clark Orchestra Roll recuts, visit http://www.clarkrolls.com 1/3/06--Note to Link collectors, fans, rebuilders: I put this site on the web because of the lack of Link-related resources on the web. If you Google Ray Deyo or Link Piano or most other Link related terms, once you filter out all the junk, there is virtually nothing left. I know that a number of people own Link pianos because they enjoy the music and the machines. From the Link 2 to the orchestrions, you collectors, rebuilders, and fans are out there. So please consider sending me pictures, sound files, videos, anecdotes, tips, or just comments about Link-related things for publication. I would certainly be grateful, and it serves as a resource and as an introduction for some to the world of Link instruments and their music. I'll gladly credit (or not as you wish) any contributions. Thanks Steve Cobb webmaster and Link owner/fan Page
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