Hi,

My name is Craig Roothoff and I am a new member.  I live in Escondido,
California (north of San Diego).  I'm employed in restaurant management
with the Zoological Society of San Diego.

I'm a member of AMICA.  I have restored players on and off for about
20 years.  It is strictly a hobby, though there was a brief time when
I did it as a business (thus I'm very sympathetic with those who do this
for a living!).  My main interest is in restoring reproducing pianos,
however, anything truly unique would pique my interest. I'd like to restore
a nickelodeon someday, should I come across one that I could afford.
I have eight reproducing/expression pianos and one eighty-eight note
player.  They are in various states of repair/restoration.  Among them
are Ampicos, a Duo-Art, a Welte, Recordos and possibly an Empeco.
Obviously I have no loyalty to any particular system.  Anything with
possibilities is interesting.  The more unusual (mechanically), the better.

I found MMD while searching the Net.  Great article, discussion.
Particularly, I was trying to find out more about the European Empeco
system.  I posted a message a few days ago in regard to this matter.
I think I may have a small Empeco grand (Thein of Bremen).  Any information
that would help solve this mystery would be appreciated.

Craig Roothoff