VALLEY CITY, ND – BCM, The museum’s beloved player piano was on loan from collector Ervin Erickson of Bismarck. When he passed in 2020, it was fully donated to us. It was manufactured in 1918 and the player mechanism was restored in the early 2000s. The piano instrument itself, however, needs some attention. Justin Jones of Jones Piano Service has provided us with 3 options, good/better/best, for partial restoration of the upright player piano. We’re seeking donations to make it happen.

OPTION 1- Remove and replace all bass strings with new bass strings/new larger size tuning pins and new bass dampers. Also new tuning pins for any other loose pins found. -new bass strings (duplicated at factory) $360 -new tuning pins $50 -new bass dampers $60 -Understring felt/braid $20 -Parts shipping $75 -Labor $700 – Total $1265

Option 2- Replace all worn hammers with new hammers (hammers only not shanks) matched to original samples. -New hammers $270 -shipping $40 -labor $600 -Total $910

Option 3- Full restringing job of piano including- new strings (bass, tenor and treble. New larger size tuning pins, new dampers, new under string felt and braid. -new bass strings $360 -new strings(tenor and treble) $210 -new tuning pins $101 -new dampers (full set) $130 -under string felt/braid $40 -shipping $90 -Labor $3800 -Total $4731

If you would like to donate, contact Wes Anderson at the Barnes County Museum. Call (701)-845-0966.