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Set out below are a number of quotes kindly provided by customers who have used  my services over the years. The originals of these can be seen at my premises.

88 note Aeolian

“Steve is genuinely and inspiringly passionate about his work and painstakingly restored our battered family heirloom to its full glory. It sounds magnificent and is such a treat to have in the house. I would whole heartedly recommend him - the expert service was always friendly and prompt.”

R. Simms,      Nottingham..

Brinsmead  see ** on ‘Pictures’ page.

“To find someone who advertised help for old pianolas was marvellous.   We are very fond of ours but it had been ailing for some time.   Steve came promptly and diagnosed the problem which fortunately was not terminal!   He was able to source replacement bits and got our 'animal' going again with good value for money.   It is wonderful to have it working so well.   Many thanks for a job well done!”

M. Barnard     Kenilworth.

To begin with, a few words from my mentor.......

“In the years that Steve and I have worked together on player pianos he has impressed me in two critical areas - attention to detail, and most importantly, performance. Player pianos must be airtight above all else and thus easy to pedal. Steve has developed rigorous testing methods that ensure that the original 1920s adage still holds true -

"So easy a child can play it!"

Roger Waring

The Pianola Workshop

Roger and I have collaborated on many restorations since we first met in 2003. Roger, along with Mr Reblitz, taught me pretty much everything I know about pianolas!  

I have much to thank him for.   SRD.

88 note Aeolian

“Steve Dibble has given me excellent service. My daughter found his company online. After contacting Mr Dibble he came to the Lake District to advise me re: my old pianola..............We agreed it would be too expensive to repair so he found another one, fully overhauled it and delivered it to me  a few months later. I was very impressed - it was more compact and all 88 notes are functional and in tune.

I know I can call on Steve if any problems arise - a very good contact indeed.”

M. Hisom,    Arnside.

Melville Clarke 58 note  click on ‘Apollo’  to view.

“The Melville Clarke Apollo piano player which you restored is being operated regularly on a varied collection of 58 note rolls. All the controls which make for a satisfying rendering of pieces on the Rogers baby grand instrument are operable.”

T. S. Acton,     Church Stretton

88 note Weber

“I have a Weber / Aeolian pianola built in 1919 which I acquired from a farm building in 1972. I did some “restoration” but it eventually became unplayable 20 years ago.

In a fit of enthusiasm I decided it might be brought back to life, which fortunately led to my meeting with Steve Dibble.

He delivered on everything he promised - time to rebuild,  quality of workmanship, price and performance when restored. He is enthusiastic, skilled and very competent and there are not many left who can do this work.”

D. Bates,     Church Stretton

Wilcox and White ‘Angelus’ Player

“Six months ago when we were moving from one side of the country to the other, the removal firm found they could not lift our Marshall and Rose Angelus pianola.   Steve Dibble came to our rescue at very short notice and arranged to have it expertly removed - to his workshop in Silverstone where it underwent the refurbishment it had been needing for a long time.   It left us a shabby, out- of- tune,  ailing instrument.   Now, not only has our pianola been given a new lease of life, it is a pleasure to look at, a joy to play and a delight to hear - all thanks to Steve Dibble's expertise.”

“We are truly very grateful for all your help.   I'm sure it's time pianolas made a come back!”

R. Lucas,    Evesham

Autopiano see * on  ‘Pictures’ page

“I found Steve’s name on the internet. He soon discovered that the so-called restorer I had used previously had pretty much wrecked our pianola. Steve diagnosed the problems, took some parts away to his workshop and returned a few weeks later to restore the instrument to full working condition. We never expected to hear it again but are now delighted to have it functioning so well. I hope I am functioning as well when I am 85 years old.”

Dr. L. Atkinson,     Hertfordshire.

Steck ½ Duo Art see *** on ‘Pictures’ page

“Steve Dibble recently examined and repaired my Steck Duo Art pianola which has been in my family since 1935. Soon after it came to me about 11 years ago I paid a considerable sum of money for it to be restored by a pianola restorer. Since then it has deteriorated to the point where many notes were not playing and most  tunes were unrecognisable. I contacted Steve who visited and played a test roll which showed several non playing notes and others that were ciphering due to suction leaks. Steve removed the stack, spoolbox and windmotor to his workshop where they were properly attended to. He also replaced some of the original rubber pipes and confirmed my suspicion that the previous restorer had done a poor job. On re-assembling the pianola all notes now play and it has been transformed. My pianola now plays better than ever thanks to Steve’s thorough and professional work.”

J. Jenner,    Woburn Sands.

Sales

Steck ½ Duo Art

“I write to thank you for the work you have done on my Steck pianola and in particular the full restoration of the piano action.

It was a real joy to find someone local, easy to deal with and, in particular, expert on this intricate and complicated musical instrument.

I am both grateful for and entirely happy with the work you have done.”

D. Esau,    Bletchley.

Steck 65 note

“We were delighted when you fixed our Pianola, we and lots of other people have had fun playing it again.   I loved it when I was a child and still love it yet.  I will be happy to recommend your workmanship to anyone.“  

M. Armstrong,   Perth.