Nice to see things remained orderly while I was away. The pianos will ship this week with included information on what's up. I paid for the pianos in full myself, but small errors in the model caused things to be pushed back until they were corrected. Now that the major issues are resolved, I can send the current models out. Like I said, I don't have a TZ at the moment, so I have been sending someone in California test models to correct and send back to me. The only issue now is the keyboard lights not lighting up the whole keyboard. Most everyone is fine with how it is now, but some picky individuals caused the models to be revised yet again. When ready, everyone who purchased the original piano with the lighted keyboard will receive this updated one for free. Anyways, I'm still here trying to build a better mousetrap. If anyone has issues, PM personally so I can distribute information that doesn't fall along the lines of gossip.

I couldn't send you a refund if the money wasn't there in the first place. I needed a day or two to transfer funds and for it to clear. Anyways, the refund was submitted through Paypal, but like always, it doesn't happen overnight. Paypal claims that the money transfer is pending until August 2nd. It's now out of my hands and with theirs. I can send you a picture of what shows up on my screen if that will provide you with concrete reassurance.

Email sent

I had every intention to return your money. My Paypal account was empty, so I needed to transfer funds from my bank account. Once I got the go ahead from Paypal, I issued the refund. I apologize for the lack of information and updates the past few days.

I'm actively trying to fix issues with the product itself. I'll be sending everyone their purchase tomorrow, but keep in mind that there are problems that need to be fixed. To everyone that remained on board, when I have them ready, I will send everyone the new model for free. This new model has a lighted keyboard that shines yellow and a piano reel that shines red. It simplifies wiring and fixes the light distribution problem along the keyboard.

I'm going to compose a standard email to send to everyone later today regarding the detailed nature of what's up and what's planned for the future.

Things are running smoothly again. Almost everyone can now expect their item in the mail soon. I did run out of keyboard pieces, so I'll need to order more (this usually takes a little less than a week to receive). Two or three people did not get their items mailed out yet because of this, so I'll upgrade shipping when they're complete. I also wanted to mention that those who ordered and did not give me a shipping address, please provide me with this information so I can get them mailed (I think two of you did not, but I'll need to check through my list).

I included a letter with every lighted piano order that explains what's up and what has been going on. This also details the current issues and information on the next generation model that everyone who ordered lighted keyboard versions will be receiving when complete for free.

I had the COB LED strips delivered today and I don't see the lighted keyboard issue being a problem with the next generation model. I still have spots in my eyes from when I first tested it out.

Anyways, things are running again and I'll be updating more frequently now that I'm no longer needing to constantly tweak CAD models. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to send me a PM.

Good to hear. It's a little tricky to install according to a few people, but all have claimed nice results once finished. The next version is almost ready for production. I'm trying to flatten and lower the cutout portion of the piano to make the clock sit parallel to the bracket. Once that is corrected, I'll have a prototype made and sent to someone that will test it for me as I don't have a TZ at the moment. If everything is good to go, production will begin (typically taking 7-9 days for a small run).

If you have trouble installing it, someone was kind enough to send me the steps they took to get it positioned and hooked up. I can relay this information to you to make things easier.

Yes, I've left the hobby for a while to pursue things more relevant to my education, but I haven't forgot about the piano mod project. I'm working on things as I have time. The major hurdle is the new upfront cost of getting the revision pieces made to the new desired specs. I've been trying to sell the first version models on eBay to help fund the next phase, but it's been slow. Even with that being said, I have a good feeling these will be available sometime near the middle of October.

I did come up with an idea to modify what has already been made. It's not entirely what was desired at first, but it might just be the solution I need. If everything checks out, I could have this version available in a week.

I used shapeways when I first started doing this kind of work. I'll look into it more and see if I can get in contact with the guy that helped me get the models made to urethane casting standards. He suggested a few other methods that would work straight through shapeways. At the moment, the piano comes in three pieces to simplify the painting aspect, but if people wouldn't mind the extra effort of assembly and painting, I might as well make it an option.

I'm looking further into utilizing Shapeways and I'm currently making a list of parts that people will need along with the model prints. Other than that, I'm thinking about releasing a limited run of the clock millions mod. Like the original, it will be made of brass (there will be several finishing options such as polished or antiqued brass). Below is the picture of the recently printed prototype. The material was spongy and really wasn't meant to be painted. The clock face was drawn myself using Photoshop and an old version of Flash. The main reason these will be limited is due to the cost of production. I'm not getting a break having these made like I did with the pianos and will need to pay full price for each unit. To those who are interested, please send me a PM for details. The clock face will be made using a similar method they use to make craft taxidermy eyes. In the pictures, I used computer paper instead of vinyl, so the ink is blotchy and uneven. Stay tuned.

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I should have the clock finished in about a week. The pictures I posted were of the plastic prototype as I have yet to get a solid brass one completely finished. I'm only having a few dozen or so made, so if you're interested, please let me know and I'll start filling spots.

As for the pianos, I have a fix available to allow for lights under the keyboard. Like I promised, I'll still be sending everyone the complete assembly for free. It's the same model, but there is a white LED strip under the keys that will flash with the lamps. I would just send everyone instructions along with the new parts, but I don't want people trying to remove the piano keys without causing damage to the model or inflicting some form of self-injury.

To those that ordered cameras, I'm almost finished after a lengthy delay. These will be the last cameras I will make. I'm also ceasing production of the piano models after everyone receives their updated piece. As for the clocks, once the order list is full, that will be it for this mod project.
I want to get back into a full-time college schedule, but this project is holding me up. There is a chance I might start back up later, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I'm currently accepting preorders for the new brass clock millions models. I really wanted to have a complete one ready to show by now, but manufacturing has been taking more time than I first anticipated. It will be about another week until I have the first one finished and presentable. I can greatly speed up production if I'm making a batch instead of just a single unit at a time, so I'm now accepting preorders for those who would like to be part of the first run.

The clock looks just like the pictured prototype, but the body will be made of solid brass (the pictured prototype is plastic with a brass layer of paint). Everything works and checks out. I should have the finished hand-casted brass models sent out in about three weeks tops.

The price is set at $150 for the completed assembly to those ordering through Pinside. Shipping is free everywhere and I would really like to see some pictures of this piece installed on your game. The run will be limited to a few dozen and are made to order. Please be aware of the production time when you consider placing an order. If you would like to order a clock or have any questions, please send a PM for further information.

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Just wanted to update this thread with the finished brass model.

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