The drum inside was bouncing around and making a lot of noise and the belt drive was overheating.

Couple hundred for repair.

As MarkC said, unless you spring for the high-end front loaders, the cheap ones do not last.

Not to rain on this guys parade -- this is an exceptional project.

I would check out the Klavins Model 370.

http://www.klavins-pianos.com/index_en.htm

Better engineering too -- less option for sag as the soundboard, frame and strings are vertical -- a two-story tall piano!

Built twenty years ago -- a gorgeous instrument. Have a bunch of the recordings.

Considering what they were probably paid for a couple minute demonstration, this is most definitely NOT time wasted...

Would have loved to have been on that design and build team!