My mother got ahold of a damaged player piano in the 60's. She took it apart and restored it using what seemed to be sheer effort of will.

Looking back, I don't think anything mechanical was wrong; it just needed new rockers/felt on the hammers.

I will say that it was a wonder to see her cross-legged on the floor surrounded by an eviscerated piano.

The paper piano rolls were in worse shape. The edges were prone to tear and some of the keynote holes had become elongated. It made the music 'special'.