Re: Digest 98.09.21

Hans has already given a better answer, but since I had already written
this, it would be a pity to waste it.

Jeremy Brice wrote:

> I am currently recutting several books of music for a friend's
> 49 key Limonaire organ, and the underside needs to be treated
> with a shellac solution. I have been advised to use button
> polish (French polish) and methylated spirits, but no-one seems
> to agree on the proportions. So far, advice on this has varied
> between a 2:1 button polish/meths mix to a 3:1 meths/button
> polish mix and I am thoroughly confused!!

Well, a 49-key is nice.  Could you send me the scale to my e-mail
address?

Why do you say "the underside" [needs to be treated]?
In almost all our cardboard books that have shellac (or something
else), it was put on either the upper side or on both sides.

I don't know exactly which books you have (old ones, often-played ones,
or simply new cardboard ones that haven't been treated), but as long
as your instrument is adjusted correctly, there shouldn't be any
problems if they don't have shellac.  Sure, it becomes more resistant,
but  against what?  Usage?  If they are new books, then it shouldn't
be a problem to recut them as soon as they fall apart.  Old books
should not be played too often in my opinion, just to make certain
that nothing happens to them. For these, I suggest that they be recut
as well.

> Can someone please give me the 'official' proportions?

There are none. Take one that looks good or make some test books.

Greetings by(e)
Ingmar Krause
ERlanger drehORGEL-Trio, Familie Krause, erorgelt@erlangen.franken.de