There are many sources of hose of the sizes need for player pianos but
most do not meet the combination of requirements for this application.
It is possible to make adaptations using hose clamps and internal
springs, but these remedies are not adequate to deal with all the
deficiencies.

Player hose needs to be able to seal under vacuum without putting undue
strain on the components it is attached to.  If it is too inflexible it
will not seal well enough unless it is forced on tightly enough that it
may cause damage if it is to be removed in the future.  If it is too
soft it will collapse under vacuum and will probably lose its fit on
nipples over time.  If the composition is inferior it will actually
exude plasticizers or other components and become brittle and possibly
corrode metal components.

A properly rebuilt player can last for a long time and it is foolish
to use hoses that will not last as long as the other components.
Fortunately, quality materials are available.  Schaffs sells excellent
rubber hose in all sizes.  If you can not buy from them, there are
alternatives.  Napa Auto Stores (with branches throughout the US) sells
quality fiber reinforced hose in 1/8" increments in the larger sizes.
It is intended for fuel and vapor lines in commercial vehicles and is
flexible enough to fit the metal nipples without damage.

It is quite expensive and costs a little more than the same quality
hose from Schaff.  It is very attractive and not an embarrassment in
a fine piano.  The only problem is that it may be imprinted with NAPA,
which can always be explained as the National Antique Piano Associ-
ation.  They also have fabric covered fuel and heater hose in the
smaller sizes.  This is not to be confused with the cheap stuff that
might cost $.50 per foot.  It is also expensive, is made from quality
neoprene and will last a long time.  It looks good too.

If you must use vinyl tubing, be aware of the different grades.  Cheap
stuff from hardware stores is generally inferior and will decompose in
time.  (There may be exceptions, such as some stuff from Orchard Supply
or Eagle or McLendon's.)  Hospital and laboratory grades such as Tygon
may last forever.  The materials used in the food industry might also
be of good quality.

If you have an unlimited budget you could probably find silicone and
fluoroelastomer compounded industrial hose that would work and last
forever, but they would probably not look right.

In short, you can get the right stuff, so why not do so?

Spencer Chase