Hi gang;  Well, here I am again in need of assistance.  It seems that
is the story of my life but here goes.

I recently purchased an Aeolian XW Solo Orchestrelle in mint condition.
It was restored in 1981 in Florida but the hoses, tubing, etc. are in
fine shape.  The instrument can play either the 58-note rolls, when
placed in the "Grand" position, or the 116-note rolls when placed in the
"Solo" position.  Good so far?

The Orchestrelle had not been played for some time and needed a thorough
dusting throughout.  With all but the top part of the case in place,
I played a 58-note roll in the "Grand" position and all was fine.  (When
the "Grand" position is used, the top tracker bar holes are "off" and
the bottom row of 58 tracker bar holes are "on".)  I then played a 116-
note roll after placing the lever in the "solo" position.  Except for
one ciphering note, all was well.

Before closing up the case, I noted that the pouches (two rows of 58)
looked a little dry.  After consultation with some of the "experts",
I used Neatsfoot Oil to soften the pouches.  Several days later, I tried
a 58-note roll and was disappointed to learn that the top row of tracker
bar holes no longer shut off.  While the melody for the 58-note roll
performed well, all of the notes on the upper tracker bar were wide open
-- horrible!

Nothing seems to correct the problem.  You can tape over the two rows
of tracker bar holes and still all the notes from the top holes still
play.  Please don't tell me that the bleed for the pouches is through
the leather which I sealed!

ANY help would be greatly appreciated.  We have done many of these
instruments in the 35 years "in the business" without a problem like
this.  Supposedly you can't 'teach an old dog new tricks', but this
is a case of an 'old dog and old tricks'.  Help!  Please!

Regards,

Rick and Betty Cooley