Hi All,

Player piano rebuilders frequently bellyache about having to undo the
(sometimes) ridiculous repair work of those who have come before them.
However, what you readers typically see are only words and
explanations. So, I thought I'd let just one picture do most of the
talking.

The enclosed picture of a Simplex transposing tracker bar and the
associated flexible tubing shows gobs of white silicone caulking
copiously applied in-and-around the area where the 3-1/4" flexible
tubing meets the lead tubing.  What the picture does not show is the
black silicone caulking that was similiarly applied to the area where
the flexible tubing meets the tracker bar.

After trying to loosen the mess with heat and harsh chemicals with no
success, I finally resorted to 'picking and prying'. What makes the
whole situation annoying is the fact that such caulking is so totally
unnecessary.

Musically,

John A. Tuttle
http://www.player-care.com/
http://www.musicrolls.com/

 [ The picture is on the MMD Websitre as:
 [     http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/Tuttle/big_mess.jpg
 [ Its every bit as gross as John says it is!  -- Jody