I would agree with Pete Knobloch the pneumatic cloth is probably the
most likely cause for this poorly playing Aeolian.  I have learned not
to get my customers expectations too high when I do a partial rebuild
(the drawback is I'm never 100 percent clear what the exact result is
going to be).

I put in writing (signed by them) and carefully prepare them in case
"plan A" does not work.  They may have to spend more, but no more than
a certain amount.  These modern Aeolians are capable of playing
well, better than most of us believe, even though they may not satisfy
the "musicologist."

If the pneumatics are bad, probably the air motor and auto shutoff
pneumatics are also in need of recovering.  The under-powered poorly
performing suction box (sucking wind in the bad sense), may need to be
upgraded.  The valves need to be inspected and tested.  Always try the
quick, easy to fix things first: the action cutoff valve, stack nuts,
seal the reservoir, fix loose hoses, volume control valves, lost motion
(pushrods to key), action regulation, etc.

There are those who feel that they harm their reputations by doing this
kind of work and I respect that because it is true.  Player techs and
hobbyists will disparage these instruments as well as those who work on
them creating the dominant paradigm which seems to exist in AMICA and
elsewhere in automatic music.

A customer centered approach looks more at the situation.  I can help
bring joy into the life of a person on a fixed income who cannot afford
to buy a rebuilt vintage Aeolian.

Bill Maguire