(Robbie, I am sending this to MMD because the subscriber's ISP is
bouncing it back.)

 From: nsimons
 To: bwalter@machlink.com
 Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 6:57 PM -0000
 Subject: Restoring an organette

Dear Sir,  You will probably find that the original leather for the
pouches is what is called 'tan pneumatic skiver' or 'perfection' and
is brown in colour.  This is readily available in the thickness you
quote from any good organ leather supplier.  You may also use 'thin
split skiver' which is white and will work just as well for an
organette but will not look the same, but who would know apart from
you?

There is no need to cover the entire pouch board with one piece.  This
is very difficult for the beginner.  You can use a separate piece for
each pouch.  Cut them in circles so they overlap just up to the next
cavity and glue down with thin hot glue.  Always use traditional hot
animal glue for all your restorations.  Any overlap after gluing can
be trimmed before fitting the next pouch.

To get the correct dishing in the pouch you should use a former as
shown in the books.  See Reblitz' "Player Piano Restoration".  This is
a small turned metal or wooden former that is the shape of the dished
pouch, fitted with a short tube through which you suck, thus holding
the leather circle onto the convex surface of the former while it is
lowered onto the hole in the pouch board.

There should be no need to seal the leather as long as you have ensured
that it has no pin-holes.

If the pouch leather is so bad you would be advised to replace the
leather on the valves as well.  This is a thicker 'sheeps' leather.

Best of luck and don't hesitate to write again if necessary.

Nicholas Simons