Following Paddy Handscombe's recent post it is interesting to
see (again) that we seem to have two distinct camps in MMD, the
Traditionalists, and the Modernists.

I have been working on players for only a few years and I automatically
followed the Traditionalist route being fearful of messing things up
and being accused of being an incompetent beginner!  When I do jobs for
other people I will probably still use the traditional methods, just to
make sure, but I am very inclined to give Paddy's methods a go on my
own instruments (which are fairly basic machines anyway).

I think there is a very real possibility in Europe that we will one day
find that hot hide glue is banned and/or unobtainable for one reason or
another, so it makes sense to look at alternatives.  The argument that
the original builders were experts and chose the best materials doesn't
really hold water since they didn't have access to modern materials
(like RTV and PVA), so it is quite possible they would have chosen those
materials, had they been available.

However, before I embark on my own "experiments" I have a few queries
for Paddy :-

What exactly do you mean by RTV?  Is this the same as silicone
bathroom sealant?  If not, what product do I actually need to find
(make, supplier in UK?).

How do you apply it, from a cartridge gun or with a brush?

You say there is no need for clamps.  Does RTV actually grab and hold
quickly?  Certainly hot hide glue gels within seconds and some proponents
of that say there is no need for clamps.

On to PVA.  Do you recommend any particular brand in the UK?  Does this
include water soluble craft glue sold for use by children?  What about
Unibond Super PVA?

Apart from PVA as a sealer, I think you also advocate it as a glue for
applying the rubber cloth.  I tried this once but found it difficult
because it didn't grab like hot glue so I wasn't sure it had adhered
properly.  What is your method?  Is there a way to deal with minor
mistakes (like using a hot iron to re-seal with hot glue), or do you
have to start again.

I look forward to seeing some more detail from Paddy.  I have a 65-note
stack less than half finished (with hot glue) so I might try both methods
on it and see what happens.  I am fairly used to hot glue which I use
exclusively on organettes, but it does have its problems.  I don't
always remember to put the lid back, so it quickly skins over.  This is
a particular nuisance when you are trying to glue up two dozen tiny
pallets for an Organette.  The speed of use can also be problematic
when you are trying to glue in an awkward place.

I also find it wasteful.  Although I have a fairly small electric glue
pot, I always end up wasting about a third of it.  You need a minimum
amount, otherwise it skins up even quicker, and I don't like reheating
more than 3 or 4 times per batch.  So I for one do think its worth
looking at modern alternatives and trying them myself.

Why don't the Traditionalists try it, too?  (Using Paddy's tried and
tested methods, of course).

John Farmer, UK