I am beginning to think there might be a market for someone to
manufacture replacement Ampico unit valves, of all kinds and styles.
Many Ampico players have had their unit valves rebuilt several times.
These unit valves can be split apart and rebuilt only so many times
before it is nearly impossible to repeat the process.

In my case, I found someone willing rebuild my unit valves.  He said
that he had several sets of them rebuilt, and to send my old ones,
and he would send me a set of newly-rebuilt valves.

When they arrived, they looked very nice, but upon placing them in
my piano they did not function very well.  Upon taking one apart and
examining it I found the leather pouch rotted and falling to pieces.
I contacted the well-meaning rebuilder who apologized and cheerfully
refunded my money.  He had no idea the leather he had used had such
a short life.  It was vegetable-tanned leather.

I had no choice, then, but to tackle the job myself.  I spit them
apart again, and replace the pouches.  I purchased the very best pouch
leather available, and went through the long and tedious process of
rebuilding them again.  Eight years later, I am finding the leather
pouches failing again!  It has been brought to my attention several
others are experiencing similar problems.

How convenient it would be if someone were to manufacture replacement
unit valves for the Ampico.  Has anyone ever thought of this?

Bruce Clark