I want to start off by thanking all of the people that have emailed
me about this topic.  I'm happy to see so many people who actually get
the point.  To my surprise there has been a good amount of new comers
also with concerns that have hopefully been answered.  Hats off to
Mr. Reblitz for that wonderful transcript from the past.  I think
that's where it should stay.  Around that time some pneumatics and
bellows where covered with non-rubberized tight woven cloth.  Are the
"traditional" restorers still using that also?  I think not.  Because
there is rubberized cloth available.  Is everyone with me so far?

If you have noticed, the only posts on this topic are from pipe organ
restorers, because those actions operate on low vacuum the same as
Ampico reproducing piano's.  When writing my original post I did not
consider pipe organ actions.  I assumed most readers of the MMD are
geared toward player piano's.  Nevertheless I still would use the
sealed pouch leather or zephyr.  Most organ builders have changed also
to using egg whites to my knowledge.

Getting back to -Player Piano's, as previously mentioned Ampico
reproducing actions used thinned rubber cement and this is the only
action that did so because of the low vacuum it operated on.  Key word
is _only action._  This is what concerns me and the reason for my
first post.  There reason why, in the past, you would seal pouches in
an Ampico action is because of the low vacuum.  There is never a reason
to seal a pouch in any other actions because the vacuum doesn't get
that low.  So, if you're sealing a pouch in any other player piano
other than an Ampico reproducing piano you are doing the restoration
incorrectly and will most undeniably effect the longevity of the piano
action.  "cut and paste this to your desktop"

That's what put up the red flag for me in the beginning.  So many
people making posts on what to seal pouches with.  Are all of these
people restoring Ampico pianos?  Is that why thinned contact cement
is a regular item in Mr. Reblitz's shop?  Just a thought....  I don't
remember seeing any Ampico reproducing pianos at the MBSI or AMICA
meetings.  We are discussing sealing pouches.  I'm confused.

I restore piano actions all the time from others who have sealed the
pouches to find them puffed up, hard and in some cases the pouch was
disintegrated and only left behind hard rubber cement.  Just think
about it.  Do you ever go to grab a rubber band and find it's dried out
and cracks apart?  That's what rubber cement is made of, the same
material.  How about young kindergarten children who glue their crafts
together with rubber cement and then you put it in the closet to come
back to it three years later to find everything's fallen apart.  Sounds
silly doesn't it.  It's the same stuff.

There is never an "appropriate" time to seal a pouch -- never -- in
a player piano.  With the exception of an Ampico reproducing piano in
which the point I was trying to get through previously is even an
Ampico you can use the "sealed maroon pouch leather" and not have to
worry about sealing them at all and still have the original flex in the
pouch that will last and not harden.  Or like I do, use zephyr in which
is superior.

Mike at Leather Supply House has different grades of zephyr for
different applications.  Basically the smaller the pouch the thinner
and softer the zephyr.  I can only think of one other reason why some
restorers seal pouches, it's because they don't use zephyr skin.  There
are quite a few piano actions, band organs and orchestrions and
Wurlitzer valves that utilize zephyr skin for pouches, such as Hupfeld,
for instance.

I would assume that if someone didn't use zephyr they would just seal
regular pouch leather in trying to emulate the 100% seal you would get
out of a zephyr skin pouch.  But now you have a pouch that is not at
all as flexible, five times as thick and the response time can't even
compare.  Not to mention all of the other flaws previously mentioned.

I would only hope this is only an assumption.  A "traditional" restorer
would definitely have Zephyr on the shelf.  Any questions on zephyr
please contact me.

Furthermore, I got permission from Columbia Organ Leather to offer any
MMD'er that mentions Robert's Musical Restorations you will receive 10%
off your order.  This is a one time deal and will be taken off your
entire order.  Even if you already buy from them you will still get the
discount.  Hey, anything helps.

I think this topic wore me out.  Normally I sit back and just watch.
Hopefully it brings the point across.  I tried to control myself and
not be so technical.  As always, I will be glad to answer any questions
that anyone might have via email or my web site.  All contact info is
there.  It's the love and dedication that I put in to these wonderful
machines 13hrs a day 7 days a week that keeps me going.

Needless to say, I too, use traditional techniques and materials,
including hot glue, shellac, and of all things, never rubber cement!
As always you can visit my site to see what I'm up to.  I will be
updating my current projects soon.  Happy Restoring.

Musically,
Robert Loeffler - Roberts Musical Restorations
http://www.robertsmusicalrestorations.com/