Hi all, just getting into the upper player action of a Straube Recordo
Pratt Read Reproducer Model P bottom unit piano.  This pianos player
action has had a 1980s plastic glue rebuild <shudder> though I got
that under control now and most of the glue has been removed with lots
of hours.

I have questions about the valves.  One snippet of literature says,
"The valve plate, which was screwed onto the valve chest with some type
of white sealing compound."  Since this valve chest has been disturbed
there is no sealer left remaining and I'm thinking of using burnt
shellac for the brass valve seats.

Also, the underside of the valve seats that contact the inner valve
leather has a pouch leather O ring, so it's leather seating on leather.
On other actions I've done it was the leather on the metal seat and
they worked fine, as these O rings of pouch leather look pesky to
replace.  I was thinking of omitting them, not sure yet about that,
though, as I have to experiment and think.

Another thing I find odd is that there is (from original factory build
of this action) no shellac sealer of pouch wells, channels, etc.  It's
just plain non sealed wood.  Has anyone experienced this action before?

Also one last question: I need a source of those spade head regulating
screws for the player action stop rail, the originals were in poor
shape from rust.

Regards
Tony Law
(It's gonna be a major battle, but this piano will play again!)