Regarding rubberized silk, there have been people that have claimed
to produce it over the years, but I have seen nothing that could even
compare to the product that the Aeolian/Vocalion Company used in the
pneumatic stop actions of their Solo Orchestrelles. It was only
about .003" in thickness and was still as supple as could be when
I first ran across it in the 1960s, after 60 years of use. I bet
this Solo Orchestrelle action is still going strong today.
Aeolian used the best materials in their products. I still have
a Model V Orchestrelle that is playing flawlessly on its reed bank,
pouches, and valve facings, after 112 years, that also includes the
wind motor as well. I know this is hard to believe but it is true.
If it isn't broke don't fix it.
Walter Kehoe
Syosset, New York
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