Hi all! After various impediments, I'm now making real progress on
replicating the decorative pedal mats for the supremely popular
Standard Player Action, from an unworn one found in an Atlanta
warehouse, still covered by its factory-installed, protective
cardboard.

I was stymied previously by being assured by the "Smooth On" company
that its mold making compounds would react with the originals rubber,
ruining it. But the innovations of laser scanning and 3D printing are
making this project much more feasible, and I've found an Atlanta
firm willing to help.

My problem, though, is that the "set up" operations -- scanning,
correction of slight waviness in the original due to age, and mold
production -- will cost about $1K, and I don't have that kind of "jack".
(I am a piano tuner in Athens, Georgia, in a county that's documented
as poorer than Guatemala.) At least, though, it's not the $10K that
Gates Rubber -- maker of automotive components -- wanted to charge.

So I'm putting a call out for "subscriptions". I have $500 (mostly
from a kind collector in Australia), so I just need $500 more.

My plan is to produce two mat types. First: From whatever I can find
that cures into a firm but still slightly rubbery state after being
poured into a hard mold. Second: Harder mats (similar to what the
"petrified" originals we find on pianos are now like) with resin poured
into a soft mold (which may last longer). Advice and recommendations
welcomed; I'm not afraid to admit that I know little about this.

Initially, I intend to charge $125 per set, with postage included in
the U.S.A. Overseas orders will be $150 per set with each additional
set, as long as it's shipped with the first, at $75 and $85,
respectively. There is also the possibility of lowering the price
once production is "in full swing".

So if you'd like to help out, please do email me. As soon as I have the
$1K raised, I'll drive on over to Atlanta and let the scanning begin.

Thanks!
Gordon Lee Stelter
Athens, Georgia

 [   Original, unworn, Standard pedal mat as found
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/21/08/09/210809_030750_image.jpeg 
 [   "Standard Player Action"
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/21/08/09/210809_210604_pedal_mat.jpg 

 [ The Standard Player Action, manufactured by the Standard Pneumatic
 [ Action Company, is described in a booklet reproduced at
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Smythe/Standard_Player_Action.pdf -- Robbie