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MMD > Archives > December 2023 > 2023.12.10 > 03Prev  Next


Troubleshoot & Regulate a 1930 Ampico A Grand
By Philip Carli

[ Ref. 23.10.23 MMD ]

My Ampico is behaving better as I have chased down many, many gremlins,
plus tightening innumerable sections and the pump itself. On my dance
rolls it is playing generally very well, as those generally demand less
than 15" of vacuum at any one time.

However, after everything I have gone through, it turns out I am not
getting any vacuum to actuate the amplifier for more vacuum through the
hose leading to it; that is to say, on my (unfortunately) transitional
sleeve-pneumatic amplifier, there is no vacuum getting to the large
sleeve at all when the piano roll demands it.

I have traced it back through the amplifier distributor, and it appears
that the small hose feeding the sleeve through an elbow next to the
adjustment screw goes to the body of the pump itself, and it does not
seem to depend on one of the 5/8" large hoses (which bypass it).

If anyone has some familiarity with this troublesome rare device --
which I would prefer to work rather than just simply be "rare" --
and any ideas on how I should proceed, I would be most grateful. I am
confused and not a little frustrated that something that would seem
to be simple is escaping me.

Philip Carli


(Message sent Mon 11 Dec 2023, 06:32:00 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  1930, Ampico, Grand, Regulate, Troubleshoot

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