----- Original Message ----- From: Ron Nossaman <RNossaman@KSCABLE.com> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Monday, March 13, 2000 10:17 PM Subject: Re: Wee Aeolian Spinet Player >>, sooner or later the "high quality rubber" tubing and hoses that > >Aeolian used will become brittle and break with the movement. > > Just in the interest of being a trouble maker, the original (1920s) Aeolian > tubing was about the best quality the industry ever produced. Somehow, I > expect this incarnation didn't quite make the same cut, however. Good point. > > Ron N Yes, Aeolian from the turn of the century and on into the 20's was noted for top quality player piano units and materials used. Some chemist knew what he was doing, because I have seen the rubber cloth and tubing in perfect condition in the 70's, at least 50 years old. This was a rare execption though. Today with much less demand for rubber cloth and leather valve facings, it is a wonder that anything can be found at all. I have heard that air pollution, the sulfur compounds drastically shorten the life of rubber and leather today. ` The synthetics have been laughed at all the way to quick failure. Neoprene tubing was a disaaster, the clear "acquarium" tubing (to replace the slimmy vinal) is still pliable as ever, but alas it is too loose on the nipples. Foam rubber spacers instead of felt. I am sure naughalhyde has been used in place of leather. A few good things did emerge such as the coated nylon cloth, and the glue to hold it, PVC-e ---ric
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