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MMD > Archives > March 2000 > 2000.03.31 > 13Prev  Next


Belts for Piano Pumps
By D. L. Bullock

Berley Firmin asked about belts for Ampico pumps.  The modern V-belts
used in todays cars, washing machines, etc. are _not_ the ones you want
to use.  The Ampico and Duo-Art pump pulleys had a smaller, deeper
groove that was fine for round leather belting or the later sewn
leather smaller-than-V belting.  This is usually what was on the piano
originally.

Perhaps this is available but I have always gone out to get the A-belts
which are a smaller (earlier) version of V-belting.  I get them from
large auto supply companies.  We have a NAPA and AutoZone.  They are
not likely to have exactly what I need so I usually have to visit two
or three places to find the right belt.

As a rule you want one that does not have a scalloped inside surface.
That is usually noisy since it does not fit the pulleys very well.

You want an 'appliance belt', as they call it.  (Try appliance supply
stores too, maybe?)  I keep several 62 inch belts on hand for most
reproducing piano pumps, but they don't always fit everything.  I have
a Duo-Art upright in the shop now that uses the metal wire flying
spring motor mount and it uses a 60 inch belt.  So I will be visiting
the places to find one of those in the next week.  The original leather
belt broke easily and I can measure it at 60 Inches.

The round leather belts work, but they eventually stretch, lowering the
pressure.  Also, if you are not good at crimping the hook they will tick
when running: 'Tick Tick Tick Tick'.

D. L. Bullock    Piano World    St. Louis


(Message sent Fri 31 Mar 2000, 18:32:01 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Belts, Piano, Pumps

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