This is the first time in my years of rebuilding players that I have
come up against one that was "rebuilt" in the past.  It is a Beckwith
piano with a Beckwith player.  All I can say is that I hope to never
know or meet the guy that screwed this baby up.

All of the gasketed joints have a thick layer of white or plastic glue
smeared all over them.  The striker pneumatics were glued back onto the
decks with white glue, and a liberal coating of glue was pooled around
each one.  Same for the wind motor.  The tracker pneumatic had a split
in the pouch board; it too was dealt with with tons of white goop.

The worst is the valve chest.  All the inside seats are sealed with
the damn stuff in a layer so thick, it looks like cake frosting.  How
in the name of workmanship could someone have thought this was right?!
He certainly had no regard for the next technician that would service
the player.

The time I am having to spend to slowly remove all this crap is
unreal, and the only reason I am still on the job is that the
client has a real attachment to the instrument -- it was her beloved
Grandma's.  And after all, don't we all have a beloved Grandma?

I am determined to make this player work like new and look like a
well-built machine.  My plans do not include using white glue over
everything and hoping that it all works.

This whole experience is reaffirming one thing: use the right
technique, the right materials and the right standards and you will
come off good to everyone.  Stay away from shortcuts and white glue.
That also applies to the very judicious use of plastic glue.  Stick
with the hide glue, for the sake of those that come after you.  All
of your prayers will be appreciated!

Henry Cook