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MMD > Archives > February 2010 > 2010.02.02 > 04Prev  Next


Replacing Lead Tracker Bar Tubing
By Jim Jelinek

I have to get into this question.  I have done player rebuilding for
over thirty years and I worked with guys that worked in the factories
back in the 1920's and the only time we ever replaced decent lead
tubing was when it was rotten or damaged.  If the tubes are brass then
there is no question at all about replacing them: *don't*.

There have been times when it was necessary to remove the old lead
tubes because they were swollen and rotted, but even then we replaced
only the rotted portions with rubber.  The tubes usually rot near the
place where they enter the wooden cover over the back of the primary
valve chest.  That's because there was something in the wood or the
glue that they used which caused a reaction in the lead.

You know the old adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"  If you're
worried about lead poisoning from the stuff -- I'd be long dead from
it by now and so would many other vintage player rebuilders.

Good luck with your old Autopiano but leave the lead tubes alone.

Jim Jelinek - dba Player Piano Clinic


(Message sent Wed 3 Feb 2010, 02:26:42 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Bar, Lead, Replacing, Tracker, Tubing

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