Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > November 2009 > 2009.11.20 > 05Prev  Next


Before Installing a Suction Box
By Bill Maguire

_Before_ installing a suction box, the most important thing is to check
the condition of the pneumatics.  I find the rubber on the pneumatics
can be leaky but if the cottons strong and its flexible, it should
stand up to a suction box for several years.  If the cotton mesh is
still in great shape after 20 years, my experience is that it should
play well for several more years, assuming reasonable use and the
similar environmental conditions even with a suction box.

The "finger poke test" on the last couple pneumatics on each end tells
me whether the pneumatics will stand up to the suction box.  I'll check
for flexibility.  If that's good I'll connect a vacuum box temporarily
and run a test roll and a music roll.  I can show the customer how it's
going to play _before_ installing the suction box inside their piano.

Valves and pouches must also be checked.  I'll poke at some of the
outside facings with an awl to make sure they are not going to fall
apart; I'll blow into the pouch nipples and check what that feels
and sounds like; check the tracking, air motor, etc.  This way, the
expectations are on the same page and I believe I'm not wasting my time
and or their money.

Most of my customers do have the means to afford "rebuilding" or
"re-rebuilding" and that's what they want, but, many refuses to spend
that amount of money.  I would certainly put all what I consider viable
options out there.

Seniors on Long island (where I live) may live in an expensive home,
but, are "getting hit" with "unbelievable" property taxes.  Many have
only Social Security as income.  "Interest income" is not so great
these days.  Many have medical issues and bills Medicare won't cover.
They tell me they can't afford to spend too much.  Many who say this
are overly frugal and dishonest about their financial situations;
however, I'm sure many really can't or are afraid to spend over a
certain amount.

There was an instance where the customer thought the purist who came
in before me and gave a much higher estimate was "a crook" because
I got the player "up and going" much less expensively.  I know and
like the guy -- he's a good person with a different philosophy and
I did defend him.

I try to be extremely cautious before "electrifying" a player piano
so my customer's player doesn't "break down" and they tell others that
I am the crook.

Bill Maguire


(Message sent Fri 20 Nov 2009, 03:43:30 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Before, Box, Installing, Suction

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page