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 > February 2010 > 2010.02.12 > 03Prev  Next


Replacing Lead Tracker Bar Tubing
By Jeff Davis

In my experience, I've replaced lead tubing on Standard actions so
often that I now simply assume that I will do it; I consider it part
of the rebuild.  Early in my career, I tried patching by cutting out
the leaks and putting 3/16-inch tubing in as a patch.  I soon learned
that as you patch one leak you disturb its neighbors and then you
have 2+ more patches to do.

It doesn't take much to break a lead tube.  The walls may look like
good lead but are often very thin by now.  Another problem, besides
the time and frustration, was that the patches took up space and
sometimes the bridal tape wires on the piano action would catch on the
tubing.  Now I treat Standards like players that had original rubber
tracker bar tubing and replace it with rubber tubing from Schaff.

Bad lead tubing gets what looks like a wart, usually where it makes
a gentle bend just above the entrance to the board at the back of
the stack.  Why there and not at other bends I don't know.  I've cut
through that spot and found just white powder.  I've cut just above
or just below and found shiny, unoxidized metallic lead, just as one
would expect.

I sometimes replace tubing on Autopiano stacks but not very often.
Rarely do I need to replace lead tubing on others, although I currently
have an Otto Higel in the shop that will need it.

Jeff Davis - in Seattle, where spring is nearly here!


(Message sent Fri 12 Feb 2010, 17:02:35 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

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

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