I have been very interested in the articles about bass strings for
reproducing pianos as I am about to embark on replacing those on my
1930 5-foot 4-inch Knabe Ampico B.  I must say that I am surprised that
no records appear to exist about the original stringing of these pianos
(at least in the UK), as in search of originality it must surely
better to replace like for like.

I am sure that the original piano manufacturers must have known the
science of this far better than the amateurs of today, and replacing
strings which may be nothing like the originals with more strings that
themselves are not like the originals is looking for expensive trouble
if they do not sound as they should.

This itself throws up another problem as it is not only the pianos that
are many years old but also the _ears_ of the listener.  At 73 I have
recently had hearing aids fitted and the difference in sound from my
pianos is remarkable.  It's not the volume of sound which is changed but
the pitch of notes which I had previously simply not heard at the same
volume as others.  It's a good thing that I am not a piano tuner.

As a secondary thing, has any MMDer by any chance have a left-hand
drawer plate with good walnut veneer as mine has now lifted and bubbled
and defies all efforts to re-glue it to the brass sheet.  (Ampico B,
early type with only two control knobs: On-Off and Repeat.)  Your price
paid for one or a pair, left and right, if you want to sell as a pair.

Finally, thanks to all for their help regarding roll box labeling --
I now have a new hobby!

Kind regards,
Mike Nicholls (UK)