With regards to the rebuilt Lindemen player problem, it would help
to know what type of player action we're talking about, because they
used at least 4 different actions-- Standard, Amphion, Pratt-Read and
Angelus. Since you stated that it DOES have pneumatics, that eliminates
Angelus (which used pouch pneumatics), so it probably is one of the other
three. Do you know which one? Also, because of it's age, I assume that
it has both primary and secondary valves. Correct? Before you post back
to the list, there are a couple of very simple tests you can try that
will help you isolate the problem. 1st check the lower bellows action.
Disconnect all hoses and tubing leading to the pumping bellows and seal
off their nipples with duct tape. A couple of stroke with the pedals
should pull the reservoir(s) completely closed. How long will it (they)
hold suction? 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 seconds? More? Can you hear any leaks?
If so, have someone else pump the pedals and try to isolate the leak(s)
using a stethoscope. Assuming that your rebuilt bellows are holding suc-
tion for at least 30 seconds, reattach the hose(s) going to the stack
and the one to the air motor. Put the transmission into "PLAY", the
tempo at 0, and tape off the entire tracker bar with another piece of
duct tape and start pumping. If you did a good job of rebuilding the
valves and replacing the pouches the reservoir(s) should close just as
quickly and hold suction just as long as they did before you attached
the hoses to the stack and air motor. If they don't and if you can hear
numerous leaks at this point, try to isolate them with the stethoscope.
Most likely you'll find that the valves are not seating properly in the
"off" position and therefor not holding suction. If you releathered the
valves--top AND bottom-- the most likely cause of them not seating is that
the pouches are holding them off their seats. This could be because the
pouches don't have enough "dish" or because you used a lifter disk that
was too thick. Remedies should be obvious. If, on the other hand, the
valves DO hold suction at this point, remove the masking tape from the
tracker bar and pump vigorously. While they probably won't all strike the
strings hard enough to make them sound, all 88 hammers hammers should
move to the strings. If they don't, it probably indicates that the valves
are leaking at the TOP seats, or in the open position. The most common
cause of this is TOO MUCH valve travel. The standard is 1/32", or, some-
times 3/64". 1/16" is probably too much. As a final test, play a test roll
that sounds the notes one at a time. When the notes play do they "spit"
and can you hear them leaking? Once again this is a top seat problem, most
probably related to too much valve travel, or not enough pouch movement.
The remedies should be obvious. So run some tests and let us know the re-
sults. BTW, after removing the duct tape from the tracker bar, clean the
bar with some naptha to remove any traces of adhesive.

Les Smith