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Mystery Wood Type in Player Piano Actions
By Mike Kitner

Hi;  Thanks to everyone who has offered suggestions on what wood
was used in the construction of so many player actions (please see my
posting in 000227 MMDigest).  I can't say that anyone has hit the nail
on the head yet.  Just to reiterate, the wood used for player actions
such as Standards, Amphion and Ampico, and many others, is creamy pink
in color, rather soft, close-bland grain.

Several MMD'rs suggested is might be poplar.  Poplar is whitish yellow
with sometimes streaks of green in it.  (Seeburg used poplar in their
actions).  This mystery wood is certainly of the consistency of poplar,
but it is pink.  I have seen it used for striker and air motor
pneumatics, Ampico and Amphion unit block valves, Standard and
Autopiano pouch boards, and most of the parts in Welte Licensee
actions.

It was suggested that perhaps it is poplar that has changed its
appearance over the years.  Possibly, but Seeburgs are typical looking
poplar even though they are as old as the wood in question.

Please don't give up on me yet; I need help!

Thanks again,
Mike Kitner



(Message sent Mon, 28 Feb 2000 21:53:18 +0000 , from time zone +0000.)

Key Words in Subject:  Actions, Mystery, Piano, Player, Type, Wood

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