I also do not like to use plastic pouches in Mechanical Music Machines.
I have always replaced the plastic with leather pouches, sealing them
with thinned rubber cement. Then I saw the info from Craig Brougher
where he used thinned Silicone Grease. Well, having used the silicone
grease on four players has made me a believer. It works just like Craig
said that it would. The pouches are tight and I believe that they will
stay that way. If you have not used this technique yet, you owe it a
try. Put some pouch leather over a 1" nipple, holding it in place with
a rubber band. Then suck on the nipple. Feel the loss of vacuum. Then
treat it with the silicone grease mixture, let dry, and suck again. It's
tight!. Now remove the leather from the nipple and feel how soft it has
remained. With your eyes closed, it's hard to find the treated area.
Maybe Craig will post the info again for those who missed it.

Thanks Craig!!!

Al Pebworth
Pebworth's Player Piano Center
Home of "Yesterday's Music"