I had used the patent leather valve covering from Player Piano Co.
up to about four years ago.  Then I switched to making my own, using
good kid skin.

In the last four years I have had to rework 4 players on which I used
the patent leather covering.  The patent leather covering seems to have
developed a slight wrinkle, preventing the valves from seating at low
vacuum!  I rework the valves, setting them at .040 - .042, replace the
valve board, and you can once again get good vacuum by drawing on the
hose with your mouth.

I hope that this is not going to be an on-going problem.  I cannot be
the only one that has had this problem.  I strongly advise sticking
with good kid skin for the inner and outer valve covering on Standards
and most anything else.

Al Pebworth
Pebworth Player Paino Center
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