Hi MMD'rs,  As a new subscriber and as my first entry in the Digest,
I would like to say "Hello" to a load of old friends and to ask
for feedback on an age old issue: _stack valves_.  "Oh no, not again,"
I hear you cry -- but anyway here goes.

I am the proud owner of a Steinway Duo Art 1922 Model O player.  It
plays well, but not as well as my last Duo Art did (I'm fussy).  Very
soft playing on big chords with some 4-hand arrangements miss notes (we
seem to run out of puff).  The valves plates are the cross type, and
although I have replaced the leather (twice) and taken great care with
the gaps, they still leak (I think).

My gut reaction is that the cross valve plates are bent?  If so how can
I do any thing about it?  Should I replace the plates with round ones?
If I do, what problems will I have, and what should the gap be with
these plates?  Feedback welcome.

Regards

Steve Greatrex (UK)

P.S.:   We are holding a PPG [Player Piano Group] social on Saturday
30th May in Devon.  All welcome -- drop me a line.

 [ Welcome aboard MMD, Steve.  Check the MMD Archives on this topic,
 [ and be sure to read Craig Brougher's articles here and at John
 [ Tuttle's web site, www.Player-Care.com.  The Duo-Art cross valve
 [ _is_ restorable to fine performance with care.  -- Robbie