Time does not change problems with player materials.  I had the priv-
ilege of working with several old time player restoration men (some
serviced The Ampico).

Even in the 1920's there were failures in bellows materials, leather
and hoses.  The most popular bellows material company of the day was
Mutty's.  Some of their rubber cloth is still in use today!

The piano servicemen felt that the problems incurred were due to the
air quality surrounding the piano!  Here is one story told to me by
Mr.  Wells Bennedict, former Ampico service representative for Ampico:

  The Hotel Rochester had an Ampico in its dining area to entertain
  guests when the house pianist was not available.  Every two or three
  years, all the rubber hoses had to be replaced on that piano, while
  the same hoses used on other players did not deteriorate.  It was
  assumed, but never proven, that a fine mist from the French-fryer
  was causing the problem.

Mr. Bennedict also noted that players located in homes with gas heat
seemed to have a much higher incidence of rubber cloth failure than
homes heated with oil, or coal.

This of course was not very scientific, and no actual tests were made.

Bruce Clark

 [ What was the failure mode of the rubber hoses?  Could the problem
 [ in both instances result from combustion products emitted from
 [ un-vented natural gas appliances nearby the piano?   -- Robbie