> I have a customer with one of the newer Story & Clark players that
> is sick.  I went out to check the piano, it won't play.  The motor
> and everything seems to function properly.  However, when I tried to
> pump the piano manually it still barely works.  For some reason when
> I tested the bellows it would not collapse the reservoir.  Has Story
> & Clark had problems with the bellows?  Do you know of problems to
> look for?
>
> I brought the bellows back to the shop, I am going to test them
> further.  The bellows cloth is loose in a couple of places but not
> enough to hurt.  If you could sent any helpful information I would
> appreciate it very much.
>
> Kevin Way
> kway@sofnet.com
> kway@earthlink.net


Hi Kevin,  I found out a few months back that Story & Clark uses
synthetic hot glue to affix the bellows cloth to the wood.  I found
significant leakage at the overlap portion (the hinged side) on all
four bellows.  After carefully pulling the cloth apart, I removed the
old glue and then roughed up the material with sandpaper and reglued
(with synthetic hot glue).

It was the only time I've seen the problem thus far, but I do fear that
the problem will come up again in other units as time passes.

Did you test the stack by mouth?  The Story & Clark stack is so tight,
when it's working correctly, that it's easy to test.  Also, check the
auto-sustain for leakage.  I once found a very large leak.  Problem was
also synthetic hot glue at the overlap and hinge.

The problem seems to be that the gluing process was not done fast
enough or the glue wasn't hot enough since the glue seemed to be
'resting' on the material as opposed to being impregnated in it.  Also,
the bellows material itself is a bit reluctant to 'absorb' the glue.
That's why I roughed up the cloth, giving the glue something to 'grab'
on to.

Hope this helps,

John A. Tuttle