Charles Hildebrant wrote:

> Dear MMD's:  I am rebuilding the pump in a band organ.  The original
> had thick cardboard reinforcing glued to the inside of the leather.
> I am faced with two questions:  I am going to use heavy grade picture
> matting as my source of the heavy cardboard.  Does anyone have negative
> thoughts on doing this, and/or a suggestion of an alternative and
> better material?  I chose this as I can get it in the correct
> thicknesses, and with very low acid content.

I use modellers ply, 1/16" thick.  It is three-ply, so is more flexible
in one direction than the other.  By cutting it so it's more flexible
lengthwise, it will be very strong in the direction you need it.  Also,
I never allow the ply ribbing to fold across each other in the corners.
This creates weak points where continual folding flat of the feeders
compresses the leather.

Regards,
John Page, UK