In reading the MMD Archives and talking to rebuilders, young and old,
I note that there are differing and strong ideas when it comes to the
handling of the ball bleeds on the Ampico B.  Some advocate replacement,
some are for cleaning and reuse.  Others have used replacements and
wish they had the old ones back in.  Still others use old valves and
wish they had replaced them.

Why is there so much difference on this?  Is it the type of cleaning
done?  The environment the piano was in?  Or is it the skill of the
rebuilder?  Please contact me, on or off list, with your experiences
and techniques for successful ball bleed use.  Thanks.

Bob Stewart

 [ That's a good question, "Why so much difference?"  It seems that
 [ all other reproducing pianos are quite tolerant of the valves.
 [ -- Robbie