Regarding Mr. Heckman's post in 030910 MMDigest.

This seems to be a complaint I've run into at least four times on
previously rebuilt Starr actions.  In one case the valve travel was
not enough.  In the other three cases, it was broken seal around the
metal grommet.  These are sealed in with shellac which breaks down.
Individually the leakage is hardly noticeable, but collectively, can
cause the stack to play weakly.  The leakage will be so slight and
general as not be audible.

The grommets need to be carefully removed, the old sealer cleaned
away and resealed again.  Almost all player actions, that use metal
or Bakelite grommets as seats, need those grommets properly resealed
or the player will most likely not have the *oomph* it should have.
This is a key part of the rebuilding process many inexperienced
rebuilders overlook.

Also, a very early Starr player action I worked on had a 'Soft'
modulator in the pump, and another had bass and treble modulators
mounted on the stack.  If you have a modulator, check to see if it
isn't stuck in 'on' mode.

Brian Thornton - Short Mountain Music Works
Woodbury, Tennessee
http://www.shortmountainmusic.com/