For the past couple days at work, I have been rebuilding valves.
This particular batch happens to be Ampico valves, but a few weeks
ago I rebuilt the valves out of a Beckwith.

I enjoy doing valve work, and cannot for the life of me figure out
why anyone going to be the bother to re-do everything _else_ in a
player action would not do the valves.  Sure, its a bit tedious, but,
really, now, what _isn't_ in piano work?  Just like everything you do
in a piano, you do it 88 times...  It's no big deal, not the least bit
difficult and, after you've done half a dozen of a particular batch,
you get somewhat savvy about it and it gets even quicker and easier.

I'm not saying that I can travel a set of valves in an hour, of course
not!  But my point is that it is by no means difficult or intimidating,
and so as I said I cannot understand why all these players out there
that people "restore" are limping along with original valves.  Any
thoughts?  I have my own "theories"; I'd be interested in hearing what
others say.

Bryan Cather
Piano World
St. Louis, Missouri