I had an early Kimball player which I rebuilt.  It had several of
the valve disc retainers broken.  I machined replacements out of
an aluminum bar quite successfully.  They worked fine and are still
working fine in the machine which is now owned by my cousin.

The piano was bought new by my grandfather and was the first player
I rebuilt.  I had to rebuild it several times before it was right,
but I learned a lot about mechanical pianos, along with the books
from Vestal Press.  I also learned about Player Piano Company, from
a gentleman in Jerome, Arizona, who had a curio shop.

I now have a Mason & Hamlin upright Ampico which got the works starting
with the frame, sounding board, pin blocks, action and on up to the
Ampico A action.  It works fine.

If you cannot find any retainers for the Kimball, I can make you some
out of Phenolic, aluminum, Nylon or whatever you wish, including
hardwood.  I would need a sample, of course, because it's been some
time since I looked at one.

Jim Cook
geotropejaimicook@verizon.net