I am trying to track down various parts that have been removed from
a couple of my instruments and one for a friend.  They are:

1. a take-up spool for an Ampico A grand,
2. a set of switch levers for an Ampico A grand or alternatively
   a source of newly cast ones,
3. a take-up spool for an Aeolian Solo Orchestrelle,
4. a two-lobe pump the same as or similar to the ones used in
   Amphion Recordos or possibly one of the small Duo-Art steamboat
   pumps.  A motor is not required.

The latter is for a friend who has a son presently living in Florida
but who is coming back to Australia in February so shipping should not
be too much of a problem.

I frequently find instruments with what someone regarded as peripheral
bits (sustaining or half blow pneumatics) removed but what really
boggles the mind is when tracking devices or control levers and, in the
case of my solo Orchestrelle, the swell shutters have been discarded.

I am currently making repairs to a stack which is half Standard and
half unit valve Gulbransen and another which is a mismatched cut-up and
unit valve Gulbransen.  Talk about a patron saint of lost causes!

Anyway have a preposterous New Year everyone.

Neil Davidge
In sunny Australia