Hello,  I'd like to ask a question about a Melville Clark player
that was restored (I'm guessing) 20 to 25 years ago and is no longer
playing.  All the pneumatics were recovered but I don't know about the
pouches.  Symptoms are as though a large leak exists somewhere in the
stack: furious pumping with little output.

All the tubing was replaced, but with plastic "aquarium" tubing.  I've
often wondered if this tubing leaches any materials which can ruin the
pouches or pneumatic cloth over time.

The spring motor works perfectly and the connecting rods which attach
to the pedals are present.  The pedals and their carriage are in good
shape.  The case is a light-colored wood and seems very hard.  I know
it isn't oak or mahogany.  A fellow who collected antique rifles told
me that it was the same wood used in rifle stocks; walnut, perhaps.
The action has been attended to; at least, the bridle straps replaced
and hammer heads filed.

When I bought it 'twas mainly to get the two Red Welte rolls which came
with it and hoped to find the leak and make it play again, as I knew
that the stack pneumatics had been recovered.

I an thinking about donating the piano to a local theatre who needs one
and taking a tax deduction.  Or should I try and sell it as I desperately
need the money?  The theater will not remove the player mechanism and
will seek repair of the player when possible, which makes me feel
better.  I know the people associated with the theater and can take
their word.  Any help making a decision will be appreciated.

Bob Hodge