We must have a very early Ampico B model because the plate serial
number indicates a 1928 Chickering.  The stack is definitely a B,
however, and not one of the hybrid pianos with an A stack and
a B drawer.

I've been trying to locate the subduing switch but I cannot find it.
Did early B models not have such a switch?  We definitely don't have
a drawer switch and there's no mechanical switch of the type Saul
describes that I can find.  I can't find any sort of pneumatic switch
under the piano either.

The next step in getting this instrument to perform better is to
regulate the piano action and expression stack and I want to ensure
the subduing switch is off if there is one.

David Greene

 [ The subdue feature was added after the Ampico B service manual
 [ was published in 1929.  A drawing and description is at
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Gallery/Tech/Ampico/index.html  -- Robbie