Back several years ago, when what I consider the height of
restoration activity was taking place, there were several restorers
trying to determine all they could about reproducing pianos.

Dr. Richard Howe was putting together the notes from Dr. Clarence
Hickman about the development of the Ampico B.  There were many
restorers doing research that was documented in the AMICA bulletins
of the 1970's.  Who started it I do not know but it was a period of
lots of research and interest in the reproducing pianos.

Two different men took samples from original Duo-Art accordion
expression systems and had the leather analyzed in two different
parts of the country.  For years many restorers thought that the
leather had been treated with some sort of egg white mixture.  It
turns out that the leather was treated with nitrocellulose.  This
product can still be found.

Now you know!

Don Teach - Shreveport Music Co
Shreveport, Louisiana