I am somewhat in agreement with Mr. Loeffler about sealing pouches
[131230 MMDigest].  He is absolutely correct about the quality and
tightness of Columbia's "Robert Morton spec" leather as it is the best
I have ever used.

However, it seems to me that I recall the American Piano Co., in their
1918 Ampico Service Manual, recommending the sealing of pouch leather.
If we adopt Robert's thinking that the piano manufacturers knew what was
best for their pianos, then how does he explain this recommendation?

I am 72 years old and have rebuilt many player pianos which have had
some substance on the pouches that required the addition of a talcum
like powder to their pouches.  What would be the reason for this
procedure?

Would Mr. Loeffler rebuild a Gulbransen glued stack with pneumatic
cloth pouches, or would he depart from the manufacturer's procedure
and go with leather as Gulbransen did when they went to their unit
pneumatic?

In defense of Robert's post, I will admit that there is way too much
sealing of inferior leather being done today.  In my opinion, I would
opt for the more expensive high-grade German tan leather or the "Robert
Morton spec" leather so that I would not have to worry about sealing.

Nathan Woodhull
Lima, Ohio