[ Ref. John A. Tuttle in Digest 230331 MMDigest ]

The Doyle Lane article was a reminder for me of when I knew him at
his shop, The Player Piano Centre, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He helped
me create my interest and collecting of mechanical music machines.
I purchased several machines from him and also many of the plastic
unit valves.

I do have an original Doyle Lane Plastic Unit Valve Idea Booklet
from him. It is an invaluable beginners guide to putting these valves
together in various purposeful ways. Unfortunately these valves have
a fatal flaw as builders have discovered over time: the plastic pouches
fail quite quickly.

Two things would make these valves work reliably. First, a longer-life
appropriate replacement for the pouch material, and second, for someone
to manufacture the valves again. I used dozens of the original valves
on many pianos and would do so again with a verified reliable pouch.

Doyle Lane was a friend and sadly departed many years ago. Every time
I see the perforator in my collection that came from him I am reminded.

The "Idea Booklet" you added is identical and reduced the download file
size from 47.3 MB to 4.4 MB!

Thanks, Jody, keep up the great work!

Jim Marke
Alberta, Canada