On Fri. Sept. 2, Bill Nagel asked for help concerning his Ampico B restorations. Since the New Ampico, the Model B is somewhat rare, relatively little has been written about it. The only major rebuilding articles are found in Reblitz's book, Givens (~1 page), David Saul's Model B Restoration Guide, and a few original (reprinted) 1929 factory guides written by Clarence Hickman's staff. Most of Clarence Hickman's diary was published in an AMICA book about 1992, which should be read thoroughly to fully understand each component's function. Some of the books and guides are available from Player Piano Co., others through inter-library loan. Larry Givens wrote a short book in the 1970's on its history. (Vestal Press, out-of-print) Some of the reprints might also be available from The Music Roll Shop, Rawson, OH (Harold Rettig). The recent Pianotech thread on Hide Glues applies here also, because the player rebuilder should alwalys use good hide glues where appropriate. The only player rebuilders who avoid using hot hide glues are the ones who never took the time to learn its proper use. In rebuilding, nothing is as exasperating as having to re-rebuild an assembly which was previously assembled with the yellow wood glues. I have not rebuilt a Model B, but have rebuilt players and other reproducers. Please E-mail if you need a detailed list of books. Your PTG chapter members might know of a local rebuilder who can help you. In short, a well rebuilt Model B is a highly desired instrument, but a poorly rebuilt one isn't worth much. Fred Scoles, RPT scoles@oswego.edu
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