After years of testing (since the early 70's), the one aspect of building a quiet pump that stands out above all other aspects is noise dampening. For many years, the pump motor was supported by moderately soft rubber that had very little compressibility. While this was convenient, it still allowed the vibration of the motor to be transferred to the wooden box. (We'll talk more about that shortly.) However, as newer rubber and synthetic rubber compounds were invented, it was found that softer, more compressible seals and supports reduced the transfer of vibrations significantly. Now, the top seal is made of a soft, compressible sponge rubber that provides excellent air-tightness and a soft cushion. All around the perimeter of the motor, a thick felt-type material lines the walls of the box to reduce the high-pitched noise created by the brushes and commutator as well as reducing the noise created by the rushing of air over the blades of the turbine (inside the motor). Next, the bottom motor support is comprised of three stages of dampening. The first stage is two rubber washers which dissipate the noise created by the bearing. This also reduces motor vibration while allowing the bearing to 'breathe'. Underneath the washers is the support platform. It is in this area that improvements have been made within the past few years. In prior models, the platform itself was only 3/8" plywood. Now, it is made out of 9/16" thick MDF board. Under the platform are four strips of oak to provide even support. The motor box is made out of 7-layer 3/4" professional grade plywood with an oak veneer. Lastly, there's a swatch of carpet material stapled to the bottom of the pump. It serves two purposes. One, it helps isolate any remaining vibrations in the pump box from the bottom of the piano, which acts somewhat like a soundboard. Two, it provides a surface to which an adhesive can be applied to secure the pump box in place, insuring that it won't move during shipping. Lastly, a felt-type baffle now covers the exhaust air port, which further reduces the noise of the air moving across the turbine. Together, these features significantly reduce the motor noise.

NOTE: Applying an external vacuum source to a player system via a "T" fitting can only be done in a few player systems. Namely the Simplex and early Aeolian players. Almost all others have devices inside the exhauster assembly which control the flow of vacuum to the stack, air motor, and air motor governor (and other peripheral devices -if there). A better alternative to drilling a hole in the reservoir is making a new spring access panel. Most reservoirs have a spring access panel on the front or back of the reservoir. So, you can remove and save the old one for when you want to return the system to its original state.

The name of the song that's playing in the video is "When You're Smiling". Here is the roll label.

Since "Player-Care" is an internet business, I prefer that we correspond via E-Mail (click here to fill out the 'Request Form'). However, if I'm not in the middle of some other activity, you can reach me at 732-840-8787. But please understand that during the hours from 8AM-5PM EST (Mon-Sat), I'm generally quite busy. So, I probably won't answer the phone. If you get the answering machine, please leave a detailed message stating the reason for your call. Also, repeat your name and phone number clearly and distinctly. By necessity, I prioritize everything in my life. And, if you call and just leave your name and number, and ask me to call you back, it might be a day or two before I return your call. Why? Because I don't know why you want me to call and I might not be prepared to assist you in an effective and efficient manner. If you leave me an E-Mail address (which I prefer), spell it out phonetically. The more you do to help me, the more I can help you in return. Don't rush. You have four minutes to record your message.