Rattling in bellows area

[Jack]

I have a rattle in the bellows area of my accordian (sounds like a small
screw) and wondering how to access area. (there are 7 metal pegs, button
side and keyboard side, that I believe will allow access). Any sites or
advice that will assist me appreciated.

Thanks,

Jack

[charles benoit]

The sound of "something rattling around inside" usually indicates that
at least one reed has fallen off the rack. Most often this is caused
by someone leaveing the accordion in a hot place and the wax that holds
the reeds on the rack gets melted. I woulden't recommend that you try
to make this a "do it yourself" kinda job. Ship it to a pro, this is
very delicate work, and yes, it's probably going to be expensive.

[bme...@my-deja.com]

In article
<12045-3A...@storefull-104.iap.bryant.webtv.net>,

Hi Jack..........if you have something that "sounds" like a small
screw and not a metal plate rattle, and wish to proceed, the pegs
(bellow pins) on either the keyboard side or the treble side can be
removed to peer inside. Note which hole the individual pins came
out of (sometimes there are different diameters on the same
instrument). If your accordion is nice and you care about the finish,
do not use ordinary pliers or "vise grips" as they will mark up the
heads of the pins and possibly scratch up the celluoid surface.

Assuming you are working on the treble side, once the pins are
removed, gently try and separate the bellow frame from the
keyboard........if you encounter much resistance, you might want to
put the pins back in or be prepared to replace a bellow gasket that
may have been "glued" on both sides (wrong). If it comes apart
easily, take care that you don't "bonk or handle" the exposed reed
blocks. At this point you should be able to spot the loose screw
and maybe the hole it came from.

Do not use any gasket sealer on reassembly.......if you find you
have "air leaks" from the bellow area after it is put back together, it
is because the seal has been "disturbed" and you may have to
replace the gasket (available from accordion supply houses) or if
you are lucky, a well stocked hardware store.

Hope this helps,
Bruce

Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/

[Malcolm Clapp]

Bet you it is a nut and a washer from the bellows strap assembly. So look
for *2* items if you do go in, as there is nothing more annoying than
putting the thing back together and it still rattles because you found and
removed only one....Been there, done that. Who hasn't?

Regards

Malcolm

Jack <shoogy...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:12045-3A...@storefull-104.iap.bryant.webtv.net...

[Jack]

Thanks to all for the help so far.

The accordian came apart great (keyboard side and button side.
Everything has been labeled for reassembly)

I found four loose reed plates. (One plate I've identified where to
replace and am working on figuring out the other three)

Questions are:
What type of wax to use (and any technique tips) and any advice on
determining other three reed plate positions?

Again thanks for all the help

Jack

[bme...@my-deja.com]

In article
<13609-3A...@storefull-101.private.bryant.webtv.net>,

Hello again Jack........I think I would defer to Malcolm on this (as
he is a repair pro) or one of the other pro's on this ng........there are
some possible pitfalls to be avoided and although I have
successfully completed this type of repair, there are probably
procedures used by "experts" which should be followed for a better
chance of success.

All the best,

[David Batty]

In article <5934-3A5...@storefull-102.iap.bryant.webtv.net>,
charles benoit <Charle...@webtv.net> writes

I would disagree that this is a repair shop job only, if a reed has
dropped out then simply clean up the area with a small screwdriver or
similar scraper type instrument so you can get the reed seated back in
place again and if nothing else is to hand use a hairdryer to soften the
wax slightly before pressing the wax against the reed.

The fact that you have asked if it is OK to take the bellows pins out
makes me think that you would be sensible enough to have a look if it is
a job you can handle.

It sounds like a ten minute job.

David Batty

***************************************
Visit Leyland Accordion Club Website at

http://www.accordionclub.co.uk

email da...@accordionclub.co.uk

***************************************

[ala...@usa.net]

If you had four fall out, chances are there will be some more to
follow. Although I've done many a bandage job on my box, I probably
would take mine in to have it looked at if four of my reeds fell out.

Al

In article <935hr1$btc$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,

[Charlie Ball]

>What type of wax to use (and any technique tips) and any advice on
>determining other three reed plate positions?

Make a blend of bees-wax and rosin. The proportion should be about 4-1 in
favor of the bees wax. If you don't have a wax spoon, you can apply the melted
wax with a medicine dropper. BE CAREFUL. Any wax spilled on the reed will
cause problems. Another way to apply the wax is with a soldering gun, using a
filed-down cutting tip. This is quite tricky and required some practice.

[Bruce Henderson]

In article <20010106085500...@ng-fl1.aol.com>, boxma...@aol.com
(Charlie Ball) writes:

>>What type of wax to use (and any technique tips) and any advice on
>>determining other three reed plate positions?

>Make a blend of bees-wax and rosin. (SNIP). This is quite tricky and
required some practice.

Yeah, exactly. Don't forget - he's not sure which reed plate goes in which
now-empty hole. And this requires "practice". You're encouraging him to
experiment and practice on (what I assume is) a valued and valuable instrument.
I had a reed leather come loose from one of the bass reeds in my three-row
("Benny") button box. I knew *exactly* where it needed to go but it was pretty
apparent to me that the reed plate would have to come out for the leather to be
re- positioned into place. Not only for the money involved, I wasn't prepared
to go screwing around in the box -- if I'd messed it up, the box would have
been out of commission until I could have had it properly repaired.
So, I took it to that master and fine gentleman, Ike Milligan. He not only did
the repair but very kindly showed my how it was done - step by step. Now I
understand the details and feel that I *could* do this kind of work in an
emergency but I'm VERY glad that I didn't try. And I'm not sure that we
should be encouraging our original poster to.
My sense is that, if you care about the accordion and want to get it back into
proper playing condition, you really should take it to a competent repairer.
And, if there are three or four reed plates loose, isn't there likely to be
other damage,etc.
Sorry, I know you'd like to do a quick- and- easy at home repair but I'm afraid
that the damage you've described doesn't seem to lend itself to that.
Good luck with it, Bruce Henderson, Alexandria VA (USA) & Solihull W Mids
(UK)

[w...@snip.net]

In article <
20010106102016.24045.00000130@nso
-ct.aol.com>,
mrgtw...@aol.comnojunk (Bruce
Henderson) wrote:

> My sense is that, if you care about the accordion and want to get it back into
> proper playing condition, you really should take it to a competent repairer.
> And, if there are three or four reed plates loose, isn't there likely to be
> other damage,etc.

> Good luck with it, Bruce Henderson, Alexandria VA (USA) & Solihull W Mids

Very good advice. I also think that it is
getting too complicated from now on. It
requires some special tools and gadgets now.
The gentelman should start looking for the
best price estimate to do complete re-wax
job . I have a feeling that old wax has dried
out and this scenario will repeat itself over
and over again so if this accordion is good
model why not to do complete cleaning and
re-waxing job.
Enjoy it!

W.D.

[Malcolm Clapp]

OK ok ok, I was *wrong* about the bellows strap assembly nut and washer. It
does happen a lot, so suggest you check their security while you are inside
the box. You never know....

I agree that if your accordion has more than one reed plate loose, it is
indicative that the wax is failing and a complete wax job is essential
(ouch!) which I suggest a technician should undertake.

Modern accordion wax also contains linseed oil, to prevent the wax drying
out and shrinking. Many older boxes were made without this component in the
wax, which may be the cause of your problem.

Good luck

Malcolm

[Jack]

Due to some great advice... both from this group and e-mail, I've
identified all reed plate positions and secured a very very loose reed
block (which was knocking around and may be the culprit for loose
plates)... also I've checked remaining plate wax and it appears all
plates and wax are for now secure (also no cracks in wax). I also found
one strap holder was loose and did tighten it down.

With some more luck, which I know I have had till now and patience over
remaining work to be done, I believe I can complete the repair.

I will submit a final post with results.

Thanks again for all the posts and advice,

Jack

[Jack]

Reattached loose reed plates (w/fresh wax), reassembled and seems to be
playing fine...it's good to have it back together.

I will be reading this group to learn more about accordian maintance
etc...

Thanks,

Jack

[Helen P.]

I'm glad your fix went well. This NG has lots of good info, and lots of
good folks, so do stick around!

So, what about those of us with a rattling in the cranial area? Do I
probably have a screw loose? ;-)

-- Helen

Jack wrote in message
<11189-3A...@storefull-105.iap.bryant.webtv.net>...