Atlantic IV De Luxe Update

[Johnniez]

Well I got it all back together and everything plays. All the bass buttons work and make tones.

I will have to go through the testing bellows scenario on accordionrevival.com/ACCORDION_REPAIR etc. I will try a candle this time .

Only one little problem. The bellows gasket is leaking.
Had a heck of a time trying to put it on. As you can see in the full pic of box that black along the edge is the gasket. Will have to redo. but need a break from it for a bit.. have to get more gasket stuff dont' know if I take it off to redo it it will be any good.

I also the the high A note on the keyboard sounding. all the bass buttons work. Keyboard works but highest A sounds the odd time without pressing anything. Very weakly I might add. But I have to pump the bellows big time. It would not be long I would be puffin like a steam locomotive.

I messed around with the plastic bass register and got that glued back together. Its working right now but don't know for how long. Good enough for all I do anyway.. Just wont press that register.. Not sure what it opens up.. Its the register closest to chin.

I surprised myself fixing the bass mechanism.. Smooth as silk now..

Off to find another gasket.... help Jimbo.. lol.. I think the wood frame that the bellows are attached to is warped a bit in middle. I did not do anything about that tho, as I thought the bolts to bolt it back together might pull it back in .. Guess it did not. I think I need a gasket at least 1/8 think maybe more to make up for the warp.. I did not notice it till got it back together. If you look at first pick.. double click it for bigger and better look.. You will see just above the bass registers there is a thicker line. Thats where its warped. I thought about using filler and try to build it up and make flat. But I think I will try some thicker gasket material or even window stripping foam. Not as good as the stuff I got off of JimD. as that stuf is condensed .. nice stuff. You got thicker of that Jimbo. ??? !!!! :ch

So now I have to get a gasket that is 1/8 or 3/16 thick and 1/4 wide..

Johnnie

 

[BrandyD]

What a nice looking instrument!!!!

 

[JIM D.]

That reminds me of the two fellows that meet at a funeral for their old friend. They both step up to the coffin to pay their last respects and one of them says - Doesn't Jack look good - and the other says " Well he should, he just got out of the hospital !!
Sorry John: Just joking !

 

[Johnniez]

Ah no problem Jim.. lol.. My bark is pretty thick..

Hi Brandy and thanks for that.. was a lot of work.. And have found out. I am NOT done..

Jim.. More ???'s

Can I reuse the gasket stuff I got off of you..?

Can I double over top ? Wondering about sticking etc. I know doubling up might make things too tight..

IS there anything else that would cause a pretty big leak.. When I pull out or push in from the bellows not playing anything. The leak is the same as if I press the release button. Quite a leak.. Wondering if anything else in there would do that no keys or buttons pressed and no sound..
I don't see how myself but as you know my knowledge is 0 well ok.. maybe 1 ;-) After all I did get the cover off. .lol

Well I will have a good mark all around the gasket and will tell me where I missed.. Can I patch the spots where there be no mark with a piece over top. It seems to compress quite well.. Hey, I don't know this stuff is why I ask..

I must say tho after playing it a bit. It sure outshines my Excelsior Acordiana student job I have. No comparison at all.. I am spoiled now. ..

Johnnie

 

[JIM D.]

Yes you can overlap the gasket. As far as your air leak is concerned you might wet your upper lip (under your nose) and then actually nose around the accordion while depressing the bellows. The skin of your upper lip is quite sensitive and will detect leaks easily. Watch this at around 20:08 --

 

[Johnniez]

Thanks . Ok.. After reading this I gave it a wirl with a bit more in a couple of spots and has done the trick.. Plays not bad now.. Don't really know where it should be but it takes for ever for the bass end to drop when I unhook the bellows clamp and pick it up by the keyboard frame.. Takes a long time. so I think I might have got it..

You know after all this work and picking it up playing it.. then again then again.. I have come to the conclusion that this dang thing is just too heavy. I have a few health issues and one of em is a huge hernia on my right side..about the size of a sweet potato and there is no fixin it. \

Thinking I might sell it.. any idea what kind of price to ask for this. Its now working so thats good. Original everything counting the case, the blind etc etc.. reeds look and sound great.

Johnnie

 

[Johnniez]

Well I turned 71 yesterday and family and fiends showed up.. Had a great time.. Lots of cake and coffee.

Johnnie

 

[Glenn]

Congrats on your birthday

 

[Johnniez]

Thanks Glen. Was great day with kids etc.