Bellows Gasket Replacement

[Mike K]

I have always had a very small leak at the top of the bellows right hand side.   I had some repair work done and now it leaks much worse so I am going to have to replace the bellows gasket.   Any recommendations on places to get it in the US?   Is there differences in quality of different types?   Seems they are foam rubber now whereas mine seems to be more of a "solid" rubber material.   I have not taken it out to measure thickness, I can measure width without removing it.  See some on Ebay but figure I would ask for some advice first.

 

[JIM D.]

http://frment.com/

 

[debra]

The foam rubber is now common as it compresses a bit more easily than solid rubber material. There are many different sizes, both width and thickness. You need the right size: too narrow and it won't seal properly everywhere and too wide and it will stick out; too thick and you need too much pressure to be able to put the bellow pins in and risk cracking the wood casing, too thin and it won't seal properly...
So it is best to just get it done by a repairer (who has several sizes in stock, typically).

 

[JIM D.]

Now first of all I refrain from using this Forum for sales.
I will however assist you on the parts you will need.
If you contact me in a PM or calling (413) 592-5672 I'll be glad to advise you on your bellows tape installation.
I can also supply you with the gasket needed.

 

[Tom]

Good luck Mike. Everyone know that Jim D is knowledgeable and honest. It is a privilege to have him offer his services on this board. Just saying.

 

[Zevy]

Good luck Mike.  Everyone know that Jim D is knowledgeable and honest.  It is a privilege to have him offer his services on this board.  Just saying.

Ditto. Jim D is a good man and an expert as well!

 

[nagant27]

I couldn't agree more. Jim is a wealth of accordion knowledge, and I always appreciate his advice. His work is impeccable, and we are lucky to have him.

 

[Dingo40]

I note the use of foam plastic is mentioned ( above) as gasket material. I’m sure it works well enough, but my Bugari Armando came with a foam plastic filled bellows protection pad. It was one of two plastic components in its construction and both of them failed within a few years, the pad filler turning to dust and simply vanishing. I later had it refilled using unspun sheep’s wool ( by some local quilt making firm: still good decades later!)

 

[debra]

I note the use of foam plastic is mentioned ( above) as gasket material. I’m sure it works well enough, but my Bugari Armando came with a foam plastic filled bellows protection pad. It was one of two plastic components in its construction and both of them failed within a few years, the pad filler turning to dust and simply vanishing. I later had it refilled using unspun sheep’s wool ( by some local quilt making firm: still good decades later!)

Not sure whether the gasket material will disintegrate over time. But for many accordion components all Italian accordion makers use the same wholesale supplier who also supplies to repairers and as a result they all use the same type of gasket tape.  If it turns out to be bad in the long run many thousands of people will all have the same problem...
Note: whe same wholesale supplier also supplies everyone with bellows protection pads...