Cheap way to fix leaks on an accordion.

[Jaime_Dergut]

Hello dear accordion community,

today I would like to share some technical knowledge that I learned by tinkering with my own accordions.

some months ago, I realized that some of my instruments had leaks between the bellows and the wooden frames, and this something that bothered me for a long time since I could feel the lack of pressure while playing and listen to the sound of air leaking.

So, I came up with an idea of fixing this by putting teflon tape between the bellows and the wooden frame, and, so far, it has worked like charm.





I highly recommend doing this as a cheap fix to air leaks. Teflon tape cost nothing but you do have to be brave enough to open your accordion box.

Regards,

Jaime

 

[Dingo40]

So, I came up with an idea of fixing this by putting teflon tape between the bellows and the wooden frame, and, so far, it has worked like charm.

Thanks for sharing .
There is, also, a commercially available bellows gasket tape, made for the purpose.
I've no idea what it costs.
I know, from experience, too much packing here can cause the frame/case of the accordion itself to come apart, so care is essential!

 

[debra]

The most commonly bellows gasket tape is 5x2mm and costs about 15 cents per meter at Carini (and is sold per 100 meter if I'm not mistaken. (Could also be 50 meter.)
There can be many other sources of air loss other than the seal between the bellows frame and the bass and/or treble part of the accordion. There can be hidden cracks, holes in the bellows, leaks between the bellows (cardboard) and the frame (wood).
Pallets may leak (not aligned properly or not pressed down suffiently), etc.