Hohner Verdi II issues opening up the box

[bowmansluck]

So I just got a Hohner Verdi II from craigslist on a gamble. Having fun with it, but there's something rattling around in there and I think it's a reed or something. When I pull the bellows out, certain tones on the bass side like a nasally whine ( a volume down crying baby, if that makes sense). This doesn't happen when closing the bellows ever.

Now I tried to open the box up and get at it, but after pulling out all 6 nails from the treble side of the bellows, it doesn't open. There are also globs of dried glue in the crack between bellows and the treble (and bass) side. I chiseled those away, but still not budging so I think the previous owner glued it for some reason. So my question is this: Is there any way I can get in without destroying the bellows or am I out of luck? I don't want to remove the entire bass metal section in case I mess that up, but could do that as a last resort. I can give pictures and audio if that's helpful, but this is driving me up the wall; so close, and so far.

 

[Soulsaver]

Hi and welcome.

If its air tight as it is, determine which side the rattle is from - you dont want to get in the treble side and find you need to get at the bass side as thats where the problem is, or v.v.
Is it a hard glue?
Have you tried to use a craft (or box) knife to cut the glue line between the bellows wood end and the celluloid (its not a 1930s wooden one? pics are good..)? Youll need to be careful not to slice the celluloid, or your fingers. Take your time and keep following it round, it will get easier to follow the line but dont get complacent. If its celluloid body, the joint is only c.4mm (memory) along front & back, but deeper at corners.

If you are lucky they didnt stick glue on the upright section. If they did, you may have to resort to the next bit, but wait to see if any other suggestions come along from the others/pros.

So, failing anything else - you can cut the bellows without destroying them. The last bellow fold each side is glued to the wooden end piece. You can carefully cut the joint there, its cardboard. When youve got it sorted you can glue it back to the wood. If you end up butchering that cut you could consider losing a fold, which wont cause much loss, but you then may want to shorten/reposition the bellow stop straps to take up the slack. Good luck.

Use for guidance: http://www.accordionrevival.com/ACCORDION_REPAIR_2.php#Installing_a_new_bellows

 

[bowmansluck]

Yeah its air tight, and I should clarify by rattling around it means if I tilt the accordion stuff moves around. So it can go from the bass side to the treble. I imagine its in the bass side just because of that whine for some of the notes. The glue isnt that hard, actually. I had already taken a knife and chiseled away at the stuff that line between bellows wood and celluloid. Still doesnt open so Im worried that he may have put glue on the inside too and closed it up for whatever reason. Pictures can be found at .

I might wait a bit to start cutting into the bellows. Im not the biggest believer of my own handiwork. Thanks for the suggestions Ill have another look at it later! I love everything about it....except this process.

Edit: I did not wait and cut into where you suggested. Easier than I thought, it was really messed up. A bunch of Reeds had fallen out and were moving freely around. I replaced them back to where they should be, re-set the nails keeping them in place, and the wood glue is setting currently.