How do i get to the keys?

[fozzie52]

Hello.

I bought a cheapo accordion this morning. It seems pretty cool but has come with a few issues, as expected.

My first challenge is to free up some keys that are sticking if pressed, however I can't for the life of me work out how to get them out to inspect/repair. I've removed every screw visible apart from 2 i can see but are obscured by the keys themselves, which I am trying to remove. I'm sort of in the position where I risk damaging something if I continue, so I thought it prudent to ask the experts first.

I'm not entirely sure what model it is but it says Stradella Cooperativa L'Armonica on it and inside it has 541 written all over the inside.

How am I supposed to get the keys out? Is there some knack to it i'm missing?

Thanks in advance,
Ben

 

[colinm]

Can you see the end of an axle (usually about 2mm diameter with a small metal cover on it) on the lower end of the keyboard ?

 

[fozzie52]

this?

 

[Glug]

Looks to me like a 30s/40s box which will have 1 or 2 axles through the keys.
You can usually see the axle ends, or a little cap covering them.

This 1930s box has 2 axles, I've removed one - you can see the other:


The axles are removed by pulling from the side:
But the exact details do vary a lot.

 

[colinm]

this?

Yes, looks as though someone has had a go at this, it will not be easy to remove, you need to search previous threads for “axle removal” or “key removal” or look at “accordion revival”
Axle removal is on the forum search facility, accordion revival is on www

 

[Dingo40]

you need to search previous threads for “axle removal” or “key removal” or look at “accordion revival”

Here's one:

Thread 'Keyboard axle removal'

May 17, 2018

Hi folks, thought Id share this in case it helps somebody.

Ive got an old (1935ish) Santianelli 48 bass with some very minor keyboard problems. So I though Id take a break from fixing the valves to see how easy it is to get access to the key mechanism. Ive read AccordionRevival quite a few times and searched on here so after a poke or three I concluded the keys dont come off individually and its a twin axle design. Its got 2 axle ends visible on the bottom end of the keyboard and no holes or axle cover at the top end.
Keyboard:
Axles:
The first axle (upper left...

• Glug
• Replies: 13
• Forum: How do I ....... ?

• 

 

[fozzie52]

Ah, thank you. I had a search but turned up nothing myself. This looks like a world of fun, i'll have a go tomorrow

 

[Dingo40]

I heard somewhere you should tape the keys together before pulling out the rod as they and their springs could fly all over the place.

 

[Dingo40]

I include this post for entertainment purposes.
I don't advise trying it at home!

Thread 'Keyboard axle removal via electricity'

Mar 13, 2024

My main instrument of choice is an older Hohner Tango IIB. I prefer the 80 bass simple 3/4 reed configuration (removed the piccolo in the bass) as I stand to play and am definitely a stroller where the instrument compliments my vocals as much as anything. I have rebuilt most components on the instrument and finely tuned things to where I am truly satisfied with the sound.

Except for the loudness of the keyboard. The main issue is the pressing of the keys, not the release, so I would like to add some felt under the keys. The problem is that the axle is really stuck. I have tried...

• Mr Mark
• Replies: 59
• Forum: How do I ....... ?

 

[fozzie52]

Came out lovely really. Thanks for your help.

I'd noticed there was a load of cotton wall wadded up under the keys, I think to add a big of extra spring to some of the keys that were struggling. The rod is quite bent, which I think was the cause of much of the issues it has since the springs seem to be in decent nick. I've ordered a new rod, and there's a key with quite a warp on it which is rubbing on the key next to it i'll try to straighten out, or make a new one if need be

 

[fozzie52]

Thanks guys, got it sorted eventually. A lot of clearancing and adjusting required, but now its rapid fast - faster than I could ever play anyway.