Just finished my new tuning table.

[debra]

After remodeling my entire study, the tuning table was the last thing to do.
I used to have a tuning table (in my desk) with which I could measure only reeds on a reed block. I wanted one that would hold half an accordion, but didnt want two. So this is what I built:
First you see what it looks like for putting half an accordion on it.
http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/divers2017/slides/PC150625.jpg

Next a plate for tuning on a reed block. I have two of these: one with a single hole and one with a double hole.
There is a movable white slide that I can adjust for correct positioning of the reed block.
http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/divers2017/slides/PC150626.jpg
Above the tuning table is an old tablet running the datuner-lite app.
Next to it you still see a corner of an old laptop on which I have Dirks Accordion Tuner installed.
The tuning table has an old bellows hanging below which is held mostly closed by 4 springs.
I operate the bellows with my foot, leaving both hands available for positioning accordion
or reed block, pressing notes on the accordion, etc.
I still need to get real practice with my new setup but I have at least checked that it works.
Suggestions for improvements? Maybe some want to show us their tuning table/setup?

 

[TomBR]

Very neat, I like it. Has the advantage that it needn't take up space when not being used, you can just have a cover over it.

 

[jozz]

Nicely done Paul

I would round of the corners of that piece below the bellows so you don't bang your knee one day.

Maybe glue the clotch to the bottom of the pedal (i take it's there so you don't scratch the floor), for a neater look

 

[debra]

Nicely done Paul

I would round of the corners of that piece below the bellows so you dont bang your knee one day.

Maybe glue the clotch to the bottom of the pedal (i take its there so you dont scratch the floor), for a neater look

Good ideas.
Havens banged my knees yet but its bound to happen...

Under the pedal is a black piece of rubber (the cutout in the first picture). I still need to cut it to size and then glue it.

Im mostly happy that I can now use the tuning table with half an accordion which is needed to measure the tuning on a cassotto instrument. The deviation of the tuning between measuring in instrument versus taking reed blocks out for tuning is too large with reeds in cassotto. This setup should allow me to measure all instruments except Russian bayans without continuously assembling and disassembling the instrument. (The bayan requires complete assembly and positioning it upright to know for sure the tuning is right.)

 

[landro]

Very nice indeed!
This type of tuner ( foot operated bellows) is much more professional , and a must have when doing a lot of tuning and doing it properly.
I get by with a much simpler table hand operated "reeds on the block" tester but good only for spot tuning and getting off pitch reeds closer to the rest. Someday I hope to build one similar to yours.

 

[JerryPH]

Really good job, Paul! The design is one of my favorites too. I think for just offhand suggestions, I would have used a single piece of machined solid wood as opposed to particle board/melamine for more strength (not that it needs it), and all edges rounded to keep from scratching hands and legs. Are those springs strong enough to force the bellows to a closed position and provide enough air to play a sustained note for 4-5 seconds if tuning let's say a 5/5 accordion?

 

[the boxman]

I like that idea. Could the double wood be to give added weight to slow down the return spring action to give you enough time for the reed to sound long enough and at a more controlled speed.

 

[debra]

Really good job, Paul! The design is one of my favorites too. I think for just offhand suggestions, I would have used a single piece of machined solid wood as opposed to particle board/melamine for more strength (not that it needs it), and all edges rounded to keep from scratching hands and legs. Are those springs strong enough to force the bellows to a closed position and provide enough air to play a sustained note for 4-5 seconds if tuning lets say a 5/5 accordion?

The bellows does not go completely closed due to the length of the springs (in their shortest position), but they do offer the right amount of force. I initially got 6 springs and that had too much force, so I removed 2 and its just fine now.
The particle board (with formica top and bottom) works fine and is less likely to bend out of shape over time. Live wood tends to have a mind of its own. With the type of rubber I have the board needs to be perfectly flat to not have leaks. I may need to add a layer of a much softer foam-like rubber that is better to compensate for less than perfect fit, despite probably being less completely airtight straight through the surface.

 

[JerryPH]

Great design, thanks for sharing Paul.

 

[Morne]

Paul, great build there.
I have two questions:
1. Do you plan on incorporating a manometer? Or have you, in your experience, never had the need to maintain an environment that precise?
2. What about a slot for tuning a loose (not waxed) reed? Or is that again something you have never had a need for?

I've seen some of the plans for these more advanced tuning tables often going quite far with all those additions.

I intend on doing something similar to what you have done here (except in a cheap old desk), so I will definitely come back with more questions. Once I find suitable bellows, that is.

 

[debra]

Paul, great build there.
I have two questions:
1. Do you plan on incorporating a manometer? Or have you, in your experience, never had the need to maintain an environment that precise?
2. What about a slot for tuning a loose (not waxed) reed? Or is that again something you have never had a need for?

Ive seen some of the plans for these more advanced tuning tables often going quite far with all those additions.

I intend on doing something similar to what you have done here (except in a cheap old desk), so I will definitely come back with more questions. Once I find suitable bellows, that is.

1) I never had the need to maintain very precise air pressure. The frequency of accordion reeds is somewhat but not very pressure-dependent. When you put a reed block on the tuning table the source of airflow is already reversed and that has more influence than a small variation in air pressure.
2) To tune a loos reed I place it on a spare reed block, so its environment is already closer to real use.

My tuning table was in an old desk before. I got rid of the desk when remodeling my entire office.

 

[Sebastian Bravo]

Paul, the design is perfect. The best tuning table i have seen, congratulations!

What about adding a microphone on the inside of the bellows?

 

[debra]

Paul, the design is perfect. The best tuning table i have seen, congratulations!

What about adding a microphone on the inside of the bellows?

Adding a microphone on the inside of the bellows can result in yet another potential source of an air leak... but it might work. I mainly use the tablet you see in the picture, with datuner light, for measuring single reeds. Next to the tuning table is a laptop with external microphone attached for measuring two or three reeds at a time using the Dirks Accordion Tuner program. (I did all measurements with that program until I discovered datuner light which is also great for measuring on the go using my phone.)

 

[Sebastian Bravo]

(I did all measurements with that program until I discovered datuner light which is also great for measuring on the go using my phone.)

I use the same App, its very precise for single reeds. You can also attach an external microphone to the tablet, and get better results