New bellows - extra fold?

[paolo_shorts]

I'm looking into getting a new set of bellows for my accordion. It's an Italian accordion from the 50s or 60s or so, and the original bellows have 16 folds (14 + 2 attached to the frames). I want to get a new set just like the old ones, but one of the companies I've reached out to recommended I go up to 17 folds, and has basically said that 16 isn't an option.

Any idea why this is? What are the advantages of 17 vs. 16? And will this cause an issue as far as making the instrument heavier or with closing it? Not sure bellows folds and corners are the same thickness now as they were when my instrument was first made! I thought I'd get a new set just like the old ones, so I'm a bit afraid of adding an extra fold

 

[debra]

There is no issue with new bellows with more folds other than the thickness of the bellows as a whole.
This may mean that you need to get new (longer) bellow straps, if the accordion actually has accordion straps. (If it has an internal locking mechanism then there is a problem.

 

[paolo_shorts]

There is no issue with new bellows with more folds other than the thickness of the bellows as a whole.
This may mean that you need to get new (longer) bellow straps, if the accordion actually has accordion straps. (If it has an internal locking mechanism then there is a problem.

It has straps, so that's not an issue I suppose. I assume going up to the next strap size (5mm larger) isn't too much that it'll cause it to be overly loose when it closes?

What is the benefit of an extra fold? Just trying to figure out why the bellows company is saying it's necessary

 

[Tom]

It has straps, so that's not an issue I suppose. I assume going up to the next strap size (5mm larger) isn't too much that it'll cause it to be overly loose when it closes?

What is the benefit of an extra fold? Just trying to figure out why the bellows company is saying it's necessary

Some people feel that the more folds, the more air is used, making it easier to coordinate bellows changes. Whether this is noticeable between 16 and 17 in your particular case is unknown. Why that particular company will only specify 17 folds is also unknown. Maybe that have one already made up in the size you need? I think if you find a new bellows, you will be able to adjust the original, or a new closing strap to fit. Good luck!

 

[debra]

When you have more folds the bellows can open further, so you can play longer notes without running out of air.
Adding folds does not have any influence on the air consumption.
I suggest to first fit the new bellows and after that you can see what the difference in bellows thickness is and thus what length of strap you need.

 

[Ventura]

i am guessing now..

they may have found the modern materials they use are
slightly thinner, or their bellows are typically unlined, and
so over time they noticed their new bellows are a smidge
smaller than the old ones, causing confusion and even returns,
so they now normally send a bellows 1 fold extra so it is always
a smidge larger, which would seem natural to the buyer and
not hard to fit/adjust/squeeze in

but to explain it all would be vexing, so they just say
"you hafta take 17"

but

if you must get one with 17, might as well tell them to make it with 19
so you get a better bellows motion for years to come..since you are
going to need to replace/remount the bellows hold straps anyway,
might as well get the maximum benefit from this retrofit.

remember to fill and seal the old holes in the wood.. the new
mounting will likely cover them up cosmetically

are you going to have Joe put them on for you?
or are you doing it yourself ?

also, while you are at it, get them to send at least
twice as much new bellows gasket tape as you will need
cuz' you will need it eventually maybe even sooner

just say you are afraid you might mess it up..to them
it's pennies difference they shouldn't complain