Removing my Base Strap

[Lurtchatv]

A BIG shout out to Jerry for some very informative steps to get me started
However; right off the bat I have an issue.
My plan is to replace bothe the shoulder Strap, and Bass Strap. Shoulder Strap - no problem. But take a look at these pics. I have removed the one end of the Base Strap, but I cannot see where, or how to remove the other end?? Call me stunned??

 

[PeterF]

Others more expert than me will respond, but to free the left end of the bass strap, you generally need to remove the bass panel entirely. Then you'll likely see that the end of the bass strap is hooked over a fixed hook inside the case. Sometimes that hook is bent closed for security so you may have to bend the hook open a bit with a tool to get the bass strap off the hook.

 

[Lurtchatv]

Thank you for the reply

 

[John Doe]

The "hook" system is the best outcome for you. You can generally get the strap unhooked and then removed even if it's often a bit frustrating because of a lack of working space. Getting it back on can also be irritating with a stiff new strap- but it's doable for anyone with patience.

There are many accordions however, where the end is just held in by a pair of screws/ or threaded studs with nuts through the strap into the wood of the case (usually through a thin metal plate and with washers). Simple to remove and replace... but that getting at them is often really difficult. In quite a few cases much of the bass machine needs to be pulled- usually all of it once you've gotten in that deep- and THAT can be quite the laborious task. It can also be disastrous for a novice if the 1.237 gazillion bass machine parts get scrambled.

You might consider searching the forum via the search box with "bass strap removal" as your terms. Many of the results are quite informative.

Good luck- Henry

 

[Lurtchatv]

The "hook" system is the best outcome for you. You can generally get the strap unhooked and then removed even if it's often a bit frustrating because of a lack of working space. Getting it back on can also be irritating with a stiff new strap- but it's doable for anyone with patience.

There are many accordions however, where the end is just held in by a pair of screws/ or threaded studs with nuts through the strap into the wood of the case (usually through a thin metal plate and with washers). Simple to remove and replace... but that getting at them is often really difficult. In quite a few cases much of the bass machine needs to be pulled- usually all of it once you've gotten in that deep- and THAT can be quite the laborious task. It can also be disastrous for a novice if the 1.237 gazillion bass machine parts get scrambled.

You might consider searching the forum via the search box with "bass strap removal" as your terms. Many of the results are quite informative.

Good luck- Henry

 

[Lurtchatv]

The "hook" system is the best outcome for you. You can generally get the strap unhooked and then removed even if it's often a bit frustrating because of a lack of working space. Getting it back on can also be irritating with a stiff new strap- but it's doable for anyone with patience.

There are many accordions however, where the end is just held in by a pair of screws/ or threaded studs with nuts through the strap into the wood of the case (usually through a thin metal plate and with washers). Simple to remove and replace... but that getting at them is often really difficult. In quite a few cases much of the bass machine needs to be pulled- usually all of it once you've gotten in that deep- and THAT can be quite the laborious task. It can also be disastrous for a novice if the 1.237 gazillion bass machine parts get scrambled.

You might consider searching the forum via the search box with "bass strap removal" as your terms. Many of the results are quite informative.

Good luck- Henry

Thanks for the info

 

[Rosie C]

I did this job on my Hohner, and the other end of the strap was very thoroughly fixed in place - I had to remove the bass cover, and a portion of the bass mechanism. Though your instrument may differ, and it wasn't difficult work.

 

[Dingo40]

However; right off the bat I have an issue.
My plan is to replace bothe the shoulder Strap, and Bass Strap.

You have already had responses covering the main points of bass strap replacement.
However, there is another option:
In many cases problems with bass straps can be overcome, bass strap service life extended indefinitely and actual removal avoided by covering the entire visible portion of the strap with a suitable stiff cloth/fabric sleeve you can make yourself or with the help of your partner or friend.
From personal experience, I can say this works very well!
I went into more details regarding construction in another thread.
See here:

Thread 'Sweaty back of hand/forearm catching on bass-strap?'

Nov 29, 2017

A while ago, someone asked what could be done regarding sweaty forearm or back of hand catching on the leather bass strap, interfering with smooth function of the left hand during play.
Not being registered, I was unable to make a suggestion, but I would like to make a suggestion now<EMOJI seq="1f642">?</EMOJI>
First: it is possible to buy bass straps made of material other than leather, eg velour. One of my instruments came with a velour strap, another with a rayon type woven material. Neither of these are affected with the problem in question.
Second: enlisting the help of a...

• Dingo40
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Accordion Chat

 

[Lurtchatv]

You have already had responses covering the main points of bass strap replacement.
However, there is another option:
In many cases problems with bass straps can be overcome, bass strap service life extended indefinitely and actual removal avoided by covering the entire visible portion of the strap with a suitable stiff cloth/fabric sleeve you can make yourself or with the help of your partner or friend.
From personal experience, I can say this works very well!
I went into more details regarding construction in another thread.
See here:

Thread 'Sweaty back of hand/forearm catching on bass-strap?'

Nov 29, 2017

A while ago, someone asked what could be done regarding sweaty forearm or back of hand catching on the leather bass strap, interfering with smooth function of the left hand during play.
Not being registered, I was unable to make a suggestion, but I would like to make a suggestion now<EMOJI seq="1f642">?</EMOJI>
First: it is possible to buy bass straps made of material other than leather, eg velour. One of my instruments came with a velour strap, another with a rayon type woven material. Neither of these are affected with the problem in question.
Second: enlisting the help of a...

• Dingo40
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Accordion Chat

Thank you for the reply, But thus strap is actually too tight. I think it may have been a youth that used it as the shoulder strap is far too small as well. So, it looks like I am going to replace both

 

[Dingo40]

But thus strap is actually too tight

I had the same problem once.
In my own case I was able to fix it by adding a short loop of approximately 1.5 mm thick, mild steel, single strand, wire to the anchor end of the bass strap, thereby extending its effective length .
This has served me well regarding this particular accordion, without any problems, for fifty years!

 

[John Doe]

This has served me well regarding this particular accordion, without any problems, for fifty years!

Ahhh- so it's still in the trial stage...

 

[Lurtchatv]

If I cannot get a longer Bass Strap - that is what I will do as well

 

[Dingo40]

FWIW:
I know Lurtchatv has moved on from this point but, for the sake of completeness, I wanted to post some pictures of the completed sleeves mentioned above.
I couldn't find the relevant thread earlier, but here's a link:

Thread 'Sweaty forearms and bass straps'

Aug 8, 2020

Some time ago, there was a longish thread on the problem of sweaty forearms sticking to bass straps and impeding play in warm conditions. A side issue was a similar problem caused by deteriorating leather of the bass strap.
At the time, I suggested the sewing of a stiffened sleeve of strong cloth to slip over the bass strap, and this would virtually eliminate either problem.
Unfortunately, the forum at that time couldn't attach an image from one's iPhone to illustrate the suggestion.
But now it can!
So herewith a couple of illustrations:
(I'll post them separately so as not to...

• Dingo40
• Replies: 12
• Forum: How do I ....... ?

• 

 

[Rosie C]

I had the same problem once.
In my own case I was able to fix it by adding a short loop of approximately 1.5 mm thick, mild steel, single strand, wire to the anchor end of the bass strap, thereby extending its effective length .

My 1930s Soprani has a very simple approach...