Several raspy base reeds

[ben]

Good afternoon,

I have a full size Concerto accordion, which I posted on a different thread when I bought it. It has several reeds on the base side that make a slight croaky sound (I don't know what the proper term is for it) and I would badly like to get it fixed. I have taken numerous accordions apart, and I am comfortable to try it if it is something that can be attempted without a bunch of specialized tools. I have made sure that none of the reed leathers or plates(????) are stuck, or anything, and I really have no idea what could be producing that sound.

The accordion is absolutely beautiful on the inside, and could not look in better shape, but it has probably about half a dozen buttons that produce that raspy sound.

Anyone with advice for me would be greatly appreciated!

 

[debra]

There are two likely suspects: 1) reeds could be misaligned and hitting one of the sides of the hole they are supposed to go through, and 2) leathers could be worn, a bit stiff maybe, and the reed could be hitting them or the valve next to the reed that sounds could flutter due to the "wind" from the reed that plays. In old accordions bass reed valves are often a bit problematic.

 

[JIM D.]

Sounds like reed leathers not sealing , Inspect the leathers on the outside & INSIDE of the reed blocks.

 

[ben]

Sounds like reed leathers not sealing , Inspect the leathers on the outside & INSIDE of the reed blocks.

Perhaps it would help me to understand what the function is of the leathers.... How are they replaced?

 

[JIM D.]

HOW TO REPAIR ACCORDIONS 1

Check out http://accordionrevival.com! AccordionRevival.com How to repair accordions, make accordion repair tools, find and repair air leaks, change leathers, wax reeds, voice reeds, level keyboards.

accordionrevival.com

 

[debra]

Perhaps it would help me to understand what the function is of the leathers.... How are they replaced?

Leathers are glued on on one side. On bass reed valves the glue may be applied to about 1cm from the "base", on smaller valves the rule of thumb is to put glue on a square, meaning as far from the end as the balbe is wide.
The valves prevent air being lost through the opening for the reed that is not playing. This lost air causes the reed to produce a weak tone and to start slowly and with difficulty. (On very high treble notes the spilled air is needed to make the reeds start faster though.)
The valves have (metal) booster springs on them that help keep the valve closed when the reed is not playing. When valves get old they tend to become stiffer and they curl up a bit so the valve does not close properly when the note (opposing reed) is not playing. When the valve is just curled a bit it can be straightened, but when it is becoming stiff it really needs to be replaced.