I'm wondering if someone can give me some advice on an old Hohner one row accordion. The bellows close very quickly...much faster than other accordions and this makes it very difficult to play. Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong with it...there are no leaks. Thanks...any advice would be appreciated.
Hi there, it definitely will have a leak, most likely in the pads closing the holes that allow air through to the reeds. They will probably need to be replaced, as like old boots they get stiff and lose their softness. I've seen it done with rectangular pieces of suede cut to fit. But unless you know what you're doing, like curamach said, you'd be best to take it to a repair shop.
Assuming it's the type with sprung "spoons" for the basses and the air button it could well be a weak spring, particularly on the air button. If the spring is weak, it acts as a non-return valve letting the bellows close easily, but not leaking in the other direction to let them open easily.
Hold each "spoon" in turn shut with your thumb or finger whilst you play, and see if the prob goes away. No big deal to repair with a bit of common sense.....
If the bellows close too quickly there MUST be air leaking out somewhere, you just have to find where.
The bass spoons on Hohner one-rows are notorious for leaks. Not just from weak springs as mentioned by TomB-R, but the spoons are made of thin metal and easily get bent. If the flat part is not lying flat it won't seal. Sometimes the circular leather gasket can get hard, or even fall off.
Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
I'm wondering if someone can give me some advice on an old Hohner one row accordion. The bellows close very quickly...much faster than other accordions and this makes it very difficult to play. Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong with it...there are no leaks. Thanks...any advice would be appreciated.
# Posted on May 12th 2009 by newfiegirl
Re: Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
Most likely there is a leak. It may be in the body not the bellows. Best take it to an accordion repair shop.
Dan
# Posted on May 12th 2009 by curamach
Re: Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
Hi there, it definitely will have a leak, most likely in the pads closing the holes that allow air through to the reeds. They will probably need to be replaced, as like old boots they get stiff and lose their softness. I've seen it done with rectangular pieces of suede cut to fit. But unless you know what you're doing, like curamach said, you'd be best to take it to a repair shop.
# Posted on May 12th 2009 by buttons 'n' whistles
Re: Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
I was thinking the pads....but could also be a poorly seated air button pad.
Find someone who knows how to fix these things. It is cheaper and less frustrating than trying to be a DIYer
# Posted on May 12th 2009 by zippydw
Re: Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
Assuming it's the type with sprung "spoons" for the basses and the air button it could well be a weak spring, particularly on the air button. If the spring is weak, it acts as a non-return valve letting the bellows close easily, but not leaking in the other direction to let them open easily.
Hold each "spoon" in turn shut with your thumb or finger whilst you play, and see if the prob goes away. No big deal to repair with a bit of common sense.....
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by TomB-R
Re: Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
If the bellows close too quickly there MUST be air leaking out somewhere, you just have to find where.
The bass spoons on Hohner one-rows are notorious for leaks. Not just from weak springs as mentioned by TomB-R, but the spoons are made of thin metal and easily get bent. If the flat part is not lying flat it won't seal. Sometimes the circular leather gasket can get hard, or even fall off.
# Posted on May 13th 2009 by Theo Gibb
Re: Old Accordion - Bellows Problem
Thanks for the input...I will have the music repair guy check out the things you mentioned the next time I get to the city.
# Posted on May 14th 2009 by newfiegirl