How to repair an accordion

Subject: How to repair an accordian
From:
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:23 AM

I've a friend whose accordion (yes I know I goofed with the spelling in the thread title) has two keys that catch against each other. I suspect that damp is the culprit and the wood of the key has warped. Is there any way to repair this damage that is economically viable on a box bought for £60? Only way I could see was to file the sides of the two keys that are catching on each other to get a gap back, but this isn't going to look very pretty.

Any ideas from the experts here?

Scott

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: wildlone
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 03:00 PM

Jock,Is it £60 new or 2nd hand? not being a player myself but knowing a few your best bet is to find a repairer and ask their advice as the can be a right pain to put right.
dave

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 03:05 PM

Hmmmmm..........Why does the word bonfire keep coming to mind?

actually we have several folks around who can probably help you out including Sam Pirt if he sees this.

Spaw

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 06:42 PM

I guess it's the wood that's warped, JOck, rather than the ivory expanding. On older boxes, it is easier to get at the rod that pivots the keys, and if you can get the keys out, I suspect sanding would suffice. Anyone suggesting an angle grinder has ulterior motives!

A professional repair would probably exceed the cost of the box, and not increase its value commensurately.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 07:32 PM

You can make a homemade slim file by taking a spatula (like those used by artists to mix oil paint) and sticking a piece of self adhesive sandpaper to it (I would guess about 100 grit).

This just might get in between the offending keys and do the trick without disassembly, and without too much cosmetic damage.

Murray

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: CraigS
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:21 PM

Usually keys catch because of wear at the pivot. Depending on the nature of the beast, this may be easy or difficult to fix. If it says Made in China, or is of reputable make, this is probably best left to a repairer. If it is of primitive construction it may be possible to sort it out simply, and may only need the pivot packing out with felt. Filing between the keys is likely to be of little use, as the worn/bent pivot will allow the key to swivel - any advantage will soon be lost. If damp is the cause, keeping the instrument in a dry atmosphere for a few days should restore its function.

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:24 PM

Is this something like an appendix transplant?

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: Gypsy
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:49 PM

Check out the video, "How to repair your diatonic Accordion" available thru Lark in the Morning. It is pretty much a must have if you are going to play the box. Gives good household tips on maintanence, and repair. (Yes, WE have a copy!)

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:09 PM

Are there any diatonic accordions that have keys instead of buttons?

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: mooman
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 04:07 AM

It's a little hard to visualize the problem without more background information but sometimes the key can be removed, and the pivot hole redrilled and sleeved. This is not too difficult a job and could be done at home with a little patience and readily available materials.

mooman

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 04:15 AM

Before you start dismantling or taking drastic measures---have you tried some dry silicone lubricant, as dispensed from an aerosol?

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: GUEST,Sam Pirt
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 04:54 AM

Hi

If it werte me i would maybe try to take the key off and sand the edge down a bit. If you don't fancy doing that take it to a instrument maker or accordion mender and they will sort it.

As for diatonic accordions having keys I have heard of a systm used on chromatic accordions which have squareish key like buttons! I can't remember the name of the systm of hand.

Hope that helps

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: Jock Morris
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 04:18 PM

Thanks folks; pretty much confirms what I thought: wood of the key has warped and only cheap cure is sand the edge of the key down so it doesn't catch on the next key. While redrilling and sleeving the pivot hole is a possibility it probably isn't worth doing on a very cheap secondhand box.

Thanks again,

Scott

Subject: RE: How to repair an accordian
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 04:17 AM

Mind whit ye say aboot cheap "boxes", Jock! It must be around twenty years back that I got a phone call one night from a pal [Stephen Quigg, in fact, now with Macalmans]who had discovered the "wreckage" of a Hohner Ariata in his loft in Ardrossan. "D'ye want it?"---"Oh aye!" Stephen fetched it over to Irvine, three pieces--base section, bellows and keyboard. Half an hour later I was playing it---and it is now here in Canada with me and STILL playing, albeit a wee bit flat on some keys! [Ahem---I gave Stephen a fiver later----]