Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows

Subject: Toy melodeon - sealing the bellows
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:03 AM

Hi,
I have a little toy melodeon, seven buttons, in C. It is playable, but the bellows are very leaky.

I guess this is by design, to avoid damage - the seals on the edge don't meet/close in the corners. But I would like to improve the seal, it is hard work to play, even for fun. It has an air button

I was thinking of trying a flexible glue like Copydex or similar. Wondering if anyone has any better ideas?

Malcolm

PS I shall be internet-less for a couple of weeks, from Saturday, not being rude if I don't reply to anyone!

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: GUEST,Coro
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:05 AM

Gaffa tape? You can even get it in a nice colour like red and make a neat job.

Corona

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Bernard
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:36 AM

Silicone Sealant, or acrylic, such as is used around a bathtub. It isn't permanent, and works well. For a toy, not an expensive instrument (which wouldn't have the problem in the first place).

Copydex wouldn't work so well, I wouldn't think.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Les from Hull
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:43 AM

Anything you try you should try small scale in a less important area first.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 06:41 AM

I've found sellotape is quite adequate & its not permanent, so no hindrance when you need to open the instrument up for mainrenance.

Cheap too!

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 08:59 AM

I know people who've used PVA glue for this (US: Elmer's) though I haven't done it myself.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 12:59 AM

I too have one of those little "Heros" a 2 reeder - I once found some special flexible PVC style cement - like the type that you used to use for those little airplane kits, but permanently flexible, not hard setting - can't find it anymore - was perfect. Tape of any type is useless - it is too thick and inflexible and stops the bellows closing and working properly.

If anyone has any of those little piano accordions that they want to move on - please let me know.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 01:23 AM

Sorry, i was talking about sealing where the edges of the bellows wear out with use - not sealing the bellows into the case.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Bernard
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 01:29 PM

I'd advise against any self-adhesive tape... Sellotape and gaffer tape both dry out, fall off and leave a powdery residue behind, and PVC tape leaves a gungy goo behind.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: squeezeboxhp
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 08:40 AM

cowgum and plasterers scrim on the inside will give a flexible seal and not be seen

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 07:19 AM

I have had some success with tent seam sealant, which I just happened to have next to the box - and made the connection. It has make a big difference, although it was something of a fart to do.

Had to fix it with the bellows extended for 24hrs for the glue to dry.

Next plan is to see if I can blank off one set of reeds because I don't like the tuning, see if it sounds better - and the air goes further - with one set.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: treewind
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 07:51 AM

You can get proper bellows tape at Charlie Marshall's
Looks like you need the adhesive too.
You'll be set to fix every leaky melodeon in town then...

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Alan Day
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 08:16 AM

You may be surprised to hear that evostick can provide quite a good sealant. The bellows need to be fixed open and the glue allowed to dry for 24 hours. I always used a touch of talcum powder to finish it off, but only being cautious. Most of my bellows repairs are done from the inside rather than the outside.
Al

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: Gurney
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 04:06 PM

I have handled a concertina patched up with hot-melt glue, and it was working well. Permanent? Doubt it very much.
I'd go with Treewind's tip.

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: treewind
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 05:51 PM

My suggestion, though, could cost more than the melodeon did…

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 07:02 PM

Original Gutta-percha (Palaquium) and Irish linen.

Or Flexible Collodion

Or if you are a cheap B .... like me....

Become hip to "Monkey Grip"

(It keeps mine leather-sacked bellow on the organ below pumping fine.)

There IS a reason for the "blow-out valve" you are describing....it prevents permanent bending of the reeds or a major blow-out (think baby's diaper.)

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: GUEST,Squeezycheeks
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 10:47 PM

Bicycle puncture repair kit ?

Subject: RE: Toy melodeon - sealing thebellows
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 05:37 AM

I like to use masking tape to reinforce the creases on Ordnance Survey maps.It folds better than Sellotape, and doesn't dry out and fall off. Don't know how it would stand up to constant flexing, but it would be easy to replace.