I get to experience the evolution of accordion technology first hand while working on old accordions. Often times I find myself smiling over dirty hacks or creative solutions after opening up a box. In this loose mini series I will showcase some fun and interesting things I find inside old accordions. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
When asked to fix an air leak on an old Hohner Club, I noticed a considerable leak on the bass side of the instrument. To my surprise the cause was not the usual misalignment of the bass mechanics but a very creative repair of a broken air release valve spring
The construction worked surprisingly well for a surprisingly long time (talking years, not days). Eventually, one of the rubber bands gave in and the loose orange end got caught below a flap preventing it’s full closing.
I replaced the broken spring but if I should ever face a broken air release valve spring and I am in the middle of nowhere without a proper spring at hand, I might revert to this temporary fix…