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I've got an old East German Scholer Concertina with leaky bellows. It seams like the leaks are at the corner fabric parts. Could it be that the fabric is no longer air-proof? And if so, is there something I can paint on it to make it air-proof? I've had a look at "Coghlans Airstop", which is actually made for PVC products, but I doubt it will work. I've tried opening up the ends to look inside the bellows, but after unscrewing the ends, the part containing the reeds are stapled/nailed in place. So I can't see the inside of the bellows. Does anyone have any advice for repair, or is it advisable to completely replace the bellows? I'm trying to see if there is a cheap fix, rather than complete bellows replacement, which could be costly. I live in South Africa and I know Danie Labuschagne can replace the bellows. I'm just trying to see what other options there are

Hi there! This is my first post on this forum but not my first visit, so believe me I'm just as disappointed in myself for buying a wee 20 button Scholer as you will be. I own myself a lovely 48 bass piano accordion and wanted to branch out to other free reed instruments, my budget being what it is this Former German Republic model will do for now. Honestly it was bought as a bit of a project, having a broken strap (which I have already temporarily mended) and 2 missing buttons which should be easier to replace thanks to the cheaper wooden design. The daughter of a family friend has been envious of my accordion since I got it and I thought this would be a fine gift for her next birthday if I could get it presentable. The biggest issue I face is the notes themselves as I can't seem to figure out what keys the 2 rows of buttons are in. I won't kid myself into thinking this instrument will still be in tune after years of activity or lack thereof, but I hope enough of them are for someone to be able to help me. Using an online chromatic tuner I repeatedly tested each button on both the push and pull, to ensure as much accuracy as possible, and noted down the notes. I will attach an image of the results in the hopes that someone can help me figure out the key. (I will only be attaching the left hand notes as I presume that would be enough to identify the keys, but will happily post the right hand too if needed.) I'm not sure what I'll do for the reeds that are invariably out of tune, in my corner of Scotland I can't find a suitable shop and I certainly wouldn't want to try and tune them myself. I'll burn that bridge when I come to it though. Thank you in advance and I look forward to being a member of this fine community! ~Ethan

Hello. I've just purchased a East German Anglo concertina here in Brazil (concertinas are not usual in this country) and was lucky since It was inexpensive - less than US$100 - and in great condition. I research for it's brand "BM" and couldn't find anything, but in my search I've found similar ones made in Klingenthal as Scholer, Galotta and Rosetti Rambler. Does anybody know anything about BM and why there is no mention to that brand in internet? My instrument is a 20 button D/G and has two reeds per note, but the second button on G row at bass side which should be D/E (according to the standard 20 button D/G layout), in mine sounds D/F#. Other 19 notes sound as expected, althought a little out of tune. Is this right? Are the D/G Scholers, Galottas and RRs tuned like that? Thanks.

Hi All. Sorry if this exists already but I couldn't find it. Just acquired a small D/A Scholer Anglo that plays OK but has 2 buttons missing altogether. Nothing on the web that I can find. Anyone any ideas what to replace then with? Also - It does look like they will just glue directly on to the lever but if anyone has a better idea I would appreciate it.