9 replies to this topic

[malcolmbebb]

I was asked to look at a 30 button DG, nameless but thought to be Bastari, with loose and wobbly buttons. On inspection the buttons have a metal end which passes through the action lever (see photo - it's hard to describe).

On the most used keys the button has worn the hole in the lever such that one has only a small amount of metal left before it wears right through. On this particular button the play was around 1.5 to 2mm compared with about 0.5mm on a little used accidental.
(The legs have splayed a bit but that isn't a big deal and could be straightened with pliers.)

On first inspection the levers are close to knackered and I can't see an easy way to repair them. Can anyone suggest either a repair strategy, or offer any ideas about spares or a replacement action?

The box owner does not have deep pockets.

Malcolm

PS couple of typos fixed and second photo added

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Edited by malcolmbebb, 07 July 2012 - 11:48 AM.

[DDF]

Hi Malcolm,
I know absolutely nothing about Bastari concertinas but if the hole in the lever is enlarged how about cleaning it and filling with scratch solder,then re drilling to the correct size.I am not sure whether this would do but it would only cost pence in materials.Regards David.

[Mike Jones]

Hi Malcolm,

my first posting, I mostly watch.

However, I have a "Gremlin" which I believe is from the 70's with the same action and have exactly the same problem with it. I solved the problem by buying a 30 button Lachenal from Pete Grasby.

The Gremlin is now almost unused and unusable. The action is dreadful, one button lug has broken(I moved them round and now have a hole for accidentals I rarely use) and the 'tina is not even in tune with itself. It was supposed to be a G/D but Its more of a C/G but I don't think a single reed is in tune anyway. I'm happy to let you have it for spares if it will keep another player playing.

PM me if you are interested.

Mike in Norwich

[Daniel Hersh]

I was asked to look at a 30 button DG, nameless but thought to be Bastari, with loose and wobbly buttons. On inspection the buttons have a metal end which passes through the action lever (see photo - it's hard to describe).

On the most used keys the button has worn the hole in the lever such that one has only a small amount of metal left before it wears right through. On this particular button the play was around 1.5 to 2mm compared with about 0.5mm on a little used accidental.
(The legs have splayed a bit but that isn't a big deal and could be straightened with pliers.)

On first inspection the levers are close to knackered and I can't see an easy way to repair them. Can anyone suggest either a repair strategy, or offer any ideas about spares or a replacement action?

The box owner does not have deep pockets.

Malcolm

PS couple of typos fixed and second photo added

You might try contacting Button Box to see if they havve any suggestions, since they do a fair amount of work on Bastari/Stagi concertinas.

[malcolmbebb]

Thanks - the action is an aluminium alloy, so soldering probably won't work - but I might be able to fill with epoxy. I will give Button Box a try.

Pm'd Mike.

In the meanwhile the box has been temporarily returned to keep a local Morris side dancing until it completely wears through.

[DDF]

Thanks - the action is an aluminium alloy, so soldering probably won't work - but I might be able to fill with epoxy. I will give Button Box a try.

Pm'd Mike.

In the meanwhile the box has been temporarily returned to keep a local Morris side dancing until it completely wears through.

Hi Malcolm, I guessed they were aluminium.This is a zinc based solder which leaves you with a repair that is tougher than the aluminium.In reality it may have limited applications but with care would probably make a cheap if fiddly Bastari repair.regards David.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yuIiZd0Ts&feature=related

[malcolmbebb]

Didn't know about that. Seems there's a few candidate solders around, so I will look further into it.
Cheers,
Malcolm

[DDF]

Didn't know about that. Seems there's a few candidate solders around, so I will look further into it.
Cheers,
Malcolm

Hi Malcolm, Just out of curiosity I just gave it a go to make sure what I was suggesting was viable.The pictures are pretty poor and Iam doing things mostly with my left hand still.This result took about ten minutes include finding the the bits and pieces.Needs a bit more time practising and cleaning up but definitely an option.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51981381@N04/

[malcolmbebb]

Didn't know about that. Seems there's a few candidate solders around, so I will look further into it.
Cheers,
Malcolm

Hi Malcolm, Just out of curiosity I just gave it a go to make sure what I was suggesting was viable.The pictures are pretty poor and Iam doing things mostly with my left hand still.This result took about ten minutes include finding the the bits and pieces.Needs a bit more time practising and cleaning up but definitely an option.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51981381@N04/

Interesting - I can only view the photos on my phone at present , but I will have a better look tonight.
Be interested to know where you got the solder, the sources I have seen so far appear to be trade quantities - and what heat source you used.
Commonsense tells me that this is not a wise path to tread, but I know the owner can't easily afford to replace the box (which is otherwise in reasonable condition and possibly even in tune). And my daughter's Morris side would struggle without it!

[DDF]

Hi Malcolm, the heat source I used for this was a small hand held gas blow lamp.The temperature needed is around 380C well below the melting point for aluminium.It is also important to do the final preparatory cleaning with a stainless steel wire brush. The source for the "solder" was this specialist company who sell via ebay,but they are apparently on holiday till the 18th.

http://stores.ebay.c...p2045573.c0.m57

There seem to be plenty of similar suppliers on ebay.The most common trade name is Durafix but there are several others.

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item564a4789a7

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3ca8e42c30