NOTTNICK

Thanks everyone Really grateful for this advice. One of the ends had quite a crack that I have filled with a strip of venneer. I am currently working at quite a few coats of Rustins over the repair, bringing it right back before every coat. It's working well as the slight imperfections have nearly disappeared. I shall take on board the other suggestions. I am really enjoying this renovation even though I am certain that the time and money spent on an old 20 key Lachenal does not really make financial sense. Of course, now I've fixed the bellows, pads and valves I have found that the reeds need lots of work (and I'm sure it's not in concert pitch). Nick

OK thanks - I've got it now. The spare spring I got has a much longer base bit to it, so I just need to re-bend it then it all works - I was just trying to make the wrong-sized spring fit, obvious now I look at it. I am grateful for help on this and I am using Dave Elliott's book, it is excellent. Nick

I can't work out where to put the spring on the air button. The previous spring was completely broken so I have nothing to guide me. If I try to re-use the holes on the plate with a new spring, it doesn't seem to work. Should I be using a different spring than on the other keys? Or is there a different way of attaching it or a different placement? Thanks

Posted first on repairs in error. Anyway, I am restoring an old Lachenal. I have just found a number inside R 58779 There is also a pencil inscription inside saying Barrow in Furness 1886 Can anyone offer anything else about it? Thanks Nick

Things going well............ I have just found a number R 58779 Can anyone help? Thanks

As you will see from previous posts, I am getting on well with sorting out this Latchenal. Anyway, I'd appreciate advice on this: Dave Elliott suggests in his book that the ends are French polished. I recently renovated a guitar and used 'Rustins Plastic Coating' This gave a fantastic high gloss, strong and durable finish (a luthier had suggested it to me and Rustins do seem to do a lot with furniture restoration). It was expensive and I have quite a bit left over. It seems to me that it would make a good finish for the Latchenal too, but I don't want to make a disasterous decision, and use a wholly innapropriate finish. Your Thoughts please.

Impressive, thanks. I'll give it a go this weekend. Nick

Renovating an 1880s Latchenal with bone (I think) keys. They are very tarnished and dirty. I am not sure of the best way of cleaning them up. Suggestions appreciated. Thanks Nick

Thanks

I have just got this concertina. Will be restoring it (I hope). A 20 key model. Little to identify it except: Inside a pencil inscription "Mr. J Rogers 33 Hamilton (Lane?) Barrow in Furness Oct 25 / 86 I attach a couple of pictures also. Thanks Nick PS. PS the araldite in the background is NOT part of my repair kit!!

That's really helpful thanks. I think I'll order the book and read up on things - and David Leese looks like a good place to go too. I'll probably post again when I have gleaned more knowledge. Nick

Hello I have just got hold of a rather tatty old Anglo - it is nothing special so I am happy to have a go with repair myself. I think that with a bit of TLC I can get it to some sort of worthwhile state as it isn't warped or cracked and the bellows are just about OK. I am a complete begginer regarding repairs but have reasonable skills in this sort of thing. I would really appreciate advice on 1. Fixing the small pieces of damage (holes) on some corners of the bellows. 2. Getting hold of some replacement pads / end bolts / bellows papers (I think that's what they are called - the decorative papers anyway - they look like bog standard Latchenal type). (and a rough idea of cost). 3. Getting broken reed replaced. I live in Nottingham UK. I suppose the answers to these determine if I go ahead with this. Nick Murphy