fatt_mazio

Geoff: thanks for the pro-tip. I actually do have an accordion repairman nearby, so that will be good to know for the future. Also, in regards to the bifurcated rivets, do you know where they are purchasing these and if any other modifications need be done? And 4to5to6, I sent you a PM, though I could likewise purchase them from Steve Dickinson, it sounds like.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I've been on the lookout around town and was unable to find any store that had these or end bolts, and I checked about everywhere, from arts and craft, to hardware, to gun stores, to no avail. I just looked at their supply and unfortunately it looks like the screws they stock aren't quite the right length; it looks like maybe a #1 screw, but an inch long. Maybe someone else has some... I'm afraid I might need to go this route, so perhaps I can purchase some other wares from him to make it worth the shipping across the pond. I wish I had started playing earlier then! It's not so much an issue with the thread, like you say, nor the screw hole, but the head of the screw. I had read previously about the matchstick trick, but it will stay a trick until mine starts stripping out the screw hole.

It seems that, throughout the many years of its existence, there have been many attempts to do repairs to my instrument. With that, the screws into the pinky and thumb rests have become quite stripped, and to avoid the risk of forever being "locked out", I'd like to replace them. Does anyone have a recommendation on where to find these little buggers? Hardware stores? Art shops? Online? I've looked a little to no avail, but would like to find them locally (US) and grab them in person. Much thanks!

Thanks Alex, more or less what I figured. I'll look into some spare leather parts, as I'll probably need to do patchwork down the line, but it seems that new bellows are probably in order.

Thanks Stephen. Also happened upon my buddy's - number 18463 - though it looks remarkably more weathered than mine. Estimate on a date? Thanks again.

Just got a 'tina that I believe is a Lachenal, 48b tutor, serial number 21163 - any idea on date? Needs a little work but enjoying it so far!

Accordion-player here, but had been interested in something more portable, and just recently acquired what appears to be a Lachenal 48 key English tutor. When I received it, however, the first fold (nearest the right end) of the bellows appeared to be glued together. Thinking that this may have just been sticky from years of sitting and potential sun/heat exposure, I took to prying it apart a little, only to find that the valley had fully torn. Is this glue a viable part-time fix? It essentially turned it into 4-fold bellows... Anyhow, I took it apart and managed to partially seal it by throwing a little tape on the inside of the valleys, thinking the most likely way forward will be new bellows, and now have 5-folds, but a little breath-y sound to it... I don't have a picture of when it was glued before, but have one below of how it looks now I searched the forum a little but didn't find a specific situation like mine, so thought I'd join and make a post. Thanks for any insight!