tempermental reed/valve Lachenal Anglo

[Bill N]

I recently aquired a rosewood ended, bone button 20 key Lachenal, c. 1889. It is fully restored and in very nice shape, and is a lot of fun to play. It's the box I take on my weekend hikes with the dogs. Nice and light for walking and playing!

 

It has one annoying trait however. Every once in a while, the right hand 3rd button push on the C row (G) will sound quietly and seem a bit strangled, or not sound at all. I've found that if I push buttons 2,3 & 4, and play a short, sharp chord, it goes back to normal. I suspect maybe a valve issue? I've taken it apart and can't see a problem.

 

Any ideas?

[Greg Jowaisas]

Hi Bill,

Valves would certainly be a prime suspect.

 

Next time the G shows symptoms resist the temptation to clear the note and open the instrument up. Check the chambered F valve on the opposite side of the pan. This is the valve that must open properly for the G note to sound.

It may be getting stuck in the vent it covers when the F note is played. Then it has trouble getting out of the way when the air goes the other way as the G note takes its turn.

 

You may be able to induce the G note's symptoms by "enthusiastically" playing the F note.

 

Repositioning or changing out the valve would be the treatment.

 

Greg

[Alan Day]

I had this problem with a reed many years ago and everything pointed to the valve leather and I replaced it.I checked the reed to see if it was vibrating in it's dovetail and no problems there. Eventually I found the problem to be the slot in the reed pan was not large enough and the reed was vibrating on the wood.

Al

[Bill N]

Thanks to you both for your responses. Of course, now that I have a plan of action, the old concertina is behaving itself! But I'll know how to proceed next time it happens.

 

B

[Dowright]

Bill,

I would much appreciate the serial number for your Lachenal 20 key. (I would have sent an email, but yours is Private in your profile.)

You have said that it is "c. 1889". Given some internet misinformation about Lachenal dating, I would like to see if your information squares with mine. I presume that the serial number is around 100,000.

Thanks for considering my request.

[Bill N]

Bill,

I would much appreciate the serial number for your Lachenal 20 key. (I would have sent an email, but yours is Private in your profile.)

You have said that it is "c. 1889". Given some internet misinformation about Lachenal dating, I would like to see if your information squares with mine. I presume that the serial number is around 100,000.

Thanks for considering my request.

 

112680

[Bill N]

Well it happened again this morning (still just warm enough to play on the morning hike), although this time with the adjacent "E". Took it apart and found the valve was hanging up on the little pin that protrudes from the side of the chamber. Also noticed that 2 reed shoes had slipped in their slots. Gave everything a tweak, and all sounds great again.

 

Thanks!