Weak Note

[Stephen Selby]

On an English concertina, one note sounds weak on the pull until I pull harder, then it comes up with a 'snap' to a normal sound. (Recording attached.) What is the cause and the remedy?

Valve

[malcolm clapp]

Very likely a valve touching the chamber wall. Certainly the first thing I would check.

[Frank Edgley]

Replace the valve. Likely it has taken on a curve and is not sitting flat, requiring more pressure to pull it down to the surface of the reed pan. You probably should replace them all.

[Chris Ghent]

The valve that needs replacing is the one beside the reed, not the one behind it.

[Stephen Selby]

I replaced he valves both sides, adjusted the alignment, and the only thing that worked in the end (problem now solved) was removing the valve for the affected reed altogether.

[Chris Ghent]

Stephen, if you mean you now do not have a valve at all you will find the reed works OK but it will use a lot of air, so much it will be hard to compensate when playing. Unless it is a very high reed.