andersm Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Apologies for another reed buzz topic! So I recently acquired a Lachenal Anglo as my first concertina and I can't put it down! Until now because reed buzz Completely self inflicted though. I opened it up to check the serial number and check a slow reed (which I fixed) but in doing so I seemed to have caused a buzz in my pull F reed on the left hand side. Its only on the pull, push is fine. I plan to get a copy of David Elliot's book, as it seems an invaluable resource, but in the mean time wondering if I can get some help here. Hopefully the mp3 of the reed in question has uploaded correctly. In the clip I play the E on push, followed by buzzing F on pull. I can feel the buzzing resonating through the action so the problem may be there? I had also investigated the action as part of my checks. I have looked at the reed valve, which seems fine, and cleaned/looked at the reed multiple times also. Thanks in advance and hopefully I can get back to playing The Irish Washerwoman ad nauseum again soon! buzzingreed.mp3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoover Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 It sounds like the reed tongue is hitting the side of the reed frame. If you take it out and look through it maybe you'll see the tongue is a bit skewed and out of alignment, or maybe even hits the side if you push on the tongue. It's possible to use a thin brass shim to give it a very wee shove to get it back in alignment, but "very carefully" is the operative word here - it usually doesn't take much at all. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andersm Posted November 10, 2020 Author Share Posted November 10, 2020 Are you 'the' gcoover? Your books and videos have also been invaluable so thanks for those and the reply. I have sealed it up for the night but I will do that tomorrow and report back! I have taken a look at the reeds previously having thought the tongue was hitting the frame, but will look again under better light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Pearce Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) While you are inside check the reed is fully pushed home, and the lay of the valve. Edited November 11, 2020 by Rod Pearce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) So Andersm, if you have recently aquired your lachenal perhaps it has come from somewhere with a different climate. I suggest this because that sound can equally be made by having the reed frame too tightly gripped by the wood of the reedpan . The first thing I would do is to take out the reed and see if it is too tight or too loose in its slot. Both cases will cause rattlings or buzzes. Edited November 11, 2020 by Geoff Wooff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andersm Posted November 11, 2020 Author Share Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) So its open again, reed is clear, no dirt. Aligned properly too. Valve is fine. I think the issue is the frame not being tight enough in the dovetail though. this reed is significantly easier to remove than the other (even the reed I had initially checked when embarking on this adventure). I'm going to try some very light tapping with a small hammer to see if I can get a better fit but am quite cautious so any frther suggestions welcome. UPDATE: addition of a paper shim means the frame is firmly seated in the dovetail. Buzzing it still there but its now a more consistent volume so possibly one problem fixed Edited November 11, 2020 by andersm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 Please don't tap it with a hammer, even if its a small hammer. If the reed is loose in it's slot you need to introduce a paper shim between one edge of the reed frame and the edge of the slot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) A very thin piece of paper added to the side of the reed or the tapered slot should be enough to get a tighter fit for your reed shoe. I use cigarette papers from which you can cut a strip of the gummed edge and stick that to the wood. Agree with Theo, use no hammer !! Edited November 11, 2020 by Geoff Wooff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andersm Posted November 11, 2020 Author Share Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) Paper shim has been introduced, and no hammer was used so no worries there, but needs some adjustment still UPDATE: ok so buzzing has been significantly reduced, and by some continuous, loud playing reduced further, I'm going to leave it sealed for the day or so and see if it improves more. There's just the faintest buzz towards the end of the pull. Thanks for all your help and advice and hopefully I wont have to update this thread again! Edited November 11, 2020 by andersm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Smith Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 Does your concertina have baffles? Sometimes they can resonate at certain frequencies causing a buzz. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now