Jacques Thijs Posted January 23, 2022 Share Posted January 23, 2022 Just received my new McNeela Phoenix. I notice some leakage. When I hold the concertina by one side the bellows drop completely in 10 seconds. The “complete drop” is about 10 cm ( 1 cm/sec) since the closed bellows ( 6 fold ) measures 3cm and dropped they are 13 cm. Is this ok? A facebook friend from the US who also bought a phoenix 2 months ago noticed just the same drop/leakage. I still can send the instrument back to McNeela. What is your opinion? I just don’t know what to do. My castagnari melodeon bellows barely move but they are constructed in a different way with metal corners pressed on the bellows. I don’t know what is normal for a concertina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted January 23, 2022 Share Posted January 23, 2022 (edited) A new concertina bellows should not leak. The drop time on my 15 year old Wakker bellows is something close to two minutes and that bellows is joined to 125 year old ends that still have their original pads and springs. Better you talk to McNeela about this. Edited January 23, 2022 by Geoff Wooff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.elliott Posted January 23, 2022 Share Posted January 23, 2022 this type of test is not much good as a bellows test, as it tests all the pads and end gaskets as well. However your test does show a problem with the instrument. I agree with Geoff, talk to the manufacturer. One would have hoped that the concertina had been checked over before they sold it to you. If not it says a lot about the manufacturer's customer care attitude. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted January 23, 2022 Share Posted January 23, 2022 I don't suppose that it is easy to absolutely prevent some air leaking on a concertina; my own has mild air leak, and very slowly gradually will close up if I leave it; however I have had my one for 23 years, and serviced it myself when required. In my case I could easily seal it up more, I suppose, but it really doesn't affect much in duration of tone produced [Anglo system]. It depends upon how I hold the instrument as well; when sitting with it on my lap I hold it differently than standing, and this also means bellow pressure is different too. However, I would agree with previous people, as yours is new; get it sorted out first, and don't attempt a repair as it will possibly void a warranty that may be on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Thijs Posted January 28, 2022 Author Share Posted January 28, 2022 Thanks for your replies, I send the concertina back to McNeela. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papawemba Posted January 30, 2022 Share Posted January 30, 2022 Hello Jacques, did you send it back for a refund or for a replacement ? Best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terton Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 Had got the same problem. I do own a Wren2 and a Phoenix. The Wren2 is quite perfect (for me). After some time with the Wren I thought of an upgrade and ordered the Phoenix. When receiving my Phoenix I was totally disappointed. I can move the bellow in and out as if I had pressed the "air botton". When playing tunes I always go out of air. After some discussion with the support, I have sent it back to Ireland. A few weeks later, it made its way back to me. "All ok" with your Phoenix was the result. It still feels leaky. I am not able to play a slow air on it withput getting a lack of air. My Wren2 is holding the air much better than the Phoenix ever will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 I think it shows that whichever type of instrument you get, there can sometimes be little problems come along, and sometimes regardless of construction, you don't know until you try them out, in a real situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glendon Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 Hello i have an air leakage problem with my McNeela concertina as well. I have a Wren. I can hear the air rushing out on the left hand end. I’ve checked the buttons and reeds, but I can’t find the cause of the leak. Does anyone have ideas of other causes, what I can check or look for? I’ve emailed McNeela several times for assistance but haven’t heard back yet. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 I have had my much-used concertina [anglo 30 button [under Hohner name at the time] for 24 years today! And yes, it too can have air problems. But after 24 years of nearly continuous use, and adjustments over time, I suppose you can expect something to happen now and again; I imagine you should not expect it to happen when it's just been dispatched as new? I would imagine that someone here will have a solution to the effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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