Stephen DOUGLASS Posted June 6, 2022 Share Posted June 6, 2022 (edited) Does anyone have any suggestions for removing stubborn ends on an English concertina ? Screws are removed around the edge but still stuck. I would venture that this instrument has sat compressed in its box for some time. Any suggestions gratefully appreciated. Thanks Edited June 6, 2022 by Stephen DOUGLASS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Day Posted June 6, 2022 Share Posted June 6, 2022 Yes there are other screws under the thumb straps. Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen DOUGLASS Posted June 6, 2022 Author Share Posted June 6, 2022 (edited) Thanks Alan, it is my understanding that those screws are for accessing the action box by removing the plate. I'm trying to remove the complete action box so that I can access the reeds. I have a Wheatstone also, and all I need to do is remove the outside edge 8 screws. This gives me access to the reeds. The instrument I'm having difficulty with is an English Crabb and I'm wondering if it's a different set up for removing that part. Edited June 7, 2022 by Stephen DOUGLASS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_holden Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 In theory they should just come loose after you've removed the outer bolts. I hope a previous owner hasn't glued them on in an effort to cure a leak. You may have to try working a thin dull blade into the seam between the action box and bellows. If you're lucky they will pop apart, but there is a risk it will cause damage if they have been firmly glued on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen DOUGLASS Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Thanks Alex, That could be the case, I may try try easing a thin strong thread through the seam before I use a blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 Perhaps a heated blade or hot wire such as used to shape styrofoam if your lucky and it's hide glue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen DOUGLASS Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Good option 'wunks' Tx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 I often find that one of my concertinas has this 'stuck-on ends' syndrome but it is just that the ends fit so well to the bellows frames and reedpan gaskets that they appear stuck. It is almost like static friction. A nudge or lifting firmly will break the seal... I hope this is the case with yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen DOUGLASS Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 (edited) I hope so too Geoff, but at the moment both sides still seem pretty much stuck...I'm being patient so as not to do any damage...hopefully. But if it's glue ...damage already done. Edited June 7, 2022 by Stephen DOUGLASS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 A knife is a wedge as well as a cutter. If Geoff is correct maybe a light tap to the knife back applied just at a corner would do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen DOUGLASS Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Success!....not easily, but by gently following the all the way round with a painters palette knife I was able to separate. I don't think these sides have been removed since they left Liverpool Rd. Thanks to all for your advice.IMG_4546.HEICIMG_4546.HEIC 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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