Eb" button only working on opening bellows and not on closing.

[Phil Hague]

My Wheatstone 48 button English Concertina has a problem with button Eb" which only sounds on pulling the bellows and stays stuck on push.

My instrument does not have a label on the reed pan showing which reeds are which and I am not sure which is the offending reed.

I have checked the reeds in the area I think is right but with no effect.

Could some kind person please point me in the right direction?

[Richard Mellish]

You need to look at the levers to see which is the pad for that note, then pull the reed pan out to look at the reed on the inside.

[Phil Hague]

HI, I have tried that but I have had no luck, that's why I am confused whether I am looking at the right reed. I tried all the ones which are near where I thought but no luck.

But thanks for your input.

[Greg Jowaisas]

There are some very good you tube videos which can show you around the insides of your concertina and also address specific problems.

 

I especially like the ones on the Carroll Concertina site:  (Don't worry that Wally demonstrates on an anglo.  Nearly all these approaches work on all vintage concertinas) 

https://www.youtube.com/@CarrollConcertinas/videos

 

Simon Thoumire has his own take on fixing a sticky reed:  

 

[Phil Hague]

Hi, That's a useful video, same instruments as mine I think. I tried everything except blow through the reed as he did so I shall try that next, 

Thanks, Phil.

[Phil Hague]

Hi, I just followed Simon Thoumere,s video, gave a suck and a blow to the suspect reed, and it worked. There must have been an invisible obstruction but his method seems to have worked.

Thanks again everyone, I am well pleased.

[fred v]

The pulling reeds are on the out facing side of the reed pan. So your offending reed will be on the inside facing side of the reed pan. Pull the end off the instrument and look at the inside face of it while pushing the offending button. It will be obvious which pad is open. Mark its position with a piece of tape so you don't loose it's position. Now hold the end plate back onto the bellows put a piece of tape on the bellows edge matching the tape on the end plate. Tins should show you exactly which reed is the problem one.

 

Also the reeds should have the note name stamped in tiny letters on the top face of the reed frame out at the end of the frame. I had a similar problem with my low "A" note not sounding and it was not fouled in any way. i just needed to have the reed slightly bent so that the tip end is just above the reed frame. This can be tricky to do so be careful.

[Phil Hague]

Thanks Fred, I managed to sort it. I couldn't find the reed note stamped or anywhere, but finally I found it. Thanks again.

[Richard Mellish]

19 hours ago, fred v said:

The pulling reeds are on the out facing side of the reed pan. So your offending reed will be on the inside facing side of the reed pan. Pull the end off the instrument and look at the inside face of it while pushing the offending button. It will be obvious which pad is open. Mark its position with a piece of tape so you don't loose it's position. Now hold the end plate back onto the bellows put a piece of tape on the bellows edge matching the tape on the end plate. Tins should show you exactly which reed is the problem one.

 

Also the reeds should have the note name stamped in tiny letters on the top face of the reed frame out at the end of the frame. I had a similar problem with my low "A" note not sounding and it was not fouled in any way. i just needed to have the reed slightly bent so that the tip end is just above the reed frame. This can be tricky to do so be careful.

Yes, that is easier than looking at the levers as I suggested.