repair question

[datnameis]

I'm taking apart my concertina to try and fix a reed that's started wheezing, but I reached an unexpected road block and was wondering if anyone here might have knowledge of this specific issue. I've attached pictures showing the point I've reached in disassembly and now I cannot separate the wooden section from the bellows to access the reeds. does anyone know whether this section is glued or if there's just a sticky gasket holding it tight? For context this instrument isn't old, I bought it new from concertina connection probably 2 years ago.

[Daniel Hersh]

I would suggest you email Concertina Connection to ask about this. 

[Paul Draper]

If its constructed like my Lachenal the reed pan is a separate board underneath the action board (I'm not quite sure of the terminology). Having taken out the screws you should be able to pull the action board away from the bellows to access the read pan. It's probably best to put the grill back on before doing this to avoid bits falling out.

[David Barnert]

5 hours ago, Daniel Hersh said:

I would suggest you email Concertina Connection to ask about this. 

4 hours ago, Paul Draper said:

If its constructed like my Lachenal...

 

Apparently it’s not constructed like a vintage instrument. The fact that removing the bolts gets access to the action box before the reed pan is something I’ve never seen. I would agree with contacting Concertina Connection.

Edited January 23 by David Barnert

[Rod Pearce]

7 hours ago, Paul Draper said:

If its constructed like my Lachenal the reed pan is a separate board underneath the action board (I'm not quite sure of the terminology). Having taken out the screws you should be able to pull the action board away from the bellows to access the read pan. It's probably best to put the grill back on before doing this to avoid bits falling out.

 

I agree Paul. I am currently working on a Lachenal, and took the opportunity to photograph the relative layers in the action and reed pan

 

[Caroline]

I own a Custom Clover and was having some problems with one of my reeds.  I wrote to William and he walked me through the troubleshooting--very helpful!  I don't know if your concertina is assembled the same way as the Clover, but here is a copy of the instructions provided to me to remove the reed:

 

-Loosen the 6 end screws, but leave them in the ends.
> - remove the wooden end from the bellows. Because it is a tight fit,
> you might need to insert a BLUNT knife between the leather and wood.
> Start at the bottom, and carefully pry them apart.
> - Turn the wooden end over, you now see the reeds. Look at the
> enclosed reedpan layout. You have version  Locate the reed frame.
> - Each reed frame has a philips screw at the top and bottom. These are
> the frame screws. carefully tighten the 2 frame screws. Tighten them
> until they are ‘snug’. They probably need a 1/8 or 1/4 turn.

 

 

[stefciu]

They used that nasty rubber gasket material that you have to (carefully) pry apart with some force, because it welds itself to the wood...

[Chris Ghent]

Very common. Ease a very blunt blade, round the edge off, into the gap between the action box and the bellows and slowly work it around the outside.