mold inside the reed pan?

[RAc]

Hi there, I've been studying previous topics on mold after during reed cleaning, I found that a number of reeds have developed what looks like mold under the reed shoes (see attached pictures). Given that the affected reed shoes themselves have become fairly rusty, to me it looks as if it is a combination of rust and moisture that seeped into the reed pan. There is no odor coming with the pack.

 

Do I treat that the same way as suggested for other moldy parts - vinegar, ozone and UV - or is this a different root cause with different remedies?

 

Thanks!

[Greg Jowaisas]

Have you considered smoke smut?  From the looks of the reed shoe this instrument may have experienced many a smokey pub.

 

I'm assuming the valves have been recently replaced.  The old ones would literally be the "smoking gun" with dark deposits of smoke residue on their underside.  The fine smut can accumulate in any irregularities of the reed slot.  Sometimes reed tongues have a light coating of what I assume is nicotine residue.

 

Good tools for cleaning small and tight concertinas spaces is a pen sized adjustable brush with brass wire or fiberglass tips.  (If using the fiber pencil make sure your bare skin is covered and a fan is blowing the microscopic pen tip debris away from you.  A face mask and latex gloves are a really good idea.)

[RAc]

Great, thanks for the input and the tips, Greg!

 

I've owned the instrument since around 2011. I do not smoke (neither does anyone in my household) and do not attend smoky pubs. @alex_holden maintained it in 2019, so the valves were most likely replaced by him. I've had it open many times during the years but unfortunately do not have recollections or pictures of whether and how its health may have deteriorated.

 

It sounds beautifully, just somewhat short breathed (that is why I am building new bellows for it). It is a Lachenal 48 button Crane duet (#616) purchased from Chris Algar.

[Tiposx]

I leave it as it is.