Bellows Question/ Ac Norman

[seanc]

Hi All,

I recently picked up an AC Norman from Bob Tedrow (thanks much Bob, by the way). But the bellows seem to be kind of more stiff than they should be. I am not quite sure how describe it other than they just seem more stiff than *I* imagine they should.

This is very subjective and had to quanitfy or to diagnose without first hand experiece, I know.

 

But, that being said, as the bellows appear to be all leather. Is there any potential harm in treating the bellows with some sort of leather conditioner to soften them up a bit? is there any reccomendations? maybe saddle soap/ mink oil or something that could be reccomended without potential harm?

 

 

thanks!

sean

[Greg Jowaisas]

seanc,

You should be very careful what you put on your bellows.

 

I have witnessed the effects of what I could only surmise was an over liberal application of conditioner on the bellows of a new, expensive and elite concertina. The result was enough to make me want to cry.

 

Most bellows are card (matboard) individually cut and held together with glued leather, and in some hinge joints, linen. The outside of the bellows are covered in leather pieces which include gussetts, end runs, and top runs. When these are all in place the bellows are airtight. The only uncovered card left is a trapazoid shape that gets covered with a decorative paper, synthetic black material or thin leather.

 

Bellows need to be flexible but still rigid enough to work as a unit and provide a platform for finger action. It is a delicate balance. The breaking in process takes time. I don't think there are any chemical shortcuts.

 

Leather used for bellows is basically airtight but remains absorbant. If you use an oil based conditioner that permiates the leather there is a chance it will be absorbed by the underlayment of card which is the skeletal foundation of the bellows. This could lead to loss of the card's integrity (It is really layers of pressed together paper). Leaks, card separation, failure of the folds to work as one unit are possible consequences.

 

While the worst case might not happen in application of very SMALL amounts of conditioner, why take a chance? My experience and I believe the consensus in this forum is that a light application of a wax type shoe polish or paste is ok for squeeky or dry bellows. I would steer clear of the oil based conditioners like neatsfoot oil. I have no experience with mink oil but would regard it with caution. Saddle soap is waterbased but can lead to stretching of the leather. I would not use it on an instrument.

 

The best way to break in new bellows is to play the instrument everyday and return it to its blocked case when not in use. In three to six months the bellows should be loosened up AND trained to stay closed.

 

This has been my experience. I'll look forward to other's opinions.

 

Greg

[Chris Timson]

Colin Dipper recommends very light application of Fredelka on the joints of the bellows occasionally to stop them from drying out. However I agree with Greg. I don't think that is the problem here. Playing should cure it. If you didn't already need a reason to play it, here's another one.

 

Chris

[Paul Read]

Colin Dipper recommends very light application of Fredelka on the joints of the bellows occasionally to stop them from drying out. However I agree with Greg. I don't think that is the problem here. Playing should cure it. If you didn't already need a reason to play it, here's another one.

 

Chris

Fredelka?

[Chris Timson]

Fredelka?

Aye, Fredelka. Not vey easily available in the UK but it can be found. Far more widely avilable in North America.

 

Chris

[Greg Jowaisas]

Fredelka is a conditioner that archival bookbinders use as a restorative and preservative. Seems to be wax based. Claims not to wick through leather.

 

Distributed Exclusively by: University Products, Inc. Holyoke, MA

toll free # 1 800 628-1912

cat. # 532-0875

 

I bought a jar from Paul Groff who recommended it. Paul's advice was that a little went a long way and not to apply it until all necessary bellow patching had been done.

 

Greg

[Woody]

Fredelka?

Aye, Fredelka. Not vey easily available in the UK but it can be found. Far more widely avilable in North America.

 

Chris

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Triple-Crown-4-oz-Le...1QQcmdZViewItem

[Marien]

I once heard that the available special oil for horse's hoofs would make stiff leather supple again. I know they use it for resuppelization of old goat skin drum heads. Is there anybody who has an idea whether such a thing could help for old cracky bellows?

[stuart estell]

Sean, I have two of Andrew Norman's anglos - the bellows should loosen up nicely with regular playing. I'd just play the instrument and let nature take its course.

[pubpersona]

Sean, I have two of Andrew Norman's anglos - the bellows should loosen up nicely with regular playing. I'd just play the instrument and let nature take its course.

 

 

-Amen from a squeezeboxer: I'm playing in a squeezebox which arrived with very stiff bellows making for clumsy play of quick or intricate music. Six months of regular play has transformed the bellows. Its now a responsive, nimble powerhouse. I'd be worried conditioner might loosen things too much, but I'm no expert.

Edited November 19, 2007 by pubpersona