Popping...

[sidesqueeze]

My newly acquired Lachenal c/g 32 button has a couple of problems.

 

After a couple of dozen hours of playing, I have noticed that it makes a "pop" on the pushed c note, middle row first finger right side. The reed sounds first, then there's the pop. It's possible to play the note very softly without the pop, but as soon as I squeeze enough to get normal volume, I get the pop.

 

No other buttons do this.

 

There's also a strangled tone to the g# in the right accidental row. The note is not musically useable.

 

Would anyone like to diagnose from an email? I promise to do nothing stupid based on internet advice.

Edited October 31, 2006 by sidesqueeze

[David Barnert]

The c: The leather valve on the pull note for that button is hanging open and popping closed after the note starts playing. I will let others suggest a fix, as I have no experience there. You may need a new valve or a whole set of new valves, or you might just leave it alone.

 

The g#: Could be several things, but most likely the reed shoe is slipping loose in its dovetailed wooden slot. Air is escaping around it, "strangling" the tone. Open the end of the concertina (it's not necessary to get into the action box, just the reed pan). Look at the inner surface of the action box (where the holes are) and press the g# button, noticing which hole opens. Then use that info to locate the offending reed shoe on the reed pan. If it is a push note the reed will be on the inner surface of the pan, if it is a pull note it will be on the outer surface. Notice if it is loose in its slot (if it is, it's a nice feeling to know you've nailed the problem but if it isn't, do the rest of this anyway and it will probably help). Press the reed shoe firmly into place with your thumb. Blow the note with your mouth (make a firm seal around it with your lips) to convince yourself it's working OK now. Then go around the reed pan and press all the other reed shoes into place to make it less likely that you'll soon have a similar problem with another note. Then put it all back together. Make sure you line it up right: Any words stamped on the wood should be upright on all the pieces. Try to return the bolts to the same corners where you found them.

 

Edited to add:

 

If the reed shoe remains loose after you press it in with your thumb, you may have to insert a tiny paper shim between it and the wooden joint. Cut a tiny sliver of thin paper (cigarette paper or newspaper) and slip it in (without gluing).

Edited October 31, 2006 by David Barnert