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Discussions => Other Free Reed Instruments => Topic started by: syale on August 04, 2014, 04:25:18 AM

Title: Hohner Organette
Post by: syale on August 04, 2014, 04:25:18 AM
Rare 1930'S (THE ENCORE) Blow Accordion-HOHNER ORGANETTE.GERMANY

This is not my posting but I thought someone may be interested:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-1930S-THE-ENCORE-Blow-Accordion-HOHNER-ORGANETTE-GERMANY-/271566841940?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f3aa52854
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Grape Ape on August 04, 2014, 04:49:44 AM
Attn: Nick Bird!
That looks like a true button melodica and appears to be diatonic, more or less like a one row... I would be on it but saving for something crazy!
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Chris Ryall on August 04, 2014, 07:00:02 AM
.
  Looks more like a certain organ to me! :o
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on August 04, 2014, 07:11:09 AM
Attn: Nick Bird!
That looks like a true button melodica and appears to be diatonic, more or less like a one row... I would be on it but saving for something crazy!

Oh God,Grape Ape,
I don't need you on a Monday morning !!
 Have just bought it.
Thanks  for the info Syale.
Will I never learn?
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Steve_freereeder on August 04, 2014, 11:32:59 AM
It's like a Goofus a.k.a 'the hot fountain pen' made famous in the 1920s by jazz bass saxophonist Adrian Rollini.

http://electricalmoonlightrecords.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/the-goofus-five/

You can see him looking very dapper on the RH side here:
http://electricalmoonlightrecords.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/littleramblers.jpg
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Grape Ape on August 04, 2014, 02:34:52 PM
Nick,
Sometimes when one cannot indulge their own Madness, it can be almost as fun to experience it vicariously through another....
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 14, 2014, 08:33:25 AM
It arrived a few weeks ago and the only good thing about it, is that it is complete therefore worth restoring. The reeds are completely shot so I have sent the plates to Harmonikas in the Czech Republic to be copied. Am now looking at all the nickel plating options.
 Will keep you posted as to progress.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Grape Ape on September 14, 2014, 03:10:24 PM
Oh boy, what have we gotten yourself into?
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: malcolmbebb on September 14, 2014, 03:42:26 PM
Having seen the beastie - or at least, the outside of it - and having no idea of the costs involved, I think it would be a shame to let it deteriorate further and applaud Nick for taking it on.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 14, 2014, 05:27:01 PM
Oh boy, what have we gotten yourself into?

I love the WE Grape. ;D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Matt (Kings Norton) on September 14, 2014, 06:28:25 PM
I can't wait to hear about this and I do think it's a public service to get it up and running again.  I suppose the sucking and blowing would be no harder than on a harmonica?  It reminds me of a sea creature, it would maybe go with the lobster.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 14, 2014, 06:39:15 PM
Ha! Matt,
You remember the lobster, the Flugalprawn . Yes it does play like a harmonica but with a more mellow sound. ;D and quite loud by all accounts. Let's see what Harmonikas in the Czech Republic come up  with.
Does anyone know about Nickel plating? In the UK.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: oggiesnr on September 14, 2014, 06:45:48 PM
Do it yourself kits are available (£80 ish) but make a much bigger quantity than you'll need (as well as being fiddly).

I would either consult your local yellow pages or talk to any local vintage car clubs who may have a member with all the kit.

Sounds like a fun project.  (:)

Steve
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 14, 2014, 06:49:41 PM
Thanks Steve.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Theo on September 14, 2014, 11:57:33 PM
Somewhere I  have contact details for a small firm of electro players platers in Sheffield.  I will try and find them and pass them on.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Ollie on September 15, 2014, 01:25:21 AM
Somewhere I  have contact details for a small firm of electro players in Sheffield.  I will try and find them and pass them on.

That wouldn't be The Human League, would it?

(Sorry, couldn't resist with that typo!)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Theo on September 15, 2014, 10:47:27 AM
Somewhere I  have contact details for a small firm of electro players in Sheffield.  I will try and find them and pass them on.

That wouldn't be The Human League, would it?

(Sorry, couldn't resist with that typo!)

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Rog on September 15, 2014, 08:44:43 PM
Hey Nick, you definitely need to post a vid of this ...er... Instrument when you've got it restored.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 16, 2014, 08:41:37 AM
Certainly will Rog.
  Just waiting to hear from "Harmonikas"
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 27, 2014, 02:01:31 PM
An update. Have just heard from Harmonikas in Czechoslovakia that they can reproduce the reeds in stainless steel for €160.00 which I think is excellent value. I will keep all those interested posted with before and after photo's.
Our Theo will hopefully tweak the reeds when I get them back.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Lyra on September 28, 2014, 02:37:16 AM
I think this sort of thing is a public service. We should have a little crowdsourcing fund for things like this that deserve saving. Something along the lines of £5 gets you an ineffable sense of smugness, £10 gets you even smugger, £25 gets you a go on it,  a cup of tea and a scone providing you turn up chez (insert custodian) here at mutually convenient time. Wouldn't be intended to help buy it, more to contribute to the restoration costs.
In return custodian commits to documenting restoration and posing (er, I mean posting) on youtube etc.
Probably only make the teeniest dent in the budget but think how well it  would go down with Mrs Custodian. (Or Mr, as appropriate).
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: sammypenn on September 28, 2014, 09:03:26 AM
 Probably ever rarer, Hohner also made the "Hohner-sax". same idea but shaped like an alto, tenor or bent soprano sax. not sure of the size or key..
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: sammypenn on September 28, 2014, 09:31:18 AM
  The Hohner-sax, I have just found out is[or was] 17 1/2" long. definitely something for the weekend!!!!!
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 28, 2014, 10:41:09 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 30, 2014, 04:26:16 PM
OK, all you wizards out there, including the Oracle Theo. I have just been asked by the platers. "Do I need bright Nickel or dull ?.. One looks like chrome and the other ...... Well interesting. I know the original was nickel plated but which?  :-\
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Theo on September 30, 2014, 04:51:53 PM
I would choose bright. Most of the nickel plate used on older melodeons and concertinas is a bright finish. It is shiny like chrome, but has a much warmer colour, a pale creamy shine, rather than the garish slightly blue colour of chrome.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 30, 2014, 06:37:03 PM
I knew "the oracle" would-come up with something. Thanks Theo.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 04, 2014, 09:10:36 AM
Thanks to Theo I have been in touch with Lathco in Sheffield. They said Replating in bright Nickle would be no problem for them and a rough estimate of around 35 quid.
  Will keep you posted, photo's to follow hopefully.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 06, 2014, 06:09:16 PM
Okay Gang,
I have found a firm on the Isle of Man UK  called  Modelling Timbers. They do nuts and bolts down to 0.6 mm.
The original keys were held in with bent over nails. Took me ages to file the ends off and I decided to replace them with nuts and bolts. Not original but better.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: oggiesnr on October 06, 2014, 10:57:10 PM
Okay Gang,
I have found a firm on the Isle of Man UK  called  Modelling Timbers. They do nuts and bolts down to 0.6 mm.
The original keys were held in with bent over nails. Took me ages to file the ends off and I decided to replace them with nuts and bolts. Not original but better.

Have you a woodwind repairer near you?  Sounds similar to clarinet and saxophone fittings.

Steve
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 07, 2014, 06:28:20 AM
No I don't think so Steve.
I'm really off on a wing and a prayer here, finding people who can do the bits that I can't. EG making new reeds. Nickle plating  etc. You're quite right, the bits and pieces are very similar. But if you want to go down my road you will need to take it apart yourself.  If you need any help sourcing expertise let me know.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: oggiesnr on October 07, 2014, 08:14:30 AM
Sounds like you have it under control, I look forward to seeing and hearing the end result.

If you need any "woodwindy" bits, my sister (a clarinet player) uses this firm for odds and ends http://www.windplus.net/index.html (http://www.windplus.net/index.html)

All the best

Steve
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 07, 2014, 09:24:00 AM
Thanks for that Steve
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 07, 2014, 04:43:09 PM
The story so far.
Have just had a proforma invoice from Harmonicas for 210.54 € that includes shipping.
I went down to my Lloyds bank and they said  "Oh! Yes. There will be a charge of £20.00 to do this and the clerk seemed a bit miffed/ confused. But said it would take three or four days to transfer.
How in this day and age can a transaction take so long?
   Anyway, have sent all the metal bits of to Lathco in Sheffield for Replating in bright Nickle, just hope it won't be such a trauma paying them.....well Sheffield is a long way oop t'North. ;)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: malcolmbebb on October 07, 2014, 04:48:46 PM

Look at Transferwise. Much cheaper and quicker. You can use a bank card to pay.

Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 07, 2014, 04:53:45 PM
To late Malcolm but I'lll remember that for next time. Thanks.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 10, 2014, 09:15:18 AM
Does anyone know what  metal the Organette mouthpiece and bell end are made of?
 The platers have said if it is aluminium, they will have to send it somewhere else.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Theo on October 10, 2014, 09:24:49 AM
It is unlikely to be aluminium, but if it is it doesn't need plating, just ask them to polish it, they should be able to do that.  It might also be zinc, same treatment should be ok.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 10, 2014, 09:33:33 AM
Thanks Theo.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Helena Handcart on October 10, 2014, 08:34:14 PM
Does anyone know what  metal the Organette mouthpiece and bell end are made of?
 The platers have said if it is aluminium, they will have to send it somewhere else.

So the profanity filter won't let you type the word 'strap' anywhere near the word 'on' but Nick can post this with impunity  ;D  :o
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: malcolmbebb on October 10, 2014, 09:17:49 PM
I must admit that I've been breaking out in cold sweats all day at the thought of Nick getting his bell end machine polished; and by complete strangers, too.

I'm sure it will end up with a lovely shine, and the finished article will provide a talking point for his visitors for years to come.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Matthew B on October 10, 2014, 10:45:04 PM
"Organette"? 

Really?!
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Helena Handcart on October 10, 2014, 11:03:15 PM
"Organette"? 

Really?!

Fnar!  ;D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Grape Ape on October 11, 2014, 01:34:50 AM
It was only a matter of time....
Still, all the latest research suggests this behavior is quite normal and even part of a healthy lifestyle for men of a certain age...
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 11, 2014, 07:08:25 AM
Ooh" you are awful, the lot of you........however true 🙈🙉🙊
Edited to add, I don't have any parental control........Mum and Dad went years ago. :-[
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: pikey on October 11, 2014, 11:44:46 AM
Okay Gang,
I have found a firm on the Isle of Man UK  called  Modelling Timbers. They do nuts and bolts down to 0.6 mm.

They have a sister company that make bits for Pirate ships. Shivermee Timbers.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 10, 2014, 02:06:51 PM
Have got the bits and pieces back from Lathco platers in Sheffield. They have done a superb job.
I'm now putting the keys back on their frame. They were originally held on with bent nails so I decided to bolt them on with 1mm nuts and bolts. It has taken me all day to do four! It's like trying to pick your nose wearing boxing gloves.  :o
 Am still waiting for the new reeds from " Harmonikas "
More later.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Rog on November 14, 2014, 07:27:53 AM
Hi Nick. Where did you get the 1mm bolts? I'm after some crosshead screws like the ones we used on the Pariselle course... I.e. v small, and maybe your bolt supplier could help. (:)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 14, 2014, 07:33:24 AM
Hi Rog,
www.modellingtimbers.co.uk
 It's a good website, he might just have what you need.
 Just found this site.
www.modelfixings.co.uk
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Owen Woods on November 14, 2014, 10:09:46 AM
I somewhoe missed this thread! Good on you for restoring it Nick (:)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Rog on November 14, 2014, 07:18:02 PM
Not sure if this has already been posted, but here is an example of Nick's Organette...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a1TO06T6vA0
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 17, 2014, 07:28:00 AM
It was only a matter of time....
Still, all the latest research suggests this behavior is quite normal and even part of a healthy lifestyle for men of a certain age...

Hi Frank, have sent you a PM. I think it must be lurking in your spam folder.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on December 07, 2014, 11:33:12 AM
When Harmonicas sent back the new reeds and attached reed plate they had put all the reeds on one side of the plate. I had to send it back to Czeckoslovakia. They apologised and were amazing, almost by return of post the correct ones arrived.
Things are hotting up. The reeds are off to Theo next week for fitting to the blocks and fettling.
Watch this space.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Theo on December 29, 2014, 11:58:58 AM
This seems to be a variation on the Organette theme

Saxaphone tin toy (https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/188500175/vintage-musical-instrument-saxophone-tin?ref=market)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Christopher K. on January 01, 2015, 08:28:57 AM
That would be what Homer called a Saxomophone.

(http://i.imgur.com/lSYumwe.jpg)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on January 01, 2015, 08:42:05 AM
This seems to be a variation on the Organette theme

Saxaphone tin toy (https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/188500175/vintage-musical-instrument-saxophone-tin?ref=market)

It is, but I don't think it's bisonoric ( you just put your lips together and blow )
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: malcolmbebb on January 01, 2015, 04:19:53 PM

It is, but I don't think it's bisonoric ( you just put your lips together and blow )
Yes, it is in fact the converse of a sucksaphone.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: iaenmor on January 23, 2015, 04:18:29 AM
This seems to be a variation on the Organette theme

Saxaphone tin toy (https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/188500175/vintage-musical-instrument-saxophone-tin?ref=market)

It is, but I don't think it's bisonoric ( you just put your lips together and blow )

The one I just picked up today is.  3rd button start in the key of C.  Blowing equals the push on a diatonic.  Mine is made of copper or a real red brass, not sure which.  Two zinc plates with brass reeds.  Same for the bass/chords.  Needs a bit of cleaning, new valves and tuned.  Oh and a large lung capacity.    http://s180.photobucket.com/user/iaenmor/library/Hohner%20Sax
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on January 23, 2015, 08:46:47 AM
Looks to be I good condition iaenmor. I don't actually consider these to be toys.
Hohner also made the Organette in brass, but they appear to be very rare these days. Mine is made from a composite board of some kind. Another thing is that very few of them are complete, because they were considered to be toys and therefore met their unjust fate!
The reeds on mine were so shot, I had them remade in stainless steel.
    Keep us posted on how you get on, by the way, Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: triskel on January 30, 2015, 02:13:51 AM
I don't actually consider these to be toys.

They're a bit like the "goofus" that (jazz musician) Adrian Rollini famously played, only that's chromatic, being piano-system.

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/goofus.jpg)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: iaenmor on January 30, 2015, 04:06:51 AM
Thanks for the welcome Nick.  I am glad it seems to have all its parts still attached.  Took it apart the other day and it is not that bad.  The 2 Reed plates need rewaxed and tuned.  Might need new pads on the levers.  They don't leak but the leather is looking awful dry.  One side of first notes and the bass seem to stuck.  I can flick them out but as soon as you try to play the note they stick again.  Need to find someone who can fettle it in SE Texas or there abouts.  Other than that I think I will leave it as much as it is as possible. 
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on February 10, 2015, 11:04:30 AM
Just an update. Theo has it now fettling the reeds etc. when it's back I'll put something up on You Tube
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on March 11, 2015, 03:37:33 PM
Another update with a slight prob.
Because I had the reed plates remade in the key of D. The tongues are longer than the original and poor Theo has to do some fiddling with the wood blocks that hold the plates. I don't envy him the job, but I know the end result will probably be the best conditioned Organette in Europe and possibly the world. More updates as and when.  (:)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: brazilian.BOX on March 11, 2015, 09:43:17 PM
in SE Texas or there abouts.
Niiiice place. I've been already.   (:)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: iaenmor on March 12, 2015, 02:20:29 AM
BB, thanks I have grown fond of living down here.  It is a fairly nice place to be.

Dang Nick you almost scared the living bejeezus out of me with that email.  Thought there was a real serious problem with your Organette.   :Ph  I am sure Theo will get it worked out.  To answer your question mine is setting on the shelf right now.  Found out the reed block is cracked on the end and a couple of reeds stick something awful.  Need to save up a bit of money and then figure out who would be willing to fettle it.  Oh, and it is missing the mouthpiece.  Seems to a very common part to be gone. 
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on March 12, 2015, 06:55:41 AM
It seems that most of them are incomplete in one way or another. I've had a thought though, maybe someone could 3D print one for you which I beleive could then be plated.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: iaenmor on March 13, 2015, 04:11:13 AM
Possible.  Or I can get off my fifth point of contact and make it myself.  Was a sheet metal fabricator for several years so I could do it.  I have found only a few pictures of what one looked like and it was bent up pretty good.  But right now it is not high on the priority list.  Couple of boxes need fettled and a lovely green, wood body Chanson is just screaming for some real reeds put in it first. 
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on March 13, 2015, 09:21:30 AM
Go for it Old Bean, would love to see some photo's of the wood Chanson.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: 911377brian on March 13, 2015, 11:56:37 AM
Been there done that......and it plays lovely, but do refer back to the Chanson thread.... ;)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 14, 2015, 04:29:47 PM
The Organette is still with Theo, this is just an update. As I posted earlier, because the reed block doesn't fit onto the wooden bits Theo has a real problem. It's my fault having the key changed fron C to D which are much larger reeds and therein lies the problem.
Anyway as we know Theo will win in the end.
  By the way, if anyone finds an Organette  for sale let me know. :P
 
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 16, 2015, 11:55:28 AM
Have just noticed another ORGANETTE for sale on eBay. No bids as yet.
I'm not in the running though as the seller hasn't even blown it. Plus the fact I already have one and I should be downsizing  :'(
Title: Re: Hohner Sax
Post by: MandoC on November 18, 2015, 02:12:33 AM
There is another Hohner instrument I was mildly interested in when I was fooling around with harmonicas called the Hohner Sax.  This was a toy instrument that Hohner made for a while.  It was in the shape of a saxophone and had, I think, harmonica reeds.  To add to the confusion, apparently Hohner also made real saxophones for a while. I have only seen the toy version, occasionally, on ebay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZxaJepSfSg

(this guy really can't play it, as he says)
Title: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 02, 2016, 04:32:54 PM
Some of the gang may remember my Organette saga.
I had new reeds made in Czech Republic and because I changed the key fron C to D the wooden reed block is too small. I know a specialist cabinet maker but he was singularly unimpressed for making me one. I think it might have been beyond him!
  Then today Bingo! Well I hope so. A post from Sir John mentioned 3D printing. Now to all you boffins out there, as I have the original block is it possible to have it printed only slightly larger in parts ?
Title: Re: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: IanD on October 02, 2016, 04:44:05 PM
Some of the gang may remember my Organette saga.
I had new reeds made in Czech Republic and because I changed the key fron C to D the wooden reed block is too small. I know a specialist cabinet maker but he was singularly unimpressed for making me one. I think it might have been beyond him!
  Then today Bingo! Well I hope so. A post from Sir John mentioned 3D printing. Now to all you boffins out there, as I have the original block is it possible to have it printed only slightly larger in parts ?

Two problems -- the first is that most low-cost (hundreds of pounds) additive 3D printers can't do anything as long as a reed block, they tend to have smaller close-to-cubical build areas (e.g. 150mm on a side). The second is that the materials used (basically melted plastic of one type or another built up in layers) are neither as strong or rigid as wood, which doesn't make them a good choice for reed blocks. Basically they're a geeky but very expensive way of producing weak plastic widgets which look pretty (if you ignore the rough finish) but aren't strong enough to be useful in most cases.

Commercial 3D printers which use UV lasers to solidify polymer from a solution are better but much more expensive (thousands of pounds), but the results are still less strong and stiff than wood -- which is actually a pretty good material from an engineering point of view.

Then there are the 3D printers which use laser sintering of metal powder to produce properly strong high-quality complex gadgets, but these are way more expensive again (tens of thousands of pounds or more) and are used for things like medical implants or aerospace.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: Mike-T on October 02, 2016, 06:10:18 PM
P.M. sent Nick.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 02, 2016, 09:42:24 PM
Many thanks Ian. I was thinking more of getting a professional to do it rather than buy a machine.
I've Pm'd Mike T.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: IanD on October 02, 2016, 10:47:45 PM
Many thanks Ian. I was thinking more of getting a professional to do it rather than buy a machine.
I've Pm'd Mike T.
As well as the cost to get the design done (the only cheap way is to do it yourself with one of the free 3D design programs, but this will take you a lot of time), you also need to think about the manufacturing cost which depends on the amount of the material (because this is time in the machine). I looked at getting something similar size to a reed block made and the cheapest quote I could find was around £50 -- and that was for the low-cost additive 3D printers, laser polymerisation was more than 3x this and I guess powder sintering would be more than 10x.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: Malcolm Clapp on October 03, 2016, 12:56:54 AM
Maybe I'm missing something here, but I would have thought that a set of reeds in D would/could have been made shorter than a set of reeds in C rather than longer?

Just curious....
Title: Re: Hohner Organette reed block
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on April 06, 2017, 03:46:08 PM
Not sure Malcolm but they are bigger.
 Anyway the continuing saga.
Mike-T came up trumps and has hand crafted the reed blocks and an excellent job he made too.
Roger-T (Jolly Roger accordions) has taken on the very difficult task of putting it back together. It's all very exciting. When it is finished it will probably be the only working Organette left in the world.
I'll keep you all posted.

Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Rog on July 11, 2017, 05:24:03 PM
After a lot of people have done a lot of work on Nick's Organette, he sent me the pieces a few months ago. I have finally got it all to hang together. I had to make various leather seals and mod the reed block a little bit to stop it fouling some of the reeds (and varnish the block to help it survive the moist air). Also had to drill the reed plate to fix it down, to get reasonable air tightness for each reed. Had to do a bit of tuning on the chord plate but left the main plate alone as Harmonikas seem to have got it tuned ok. I was initially worried about air tightness - the button pads were very leaky and didn't sit well on the contour of the tube. Solved this my putting on a second layer of skin, shiny side down (same as a concertina) to get a nice seal on the contour, as the key springs aren't that strong. When it is playing enough air passes through the reed(s) so it now works ok. In fact I rather like it. It has a nice sound.
Here is a video of the finished Organette.
https://youtu.be/jbFFV87suOI
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Mike-T on July 11, 2017, 05:35:07 PM
Sounds brilliant Roger, well done.

Mike
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 11, 2017, 06:25:51 PM
Okay you wonderful lot. Writing this now is a very happy bunny.
  And now the credits.
First off Syale for putting me onto eBay where I bought it. When it arrived it was shot.
Second our wonderful Theo who gave me loads of info and sorted out the tuning.
Thirdly, Lathco in Sheffield who replated the instrument and gave very good guidance as to what should be done.
Fourthly , Harmonicas in the Czech Republc for the reeds and  their superb communication skills and great customer service. They got it wrong first time but there was no problem. " send it back we'll sort it" which they did.
Fithly, the firm that supplied the tiny nuts and bolts(2mm) for the keys to replaced the Hohner bent nails and who's name I cant remember.
Sixthly, to our own Mike T who had the skill and courage to take on remaking the reed blocks out of ash and doing a fine job even though he made several attempts, but never gave up.
Finally the wonderful Jolly Roger accordions our own Roger T who brought the whole project together with talent and expertise.
  I can't thank you all enough for your efforts in bringing this very rare instrument back to life .
  Melnet your fantastic.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 11, 2017, 06:48:46 PM
Got it. The firm on the isle of Mann  are called " modelling Timbers" they made the tiny nuts and bolts
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: boxcall on July 11, 2017, 09:55:04 PM
Congratulations!, to you Nick and to all that brought it back to life.  (:)
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 12, 2017, 07:42:23 AM
Of course now I must get cracking on restoring the original cardboard box which it came with.
" The Encore ! Louder than a Cornet " great fun. At least this is the bit that I'm qualified to do.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 12, 2017, 07:44:27 AM
Oh! I forgot to mention Grape Ape who pushed me into getting it.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Rog on July 12, 2017, 10:36:41 AM
Hello
I have updated the video comment(s) to give credit to the long list of people involved, with suitable anonymity for individuals (except Theo).
Here is a picture of the tiny, tiny nuts and bolts...or Nick's Nuts... >:E
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 12, 2017, 11:17:35 AM
Hello
I have updated the video comment(s) to give credit to the long list of people involved, with suitable anonymity for individuals (except Theo).
Here is a picture of the tiny, tiny nuts and bolts...or Nick's Nuts... >:E

Can't find the update Rog.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Rog on July 12, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
The video itself is the same, but the meta info (you have to expand the details) have been altered. I also added a comment with same.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 12, 2017, 07:01:59 PM
Hello
I have updated the video comment(s) to give credit to the long list of people involved, with suitable anonymity for individuals (except Theo).
Here is a picture of the tiny, tiny nuts and bolts...or Nick's Nuts... >:E

We're not on about Malcolm's attributes again are we?  >:E
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Broadland Boy on July 13, 2017, 02:00:57 AM
Congratulations all on a brilliant collaborative restoration job, hope you used enough waterproofing to make it Sid-proof Roger - Nick has a reputation to live up to............. 
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Grape Ape on July 18, 2017, 10:33:32 PM
Oh! I forgot to mention Grape Ape who pushed me into getting it.

I knew this saga was somehow my fault!  What a job it turned out to be, but what a reward at the end.  That thing sounds and looks great!!!
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on July 20, 2017, 09:34:41 AM
So far with the cost I could have bought a Castignari. And I've not even settled with Jolly Roger Accordions yet. However that instrument is probably one of the last surviving and therefore very precious . It's been a three year long project and as far as I'm concerned well worth it.
  If anyone has one, come out of the woodwork, but I bet you haven't . Totally unique.
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 27, 2017, 01:59:21 PM
https://youtu.be/7H6vjC44eg8

Here it is at last, I hope I have given credit to all of you involved. The mint condition 1930's Hohner Organette... in D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Mike-T on September 27, 2017, 02:51:36 PM
Sounding good Nick :D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Grape Ape on September 27, 2017, 07:06:00 PM
AWESOME!!!
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 27, 2017, 10:40:25 PM
AWESOME!!!

 Ahaha Frank. In the credits. You for pushing me into it  ;D
Title: Re: Hohner Organette
Post by: Chris73 on October 15, 2017, 07:22:34 PM
Thanks for letting me play it today, very fun instrument and sounds brilliant!
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