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Discussions => General Discussion => Topic started by: Abe Leal on January 14, 2019, 05:42:27 PM

Title: Bellow slowly expand by gravity, Is this normal???
Post by: Abe Leal on January 14, 2019, 05:42:27 PM
Hello, and thank you for having this website.  I am new to accordion music.  I recently purchased a 31 Button Diatonic accordion.  My question is, are the valves and bellows suppose to be 100% air tight?  I found a video on stretching the bellows to break them in.  The action is better and more responsive.  However, when I let the accordion treble side rest on my left knee, I am noticing the bass side slowly expand out by weight and gravity.  I have read in other blogs that this is normal.  I didn't notice it before when the bellows were stiff.  Now that they are nice and loose, I notice it a bit. 

Is this normal????
Title: Re: Bellow slowly expand by gravity, Is this normal???
Post by: Fred on January 14, 2019, 05:55:11 PM
I'll avoid the answer "it depends", as that would be my normal reaction to your question. (Is it a new or used accordion? Are the bellows new or used? How slow/fast do the bellows expand? etc. etc.)

So I'll go for the straightforward answer: Yes, it's normal.
Title: Re: Bellow slowly expand by gravity, Is this normal???
Post by: Abe Leal on January 14, 2019, 05:58:48 PM
Thanks Fred.  I was worried i messed something up when I stretched them. 
Title: Re: Bellow slowly expand by gravity, Is this normal???
Post by: Lester on January 14, 2019, 06:19:04 PM
Hi Abe. No box is 100% airtight as long as the bellows only droop slowly it will have little or no effect on its playability.
Good video  8)
Title: Re: Bellow slowly expand by gravity, Is this normal???
Post by: Andy on January 14, 2019, 07:11:15 PM
Agree with all the above, no box regardless of quality of age will be 100% airtight.
Different people will probably have a different appreciation of what represents an acceptable or excessive level of air leak. Even if leaks are within acceptable limits there may still be scope for improvement.

Some good advice here.       
http://forum.melodeon.net/index.php/topic,4453.20.html

Yours does not sound like any real cause for concern though.
Title: Re: Bellow slowly expand by gravity, Is this normal???
Post by: Abe Leal on January 14, 2019, 11:04:52 PM
Thank you all for your speedy and honest replys!  I am glad I joined this forum and group. 
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