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[Prestidigitator]

I've dismantled one of these (the Made in Germany plastic fingerboard model) to track down a problem. The bellows gasket on both ends is a whitish soft cotton cord (like marine caulking cotton) which looks professionally applied, and seems to do the job though it looks odd when the box is together.

I see a reference to "candlewick gaskets" in the forum in discussion of various Hohner models. Is this what I have got as original equipment, or am I looking at a DIY repair?

[Theo]

Yes, that is a candlewick gasket.  They can work ok, but are easily replaced.  Pull off as much as you can then use the blade of a chisel or stanley knife to scrape away the remains of gasket and glue.  The modern material is a closed cell neoprene with self adhesive backing.  I can supply this, its quite cheap.  contact my by PM or email if you want some.

[an bosca ceoil]

The "candlewick" gasket is almost certainly original and would have sufficed when the instrument was made.
Problem is that after being compressed for half a century it will get a bit tired and fail to seal properly, especially if it has been disturbed by dismantling. Relacement with foam rubber is well within the scope of anyone with basic skills but please use the proper material (sure Theo can supply it?) rather than bodging about with something from B&Q!

[HallelujahAl]

Yes, its dead easy to apply - because even I've done it!
AL

[Ebor_fiddler]

Me too!

[finnhorse]

Ditto.

[Prestidigitator]

Thanks to all for the information and encouragement.

I'll be getting back to Theo about the gasket, but I think that'll be but the first bit of putting this right - it's well out of tune on some of the treble buttons.

Unfortunately I missed joining Theo's upcoming repair course at Mendlesham, which would have been incredibly useful.

[Accordion Dave]

B&Q?

Am I to assume that it is some sort of discount hardware emporium?

[Prestidigitator]

You are absolutely correct. They're one of the UK's larger chains of hardware, gardening, DIY, building supplies etc. stores.

They aren't known for selling melodeon spares!

[Curamach]

Yes, that is a candlewick gasket.  They can work ok, but are easily replaced.  Pull off as much as you can then use the blade of a chisel or stanley knife to scrape away the remains of gasket and glue.  The modern material is a closed cell neoprene with self adhesive backing.  I can supply this, its quite cheap.  contact my by PM or email if you want some.

Theo,

About how thick and wide is the neoprene?

Since I am in the US I'd try to find it here. This is for an old beater one-row in G that I just want to mess with. The reeds are all on one plate like a harmonica.

Dan

[Theo]

 have two sizes, 2mm thick 4mm wide,  and 3mm thick 5 mm wide.  The heavier one is usually best for Hohners.

[jarviw]

have two sizes, 2mm thick 4mm wide,  and 3mm thick 5 mm wide.  The heavier one is usually best for Hohners.

I need to replace my bellow gasket on my two-row Pokerwork (Germany) -- I assume it's the same gasket?
I measured the gasket on it and it seems to be 2mm x 4mm, but should I try 3mm instead?  Thanks!

[Theo]

Its probably compressed from use.  Best to use slightly thicker than what remains so that it can compress and take up any irregularities.

[Steve C.]

Dan:
Scotch 3M have all kind of double sided adhesive foam tapes (usually in lifetime supply size rolls).
But reasonable priced on Amazon and useful for other stuff besides Hohner gaskets.
:Steve

[Malcolm Clapp]

Dan:
Scotch 3M have all kind of double sided adhesive foam tapes (usually in lifetime supply size rolls).
But reasonable priced on Amazon and useful for other stuff besides Hohner gaskets.
:Steve

Why would you need to use double sided?

[Peadar]

Dan:
Scotch 3M have all kind of double sided adhesive foam tapes (usually in lifetime supply size rolls).
But reasonable priced on Amazon and useful for other stuff besides Hohner gaskets.
:Steve

Why would you need to use double sided?

You absolutely do not want double sided adhesive tape- you will never get the box apart again other than by taking a craft knife to the gasket if you do that.

[Steve C.]

Peader and Malcolm: Mea culpa.  Completely right.
I was looking at a roll of double sided  sitting here on the table while typing the reply.
Single sided (and no adhesive) also available in most of same sizes, same prices.
 

[Gonk]

Just in case it's helpful info: not all weatherstrip tape is neoprene / chloroprene rubber.  Some is EVA, which isn't as good for gaskets.

[jarviw]

have two sizes, 2mm thick 4mm wide,  and 3mm thick 5 mm wide.  The heavier one is usually best for Hohners.

I need to replace my bellow gasket on my two-row Pokerwork (Germany) -- I assume it's the same gasket?
I measured the gasket on it and it seems to be 2mm x 4mm, but should I try 3mm instead?  Thanks!

Just want to update on this.
Thanks to Theo's info, I got 3mm x 6mm gasket, which worked perfectly and fixed the air leak. (old gasket was 2mm x 5mm.)
The whole task including cleaning took about 15min.