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Author Topic: zinc reeds  (Read 2064 times)

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dino.pafftti

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zinc reeds
« on: December 31, 2014, 12:17:58 PM »

hi
What would be the best way to clean the oxidized zinc reeds ??
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Theo

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2014, 12:48:06 PM »

Ultrasonic cleaning can be very good for this. But important to get the right cleaning solution, I used one for "sensitive metals" which works well with zinc or aluminium reed plates.
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Theo Gibb - Gateshead UK

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Aunty Social

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2014, 01:58:18 PM »

When using ultrasonics to clean soft metals it is best to agitate the parts slightly (move the basket up and down by 15mm or so).
Ultrasonics will otherwise start eating in and leave worm trails.
Hold a bit of tinfoil in the solution. If you have a decent ultrasonic density it will quickly blow holes in it.
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dino.pafftti

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2014, 02:46:38 PM »


I do not have an ultrasonic washing machine.
but looked at in more detail in reeds,
the color may be a little light, but you might not need to wash ??
perhaps a light wiping with steel wool .. and valve replacement..
I'm wondering if I can put a plastic valves ??
whether sound the same ??
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Graham Spencer

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #4 on: December 31, 2014, 03:29:07 PM »

If zinc/alloy plates are not too dirty or corroded, I often spruce them up with a glass fibre brush. And yes, synthetic ("plastic") valves will be fine.

Graham
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Among others, Saltarelle Pastourelle II D/G; Hohner 4-stop 1-rows in C & G; assorted Hohners; 3-voice German (?) G/C of uncertain parentage; lovely little Hlavacek 1-row Heligonka; B♭/E♭ Koch. Newly acquired G/C Hohner Viktoria. Also Fender Jazz bass, Telecaster, Stratocaster, Epiphone Sheraton, Charvel-Jackson 00-style acoustic guitar, Danelectro 12-string and other stuff..........

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dino.pafftti

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2014, 04:10:16 PM »

Thank you a lot of good advice  (:)
I have thought about yet, Would it be a big sin if the old Hohner change a treble Wooden shaft in place of aluminum ?
Could become a better and more sensitive to play??
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Theo

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2014, 04:14:21 PM »

I don't like to use steel wool, the fibres can easily get stuck, and it is unpleasant to use, very dusty.  Much better is a stiff brush.  I have some with fine stainless steel bristles which are sold for stripping paint of old furniture.  The kind with brass or nylon bristles that are used to clean suede shoes also work quite well.  If there is corrosion on the sides of the reed slot that can be draped off with a scalpel blade, but I would only do that if the reed was not moving freely.

Plastic valves are good because they are always the same, and last longer.  But they don't sound exactly the same. The sound can be a little brighter and for the highest reeds is may be good, but for the lower treble reeds and the bass leather is much the best.  What I would suggest avoiding if possible is the artificial leather, sometimes called vileda, the material is a poor substitute for leather in my opinion. 
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Theo Gibb - Gateshead UK

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dino.pafftti

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Re: zinc reeds
« Reply #7 on: December 31, 2014, 04:54:19 PM »

ok. Thank you very much. And a Happy New Year to all the members  :||: :|||:
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