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Author Topic: Bellows quality.  (Read 4871 times)

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Rog

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #20 on: June 20, 2016, 04:34:04 PM »

I've just used a couple of Igor's bellows... One for an ancient Frontalini PA and the other to replace the shot bellows on  Lilliput. They seem pretty nice...well made etc and certainly for a decent price.

911377brian

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #21 on: June 20, 2016, 04:40:02 PM »

Think of her as a 114G and squeeze her a bit harder Nick ..... ;)
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Anahata

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #22 on: June 20, 2016, 05:59:06 PM »

My Hohner 1-row is a black HA114 : I've seen it described somewhere as having "reinforced" bellows, and it does seem to have thicker tape on the outer edges of the folds than other Hohner 1-rows, so it does seem some (I think it's the 'Cajun' models) are deliberately made stronger than others.

I agree that durability is what you are looking for; once a bellows has lost the stiffness that some have when new, they all play the same and sound the same.
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baz parkes

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #23 on: June 20, 2016, 07:19:24 PM »

My Hohner 1-row is a black HA114 : I've seen it described somewhere as having "reinforced" bellows, and it does seem to have thicker tape on the outer edges of the folds than other Hohner 1-rows, so it does seem some (I think it's the 'Cajun' models) are deliberately made stronger than others

Agreed, I have the same model, and compared to my 114 in G purchased at much the same time the bellows are much better.
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melodeon

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #24 on: June 21, 2016, 06:27:50 PM »

from reply number 10:


"I was charged more than quoted (quoted 160, charged 185)"

I am in error and owe an apology..

I was originally quoted $125.. not 160.. and then billed $185.
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squeezy

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #25 on: June 21, 2016, 10:15:44 PM »

It would be good to know who it was who went back on their quote to this extent?  Part of being professional is being able to give an accurate quote for work and stick to it even if you're wrong.  I know some people might think this is  >:E but I see it as better to be  :||: than  ::)
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Squeezy

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melodeon

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #26 on: June 21, 2016, 11:08:11 PM »

Let's just say.. at one time I considered him a "friend".

What is important is that in no way were the bellows "in many ways better than Italian"
In all ways they were inferior.

When this took place I was going to buy another set of Italian bellows from my usual Cajun source...
I was talked out of it.

The Italian bellows were around $185 at the time.
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squeezy

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #27 on: June 21, 2016, 11:47:45 PM »

Sorry.  That' just as cryptic! 
« Last Edit: June 22, 2016, 11:20:47 AM by squeezy »
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diatonix

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #28 on: June 22, 2016, 07:36:54 AM »

Did your quote include shipping? To ship a relatively heavy set of bellows safely across the Atlantic is probably rather expensive. Anyway, having made hundreds and hundreds of quality bellows myself and knowing how many hours it takes and what the raw materials cost, I find it very difficult to understand how this can be a profitable business - whether it's 125 or as "much" as  185 bucks.
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melodeon

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Re: Bellows quality.
« Reply #29 on: June 22, 2016, 02:26:08 PM »

This was 5 years ago.. but I will not forget...

A box "tech" in the US wanted to order (I believe) 20 bellows.
He asked me (pleaded with me)  to order one so he could get to his 20 unit goal which gave him a larger discount.
I was quoted $125 for the bellows.
I gave him the money in advance.
When the bellows arrived at his shop in the US.., he quoted me the higher figure because mine were "custom".. all black.. no red, and no "Hohner frames", that was not mentioned in advance.. and "custom", meaning no frames just a simple bellows and easier to make.
Having no choice , I sent the money.
When they arrived I was shocked at the poor quality given that he said " in many ways these are better than Italian made bellows".
I immediately contacted him.
He refused to answer the question... " why and how are these bellows in some ways better than Italian bellows" ?
After a few  contacts ,  and no consideration for the substandard bellows... I offered them back to him at half price, I pay shipping to him.. no response except that he was going to seek legal action for harassment; because of 3 e-mails ...
He also refused a registered/certified letter.
He would not respond.
I have the e mails. of this entire exchange.

At the time, Italian bellows from a Cajun source were about $180.. I already had a few of these including 10 button and nine button.

Shortly after this incident, and  conditions out of my control, I had to give up all aspects of accordeon and sold my stock of bellows and reeds etc and sold 12 accordeons.

Did I mention he has not returned my prototype Hohner 2 row fingerboard that would be suitable for Pokerwork and Erica of all years. Thumb groove, access to action etc.

Those are the facts.

Back to bellows.




« Last Edit: June 22, 2016, 08:44:05 PM by melodeon »
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