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[Hectorawol]

Hi folks, I have purchased a toy melodeon off ebay and it is fantastic to play. I've just filmed a few videos of it being played for youtube, but my question is, if the reeds inside are of cheap quality and may go out of tune quick, where can I buy real ones to glue back in?  Another chap on youtube, put real ones in his. Thanks! I appreciate any advice or rough ideas of what this may cost. Thank you!


In addition, a link was requested by a member:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y9K4PcLBSA

[HallelujahAl]

Charlie Marshall at CGM or our own Theo may well be able to help!
AL

[Theo]

Rather than go all the way and fit new reeds you can do some simple things that will make a big improvement.

1 blank off one set of reeds so you make the box single voice.  Easy to do with a slip of paper under the reedblock, assuming its removable.

2 get the reeds properly tuned and voiced

Using only 1 voice cuts down on the air usage, and gives the tiny bellows more chance.  Paradoxically it also seemed to make the box louder when I tried it.

[forrest]

 Hector...I watched your video, Nice playing! And it looks as if you have an exceptional example there. You seem to get a lot of notes without using up all your air. The tremolo even sounds good! (My minibox has about 40 cent tremolo  ).
   I concur with Theo... use the stock reeds, and perform the tweaks mentioned. In addition, you might replace the leather valves, which seem to be worthless on these boxes. I have not seen any that lay flat, even on a new one. The stock reeds are brass, and are generally poorly set, so in combination with non-functioning valves, you get great air loss. When the reeds are set and tuned, they have a pleasant sweet sound, and use much less air.
   
  My examples have bellows corners made of coated fabric. This can also be a source of air loss, especially after lots of usage. I have been looking for a flexible doping compound to repair this................jwf

[forrest]

BTW Hector...I've noticed from watching your videos that your mini box has a bit more upper range than mine. Seems much more useful. My keyboard runs (chin to toes, press): E3-G3-C4-E4-G4-C5-E5

[brianread]

Can we have a link to the videos please?

[Skipy]

Can we have a link to the videos please?

I thiink this is Yer' Man

[old geezer]

  My examples have bellows corners made of coated fabric. This can also be a source of air loss, especially after lots of usage. I have been looking for a flexible doping compound to repair this................jwf

I have used 'Liquid Electrical Tape', it remains flexible (a 'Star brite' product made in the US), black in colour, thinned slightly with paint thinners to repair a small leak in  bellows corners, applied on the inside.

[forrest]

 

I have used 'Liquid Electrical Tape', it remains flexible (a 'Star brite' product made in the US), black in colour, thinned slightly with paint thinners to repair a small leak in  bellows corners, applied on the inside.

Yes indeed, have used this product to coat old bellows corners in an old Koch one row. It worked well, but you want to do it in the next county because the toxic fume level is verrry high! I have been experimenting with a flexible fabric adhesive that has some promise. It works extremely fast though, and also contains some nasty chemicals.

[old geezer]

maybe a new way of getting a high                  sniff, note..