Discussions > Instrument Design, Construction and Repair
Reducing wear on bellows tape
Julian S:
Whether it's a fault of my playing style, or how I position the box, I seem to always wear away the tape on the first three or four edges at the bottom of the bellows, on the rear close to treble end. I probably need a repair pretty soon, as the metal corners are increasingly exposed. Any hints on repairs and ways of preventing this problem would be much appreciated ! Both my Saltarelle and Dino Super 3 are affected, hasn't been a problem on the Dony - as yet...
Thanks in anticipation...
J
Theo:
I don't have much to suggest for avoiding wear, apart from removing buckles or other hard things in your clothing.
Repairs are straightforward. Get the proper material, and replace whole strips. Don't use gaffa tape, insulating tape or anything similar, even as a temporary repair. It ends up as a stick mess that will earn you the disrespect of any repairer who subsequently works on the instrument.
Anahata:
Charlie Marshall has Bellow Protectors in a range of sizes, which might help on the prevention part of your question.
Tone Dumb Greg:
I have had the same problem on a couple of instruments. The Chinese Hohner is repaired with bellows tape patched over the wear. Not the prettiest of repairs but effective, and the patches show no sign of wear after a few years. I believe the Chinese Hohners is a bit notorious for thin/weak bellows tape. There is a bit of wear on the Saltarelle, but nothing like as bad and it doesn't seem to be getting any worse.
I imagine the solution has to be retaping the inside edges with matching tape.
How do you get the old tape off? Or could you leave it on (this seems rather naff)?
I think the problem may be exacerbated by playing sitting down.
John MacKenzie (Cugiok):
Well if as I suspect you are like me a single strap player, then you will get this problem. Two thoughts occur, one angle the top top of the box away from you to reduce the area in contact with clothing, and two, lengthen the shoulder strap till the bottom of the treble end is resting on your left thigh, assuming you are right handed, and this leaves all of the bellows airborne ;)
Sir John
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