Discussions > Instrument Design, Construction and Repair
handmade one-row refurbish
mselic:
I have recently acquired a one-row, 4-stop instrument that was handmade in Quebec. From what I understand it is an earlier model, with the maker's current boxes having come a long way since then. It's a fun, little box with a lovely sound, but very quiet. I am not sure yet if this is something I'll keep or if I'll fix it up a bit and then pass it along.
I can see that someone has done a bit of work on it in the past, having sealed up some obvious air leaks. The construction of the box is admittedly a bit rough in a few places. Two of the blocks are removable (which is quite unusual for a box like this made in Quebec), but they only fasten down on one side, leaving the other end floating unsecured. As a result, it's not a particularly good seal. A couple of temporarily placed shims had the blocks fastened down more securely. This made a noticeable difference in the tuning, but surprisingly did nothing for volume.
I'm attaching a few photos to illustrate the design of the reedblocks and sliders. I've noticed there is no gasket on either the block or the inside of the box. I considered adding a gasket, however my concern then is that the sliders will simply fall down (as they are held in place with the fastened-down block) or that there will audible leaks from one reed to the next. Considering that putting the shim in made no difference in volume, would there be any benefit to actually having some kind of gasket?
The box has handmade (or near enough) Salpa reeds which I believe are of good quality. I'm curious why one box, such as this, would be so quiet when another of rather similar design might be noticeably stronger/louder?
Any ideas on how this box might be improved before it ends up wherever it's going are most welcome!
mselic:
More photos:
-Y-:
The stops look a lot like the ones on Sagné models :D
boxcall:
Same stops on its close relative ;)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gagne-Accordion-1-Row-2-Bass-10-Treble-Button-D-Handcrafted-Diatonic-Accordion/323700097250?hash=item4b5e0780e2
Are the holes in the fondo round? I wonder if that could be increased to match the air flow from reed block. Note: air hole seems large in the block and slide. Can you make this hole to big?
I see what you mean when you say rough in places.
mselic:
--- Quote from: -Y- on February 21, 2019, 11:47:43 PM ---The stops look a lot like the ones on Sagné models :D
--- End quote ---
;)
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