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[Johnny S]

When replacing the valve for the underneath reed, do you remove the reed from the reed block or try to do it through the air hole on the bottom of the block, or some other way?  Appreciate you ideas.  Sorry if already covered in older thread.

[Steve_freereeder]

It is possible to replace the valve through the air vent hole, using long narrow tweezers to manipulate the valve, but it is a fiddly job and you need some patience and dexterity.

But personally I find it far easier to remove the reed plate, replace the valve and then re-mount the reed plate. If the reed plates are screwed or nailed in place, it's easy, but even if they are waxed in place, it's not hard to pop the reed plate off.

I find that gentle scoring with a blunt knife around the edges of the reed plate helps it come away relatively cleanly. Often there is sufficient wax remaining to allow you to re-melt the wax again afterwards. But I prefer to have a reed wax stick on hand ready to top up any wax which might ahve been lost during the removal.

[Theo]

I regularly replace the inside reed valve usung tweezers.  Some useful tips:
Use the old valve as a gauge to cut the new one to the correct length.
I prefer fine nosed, cranked  tweezers.  This allows you to get the valve in the correct position while still being able to see what you are doing.
It’s helpful to have a second tool to help position the valve, a simple pointed tool.  I use a modified dental tool,  but a short length of stiff wire would do. Like the tweezers it should be cranked for better visibility.
Use a good light so you can see what you are doing.

[Johnny S]

When giving an accordion a full service, would you change out all the valves or just the one that clearly need replacing?   I have a box I am giving the full-month treatment to and wonder if I need or should replace all the valves.  What would you do?

[boxcall]

When giving an accordion a full service

Replace all if its a full service, I’d say.

[Theo]

It all depends on the age of the accordion and the condition of the reeds, valves and wax. 

[Rog]

Theo, do you do tweezer valve replacement because it’s quicker than popping off a reed?

[Tone Dumb Greg]

I regularly replace the inside reed with tweezers....

I was going to make a smart remark about being surprised they work as reeds, but thought better of it

It’s helpful to have a second tool to help position the valve, a simple pointed tool.  I use a modified dental tool

Serious question: Do you  mean like spring hooks? If so, I might dig out the set I haven't used for 10 years.

[Theo]

I regularly replace the inside reed with tweezers....

I was going to make a smart remark about being surprised they work as reeds, but thought better of it

Corrected!

It’s helpful to have a second tool to help position the valve, a simple pointed tool.  I use a modified dental tool

Serious question: Do you  mean like spring hooks? If so, I might dig out the set I haven't used for 10 years.

These are the tools I use.

[Theo]

Theo, do you do tweezer valve replacement because it’s quicker than popping off a reed?

Exactly,  Takes me less than half the time, no messing around with wax.