Bass buttons jammed?

[aaronishappy]

Thanks artelagro. Refer to the 3rd pic, that's as far back and as loose as they hang. I don't see or feel any difference between either clip so I'm really failing to understand why the left keeps unfastening. In any case, I threw some tape on top as a temporary fix - so far so good. May use hot glue if it's not such a crazy idea?

At the same time though, the air control button keeps opening when I unscrew the back grid, making play difficult. There's no problem when I take off the grid so clearly the grid is hampering the button in such a way. The middle C button is also sticking upwards, quite a lot, and I can't seem to be able to take out the rod that holds the keys together, in order to fix it.

I think I'll have to go to the accordion-doctor tomorrow whatever the case... Even if the clip stays put on the bass assembly, the malfunctioning air release and sticky out middle C make it almost (but not totally) unplayable. I'll have another look this evening, but all the signs are telling me I need a new accordion!

 

[JerryPH]

My opinion is that you should only get a new accordion if this one is not doing it for you musically or is limiting your growth in some way. I also think that we should always take a serious and honest look at our repair skills and decide whether to use a professional or not after a little safe looking around. I made such a decision not too long ago and after a small look inside and a couple of non-destructive tests, decided to go the route of the pro... and I am so glad I did! In my case, what started out as a few minor sticking bass notes and silent reeds turned out that I needed to have ALL the bass felts replaced... on all of my Free Bass and Stradella bass system!

I was very lucky and found a wonderful young lady with lots of accordion repair experience and she was also VERY reasonable... and along with that repair, she then found 5-6 other minor things and addressed those for me too.

So for me the lesson is that if you don't know what you are doing (at this level), the moment you open up the case, leave it to the pros, you could cause damage in excess of the costs of what it would be if the "smaller" issue was addressed by a pro. It might hurt our pride a little to be this honest, but our pocketbook will thank us later.

 

[Soulsaver]

Yep - also balance the possible cost of a pro repair on a low value instrument, not knocking Welty Stellas, but it's replaceable at low cost, too. Of course, you need to avoid another that needs work... but at least you won't be afraid to give it a good looking at.
Good hunting.