Crucianelli Pancordian Keyboard Restoration Project

[Mummer1965]

Greetings!
Looking for guidance, instruction and step-by-step photos...for my "historic" instrument - Marched in Mummers parade 1/1/65
Disclaimer: I do not have all of the nomenclature correct...please bear with my self generated terms and labels...

Please see pix attached

HISTORY…played regularly from 5th gratde through post college…25+ years in closed original carrying case in a managed climate environment

PROBLEM & Location....Between underside of individual keys...running perpendicular to the individual keys... a "wood strip" is glued to the interior surface of the keyboard frame...it runs length of keyboard (top to bottom)...There is a "return" spring under each key that forces the key to close when finger pressure is released...Spindles (2) run perpendicular to individual keys - it appears black keys on one spindle; white on the other. It appears that keys pivot on spindles(?).


THE WOODEN STRIP
The full length of the "wooden strip" appears to have come unglued from the keyboard frame. Wood strip is bowed "UP" away from keyboard frame.....gap between keyboard frame and "under side of individual keys ranges from -.25" to + 2". Gap under 'wooden strip has same relative gap - unreachable to measure

When bellows are gently actuated, most individual reeds "sound off" in normal manner

ACTIONS TO DATE are mostly diagnostic..
Placed a carpenters level (rigid aluminum) across all keys w/shims between level and key faces to assure "pivot points" in individual keys were contacted...

Slowly compressed (over a period of several hours) level…MOST keys are returning keys to "normal" position.

GOALS – RESTORE and ENJOY
Intermediate goals and tasks
Disassemble keyboard - HOW TO and WHAT SEQUENCE TO REMOVE PARTS - WHAT PITFALLS TO AVOID -

Label parts for proper reassembly positions, keep individual keys and associated hardware grouped on key-by-key basis...WHAT
ELSE?????

prep keyboard frame and underside of "wood strip" for re-gluing" -

"true up" (straight. flat. square) wood strip for reinstall… sand, position, glue, clamp,
etc.....WHAT ELSE?????

reassembly pitfalls - WHAT ARE THEY - HOW TO AVOID?????


ANY/ALL PIX you have that illustrate "how to" are coveted - please share!

THANK YOU ALL who contribute your knowledge!

 

[Tom]

Welcome Mummer! I think it’s super cool that you have kept the accordion that you played 60 years ago in the Mummers parade.

It’s difficult to give specific advice because it’s difficult to see exactly what’s going on.

Seems like you have two related problems. The unglued wood strip is affecting key height, and some keys are not returning with the spring action.

If the keys are all rotating on one “spindle” (one for white, one for black, often called “axle”) then you will have to pull out the axle to remove the keys. They may come flying out when you pull the axle. Be sure to mark the keys before you remove them! It’s easy to scramble the order. You can put tape across the keys if you want to keep some in while you address others.

Biggest question will be WHY the keys don’t return, and if it is related to the “wood strip” or if something else is impeding the travel. It’s coming for old keys to swell or warp, and hang up on the frame when they are played. You will have to look closely to determine.

I am not a professional restorer or able to diagnose exactly what’s going on with your key travel. Others here have more knowledge and may chime in. How about stopping over for a beer tonight around 5:00 and we’ll take a look.l? I’m not that far from you in Wisconsin.

Good luck!!!!! Tom

 

[debra]

This accordion clearly is in need of some significant repair/restoration effort. (Economically this may not make sense to do at all because it is a basic student model and not worth all that much. But I understand the sentimental value.)
The keys are all held in place by a rod (spindle) that should be pulled out so all the keys come out (keep them in the right order and don't trust numbers printed on them as these numbers are not always correct). Then you can diagnose the issue with the wooden strip properly.
This is going to be a big job. Make lots of pictures as you go so that you can refer back to them as to how things were before disassembly.

 

[Ventura]

so that strip is warped.. why ? from what cause ?
if the entire plate under it is pushing up and bowing
then the problem is bigger than the strip

with the strip warped, the pivot rod(s) are also warped
meaning they are not straight and have a bow to them
which means it may be impossible to pull the rods out
and release the keys for repair without destroying the
strip/mounts/etc.

it so happens i will be in the Carlisle area this week through Friday
maybe Saturday too.. if you bring it over and bring your tools too
i will examine it and figure it out for you and explain what to
do if possible or help you bury it if not
(there is a huge Groundhog hole out back)

also. please measure the keyboard if you do not know,
is it a 3/4 size or full size ? if it's @ 19" keyboard white
edge to edge, i can bring a donor accordion as i happen
to have a couple of these in the parts pile

PM me here to set up a meeting