Dallape models

[nagant27]

My question to everyone is what is the difference between the dallape supermaestro and organtone models? I recently acquired an organtone. It has 4 reed blocks and a double tone chamber. Has 5 reeds in bass. It has a nice sound, especially the bassoon, the middle and low together (both chambered), and the high and low together. The two middles are slightly musette like sounding, maybe continental tuning? Not sure if that's what it is called. So far I've only been playing it for a few days and have noticed that the compression seems like it is not where it should be. I looked for any air leaks and cant hear or feel any obvious ones. I noticed the bass reed leather valves are not totally flush, and slightly have a gap in many of them. Is this something that could cause a big loss in compression?? would it help enough that I should replace them?? I will continue to look for other air leaks, but this is an older accordion, probably the 50's Im guessing, so there are many things that could be brought up to speed on it, but the compression seems the biggest? I also intend on replacing the gasket seal around the bellows when I get a chance. All and all I think its a great accordion, if anyone is wants I can post some pictures to see what is looks like or maybe would be able to help with any ideas.
thanks!

 

[JIM D.]

Pic's are always a plus. Your Dallape is an accordion well worth restoration. And yes, old leather reed valves have a direct influence on compression as do old and hardened leathers on the pallets both treble and bass. This applies more so with a tone chamber accordions as there are double the # of treble valves. Again, pic's will help.

 

[nagant27]

Ok then. I will try to take a few pictures tonight after work. I was pondering replacing the valves on the keyboard side, but have never done a chambered accordion, and it takes me forever. The chamber and the bass machine are two aspects of accordions that intimidate me. I figured first check for any air leaks and then maybe do the bass leathers. I have in the past only replaced the ones needing replacement, but there are quite a few on the bigger reeds so maybe a lot of air is getting through, so might do all. I have bought them from ebay before, anyone know where else is a good place to buy them? I will need quite a few.

 

[JIM D.]

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