leather valves / reeds

[smdc66]

can someone help me understand the mechanics of these

air is sucked or pushed throught the reed / reeds to make the note sound(s) by its vibration

the valve closes the vent next to the reed - is this to focus air on the reed?

i am also wondering what the effect is of different degrees of leather damage like curled up ones etc

i think there is something i am not understanding

eg for some reason i thought the leather valves would open with air suck / push but from experimentation see this is not the case :?

sorry if i sound like a half wit :shock:

 

[knobby]

http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_2372178_how-reed-works-accordion.html

 

[JIM D.]

Go to the Accordion Revival website and under accordion repair (1) look under " why replace old reed leathers" JIM D.

 

[smdc66]

:tup:

yes i was missing something - it has become clearer now

some things are easier to understand by seeing info ( pics,video) than try to explain explain through words / text :ch

 

[Terry]

Is there such a thing as synthetic accordion valves?

 

[knobby]

Is there such a thing as synthetic accordion valves?

Yes, there are lots of synthetic ones available in various shapes & sizes.

 

[JIM D.]

Accordions come with leather or plastic (ventilli) valves and in some cases come with plastic on the treble and leather on the bass. When an accordion comes into my shop and is in need of valve replacement i use original equipment for repairs. If a plastic valve is damaged it will require replacement, but in the case of leather 80% of the time the valve can be removed, straightened by hand and replaced will a simple white glue. If you decide to replace leather with plastic you will have to remove the reeds from the reed block, clean the old glue residue off of the reed plate, attach the plastic valves and then re-wax the reeds to the block. Plastic valves are less expensive than leather but making the transition can be labor intensive. Musically yours; JIM D

 

[Terry]

Good to know,

Thanks Jim