Reed blocks glued to the base?

[James]

When I tried to take out the blocks, I found them stuck to the base. Yes, I did take off the two screws at both ends. I shook them and they were stubborn. I guess they could be stubborn because of having stood there for so many years having never been lifted. But I still did not dare to use force. Any idea to share? Thank you!

 

[debra]

When I tried to take out the blocks, I found them stuck to the base. Yes, I did take off the two screws at both ends. I shook them and they were stubborn. I guess they could be stubborn because of having stood there for so many years having never been lifted. But I still did not dare to use force. Any idea to share? Thank you!

Sadly it does happen. I have a small Crucianelli (40 bass) that has the bass blocks glued in. Its a pain. I did not attempt to remove these bass blocks (in order to be easier for tuning) because that would likely break them.

 

[Soulsaver]

I think Paul means that some pillock could have glued them, poss in a repair attempt to stop leaks. They don't come glued down on a Hohner when they leave the factory.

 

[James]

Thank you Debra and Soulsaver. Either way it is bad news. Well, I will try again and see what I can do. Eight blocks, 6 on the treble side and 2 on the bass side. They all seemed stubborn. They were all glued in?

 

[debra]

I think Paul means that some pillock could have glued them, poss in a repair attempt to stop leaks. They dont come glued down on a Hohner when they leave the factory.

Nope, this old instrument was bought new almost 60 years ago and was never repaired (or even tuned) in 60 years. It was and still is in very good shape but the bass blocks were definitely glued right when the instrument was made.

 

[artelagro]

I cannot accept that these are glued in place. Atlantic reed blocks are solidly built, short in length and each (short length) fixed by 2 x well fitted locating screws.
Also the metalwork looks so clean with no sign of any adhesive being squashed out of the joint.
I would try again.
Garth

 

[JIM D.]

The reed blocks on this accordion are removable. Wood with age can in some instances shrink (the treble body itself). And in some instances in humid climate wood will expand (reed blocks). With some careful effort you should be able remove them. Once removed they can be sanded for proper fit.

 

[debra]

I cannot accept that these are glued in place. Atlantic reed blocks are solidly built, short in length and each (short length) fixed by 2 x well fitted locating screws.
Also the metalwork looks so clean with no sign of any adhesive being squashed out of the joint.
I would try again.
Garth

I agree with you and others. An Atlantic definitely should not have reed blocks glued in place. They may be a bit stubborn but they really should come out. As the Atlantic has a metal body gluing would never would as well as when gluing wooden blocks in a wooden case. Care should be taken while removing the blocks but they really should come out.

 

[boxplayer4000]

James,
I agree with Debra and others that the reed blocks are unlikely to have been glued. (However, its not impossible that some enthusiastic amateur has not been able to trust the screw fixings alone. I have a Hohner Student here at present where the bellows have been glued in.) Your 'Atlantic' or one of the 'Atlantic' family had the wooden reed blocks screwed to the metal sounding board with a felt or leather gasket in between. Are you absolutely sure all fixing screws have been removed? You might try a cautious sideways blow with a suitable piece of wood and hammer. The downside is if the wax is old then reeds may be dislodged. A moderate amount of heat might be helpful, on the pallet side. If its a certain 'Atlantic' the treble keys are easily removed individually.

 

[James]

Hi Boxplayer-4000,

Thanks for your input. I looked again closely. I somehow feel sure that this instrument was never "fixed" or serviced previously but it is just what it was like out of the factory.

So, Hohner does/did not normally glue the blocks to the board but wax might be used? This is what I got from the info you friends provided here.

Ok, I will try again. And, Boxplayer-4000, I will look again and make sure again all the screws are removed.

James

 

[Soulsaver]

No, wax wasn't used to attach the blocks to the board either.

 

[boxplayer4000]

James,
May I ask why you want to remove the reed blocks? What are the faults? A few faults can be dealt with in situ.

 

[James]

Hi friends,

I made it. I gave it just a little more force and it came off. After I did one, I knew how much force to use and made the others.

It proved really necessary to take them all out. I looked and found many hairline cracks in the wax due to shrinkage. I ran the tip of my soldering iron along the cracks and fixed them.

Many thanks to you all!

James

 

[Soulsaver]

Good job.
And good you asked, err on the safe side; I bought a Verdi V with a complete end-to-end split reed block after someone couldn't fathom hoe to get it out... and used much too much force.. and then NAILED it back together... well worth the £40 though!

 

[James]

James,
May I ask why you want to remove the reed blocks? What are the faults? A few faults can be dealt with in situ.

Hi Boxplayer4000,

Initially I wanted to take them out because I just wanted to look at them. I bought this box a few weeks ago used. I wanted see what state the blocks and the reeds were in. Yes, without taking them out I did get an idea they were fine. So, I was about to give it up if I could have proved they were really fixed to the base and could not be removed.