some trouble with piano box

[george g]

Just bought my first piano box today. I only play button so I bought it based on a demo from a well respected local player. I find that the black keys use much much more air than the white keys and are also lacking in power. The white keys are acceptably responsive. I understand that it is a very inexpensive box of amature quality but I wonder if this might indicate anything in particular to anyone out there?
Thanks for any thoughts!!!
george

 

[goldtopia]

I have a pianoBox2. I think it depends what kind of MIDI setup you have in your accordion. With the BlueMidi system, volume for the bass side is by pressing a BlueMidi button (installed) on the bass side near the air button and one of two black notes at the same time, loud and soft. Although the PianoBox2 is GM I think it is really for digital pianos and keyboards. Using the volume on the PianoBox changes both treble and bass at the same time. I find it easier to use the PianoBox with just treble and rhythms as I have never really mastered using the PianoBox on the bass. It is simple to use (a child could use it) though it cannot save the various settings like the Roland RA expanders. In fact I have just sold my Roland RA50 because the PianoBox2 is so much easier. There is a volume control on the PinanoBox2 itself for treble and rhythm but none for bass as it does not have any seperate control for bass volume. Though the BlueMidi system does allow separate bass control via the accordion, depending on the MIDI system, which means there is something in the PianoBox that can relate to the accordion bass volume control on the accordion MIDI. If you or anyone else discovers the secret of this, I would also be very interested. I don't think the PianoBox is as you say, is of amateur quality, to me it sounds just as good as the Roland RAs' though without all the bells and whistles.

With the BlueMidi system the changes are made pressing the special button on the bass side whilst pressing a white treble key for the instruments or black keys for the various settings. Though the instructions are all in German and when translated are still not helpful, so its all done by experimenting. For this reason I would not recommend buying it and there is still much that I don't know.

 

[Adam-T]

it could be that the reedblock for the black notes is loose or seated badly

 

[Soulsaver]

What make/model PA is it?

 

[goldtopia]

Are your referring to the reeds or the PianoBox ? If the problem is with the reeds or both when using the bellows then you have an air leak somewhere.

 

[Soulsaver]

Are your referring to the reeds or the PianoBox ? If the problem is with the reeds or both when using the bellows then you have an air leak somewhere.

I can see why you thought PianoBox, Bill, but I read it as hes bought a PA, as apparently Adam did too.

 

[JIM D.]

Adam-T's Diagnosis is exactly what I would suggest. Check for a loose reed block. JIM D.

 

[george g]

I may have caused some confusion by incorrect use of the term "piano box". I'm new to the accordion scene and all of my experience has been with the "button box". I do in fact have a piano accordion with bellows. The fact that the black keys may have a separate reed block, and may be loose, sounds very much like what I think that I'm hearing and feeling here. I understand that accordions require very special knowledge of the workings to attempt repairs without disaster. As this is an inexpensive model (old, modestly appointed, called "Lyric") and I do have experience in amature violin repair and training and experience as a robotics tech, I will explore correcting this issue in my shop.
Thanks so much the great resonse so far! I will report back.
george

 

[george g]

Great work people! There was indeed a loose retainer latch on the reed block for the black keys. Works fine now!
Thanks!
george