There's a hole in my Hohner...

[olivigus]

I recently got a Hohner Concerto I which I'm really having fun with. I've noticed this hole on the bottom of the keyboard side, just below the snap that's there for putting the bellows clasp out of the way. At first I wondered if it was a flaw or a past repair gone awry, but have looked at some online listings that have detailed pictures for the same model, and it appears to be there in all of them. Can anyone tell me the what and wherefore surrounding this little hole?

 

[Dingo40]

Olivigus,
The photo is a bit fuzzy but, to me, it looks like the outer end of the rod which acts as the axle or pivot for mounting the treble keys on the keyboard. It's not a "repair " but an integral part of the keyboard mechanism!?
Removing it would cause all your keyboard to fall apart: don't mess with it!??
Many accordions use a similar design. Some actually have two rods (one for the black, another for the white keys) . Many models incorporate a small chromed metal cover to hide the hole and the rod from view.

 

[JeffJetton]

Wouldn't there normally be some sort of cap/plug on that hole?

 

[Dingo40]

Jeff,
Some do, some don't: I have examples of both kinds.?

 

[Glug]

That looks exactly like the end of a keyboard axle, as already mentioned.
Here's a thread with a closeup of one of mine: https://www.accordionists.info/threads/keyboard-axle-removal.4956/

I installed some axle covers from CGM Musical: http://www.cgmmusical.co.uk/CGM_Musical_Services/Hardware_Misc..html

 

[JIM D.]

It seems in the UK the part is called an "axle cover". In the US these parts are called and sold as "spindle caps".

 

[olivigus]

Thanks, all! I understand it now. I checked and my other accordion does indeed have a silver ball in that same position, which is why I never noticed any kind of hole there.

 

[debra]

Most accordions do have an axle cover but it seems that in your case with the snap so close by and an axle cover always having a bulge installing an axle cover would impede on the bellow strap still snapping on the snap.

 

[jozz]

my Concerto had a flush rubber endcap there

 

[olivigus]

my Concerto had a flush rubber endcap there

Aha. I imagine the one on mine has been lost to time. It does seem that anything that stuck up would indeed get in the way.