flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
For the second time this year I had a flapper fly off by box, this time my A box. I was able to switch a couple to my Bb box and still sing them ok. I hate it when that happens :-))
I do need it fixed ASAP for another gig. I'll check with Martin. Does Bryan do repair work? I know he has a job with the Fire Dept. Jude????
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
If the screw holes are worn: The best is to drill out the holes, glue a wooden dowel into the hole and redrill a new (screw) hole. - Workaround & faster: break off a splinter from a match stick, stick 'em in the holes with a little woodglue added like titebond, and put the screws back in with a little handsoap smeared on the thread. Don't tighten them just yet until the glue dried up. PS these problems occur when you (someone?) has tightened the screws too much to begin with, or that the wood used for the flappers is softish, the glue trick will improve that. - Nout
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
Are they round or flat? The only reason I ask is because I've seen more broken flapper arms with the older round ones than the newer flat or rectangular looking arms.
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
It was one of Larry's with the round wires. My other one(that broke) was one of Larry's too.
I have to admit that the Bon Cajuns have served me well. Over the years it seems that I get some leakage and have to occasionally give the flapper a little tweak to cover all the 4 holes without leaking and sounding out when they are supposed to be sealed. I guess they get metal fatigue and finally break.
The good news....I talked to Larry and shipped it out today(Monday) and he'll jump on it.
Yee Ha!!! I love my A box.
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
Yeah Jim....but two different accordions. They do go to gigs, but not bumped severely. Occasionally I do have to slightly tweak a flapper if it doesn't lay flat and leaks out of one of the four holes. That does contribute to metal fatique. I guess I just play the hell out of them. ;-)
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
From my experience it seems that accordions with alum. wire flapper arms are somewhat more prone to that kind of damage than those with arms made of copper wire.
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
John you're absolutely right. Alluminum flappers don't hold up as good as copper. They're hard as hell to reset, and break when even slightly being bent to fix flapper leaks.
Re: flappers flying off during gig...where to send it for fast repair???
I have found that #8 bare copper ground wire works best. Seems to be plenty stiff enough. But, you can't mash the end where the screws go too thin or you create a weak point.