So, did you know that accordions are basically held together with beeswax? You can't see it, but inside it is used to mount the metal reeds with an airtight seal.
Since concertinas also use accordion reeds, I got the fun pleasure of discovering the joys of accordion wax when I picked up my concertina today and tried to play it. About 8 buttons produced no sounds at all. I unscrewed the end, pulled out the reed board, and... no reeds! Instead, there was melted wax goop everywhere and a few reeds rattling around inside. Great.
SO, the concertina is not functional -- just when I was inspired to use it in a song I am composing and recording (tentatively titled "Chaos Theory") Now I must create my own accordion wax (the only recipe I've seen indicated a mix of 90% beeswax and 10% pine resin) and figure out how to mount my reeds back inside the instrument. FUN! Maybe I should just open my own musical-instrument construction and repair shop?
P.S. I also have made zero progress on completing the theremin, despite the fact that I now have all tools and required components.
I suck.
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2 comments:
how did the wax melt? that sucks though, i hope it works when you fix it. (this is Dan if you couldnt tell)
The wax melted probably because it does not love 109 degree Nevada weather?
I think the Hoover Dam almost melted when we were there.
Anyway, I ordered some pre-mixed accordion wax from some dude in Scotland via eBay. Should be here soon. I just need to clean the reeds in kerosene or something and then rewax them on (melt in pot and then spoon it or use a soldering iron, not sure, it's gonna be messy and suck though probably)
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