[Pam A]

Geraldo, this looks quite nice! Did you use spray paint or brush on paint?

[Pam A]

Wow! Can’t wait to hear it as well!

[Pam A]

This is amazing to watch! Thanks for finding this video. You must have spent hours scouring the internet to find it!

[Pam A]

Thanks so much Melodica-Me and Alan! This helps a lot. I was thinking 35 seconds of air was perhaps the norm but if 15 to 20 is pretty good then I think I will check for air leaks as you suggested with the soapy water test and eye dropper. If tight, then just have to develop my lung capacity and love my old instrument! Thanks again!

[Pam A]

Wanted to report that I replaced all my washers, a few felt pads and the gasket with MelodicaMe’s great materials. What a lovely difference it makes! Now all keys are functioning well (I did have to blow hard on one and unstick the reed). Another question for the group. I know the older instruments take more air than the newer instruments and in fact the Claviettas are quite “breathy”. I can sustain a note for around 15 to 20 seconds now that mine is sealed better with the new gasket but wondering if that’s about normal for an instrument with so many individual reeds and old wax sealing the reed plates. I did see where someone had posted that they had used this rope caulk beading to seal as a gasket material and then gotten a sustained note for 35 sec. I am just wondering if that’s the difference between an experienced player with better lung capacity than I have versus my instrument still being a bit on the leaky side. I can hear an air leak when blowing into the instrument unlike the newer instruments when no keys are depressed but can’t really locate where the air leaks from exactly so figure it is either still some gasket leak, leak around the reed plates themselves or just an old instrument that naturally takes a lot of air even when tight due to the configuration of individual reed plates sealed with wax (which of course has now deteriorated over time). Thanks for any words of advice you guys might have. I am continuing to slowly tighten the screws on the air gasket metal to create a tight seal but would think it would not take a lot of pressure since the lacing I got from MelodicaMe appears quite sturdy and level. Has anyone used the caulking rope or silicon caulking as a primary gasket material?

[Pam A]

I think I should just replace all the washers. Will have to eat my Wheaties to tackle that though! And Alan, you’re double the best! LOL!

[Pam A]

Thanks so much Melodica-Me! I will definitely send you a message on Facebook page! You’re the best!
Pam

[Pam A]

I need some advice. I have a Clavietta but 2 keys no longer produce sound and it seems rather leaky. I opened it up and checked it out. There is practically no gasket material left around the air chamber. One key seemed to have a felt pad that was deteriorating. I rearranged the felt pieces a bit and tightened screws. Rubber gaskets seemed intact and not deteriorated. I tweaked the reeds but they all seemed intact and not stuck. When I closed the Clavietta up again, one key had begun to work but the one next to it now didn’t while the other original key was still unresponsive. I’m wondering if it is possible that I just need a new gasket seal and if so, what material you would recommend? I also am wondering whether anyone has replaced the felt pads and if so with what material? Hopefully someone has some expertise in this area. I would appreciate it very much.

[Pam A]

Thanks, Alan! Great advice! Will do and let you know how it turns out! Love that knife blade idea and the finger trick! Simple but effective! And that unevenness does make a melodica look cheap, like a toy. Thanks!

[Pam A]

[Pam A]

Thanks so much for the swift response Alan! Yes, the offending key sticks. It is the high E. I do get sound with the key depressed but the key sticks and then the reed sounds when other keys are played. So I suspect the key mechanism is the issue. I’m tending to leave it or just open that end cover like you suggested. Brilliant idea there! Then shouldn’t have to deal with the whole gasket thing but could take a peak at the key. Super suggestion. As to the sound, I really like it! The keys are rather clacky but the sound is sweet and it appears to be really air tight. I like the sounds – guess I would describe it as a harmonica sound. I’m a real amateur so not sure of all the terms tossed around here. The unit is rather heavy compared to other melodicas I have but it is 34 keys and does have that wooden board inside. Your photos have been so helpful! Thanks for posting them. My lowest C key is quite springy but sounds fine and doesn’t stick so I am leaving well enough alone at that end!

[Pam A]

To my surprise, I just picked the Silvertone up again and find all but 1 key now playing! This is exciting! The one key appears to be a key that the spring is not working for fingers crossed. It is the high E so maybe not worth trying to open and repair at this time.

[Pam A]

Hi Alan! I recently bought a Silvertone and just received it. There are 4 keys that don’t play – I suspect that it is the key mechanisms that need to be repaired or simply reset. I’m a little hesitant to take it apart after reading a bit of the posts. But I realize you recommend working on the hex bolts on the back and then the keys and reeds lift out from the front. Am I reading this correctly? All the other keys play quite nicely and I love the sound so far so don’t want to destroy anything in the process. I did dismantle my Hohner Piano 36 and reassemble without destroying it so think I’m up for the task. Any other words of advice before I tackle this challenge?

[Pam A]

Lovely! I really enjoyed this jam! Keep it up and post more!

[Pam A]

Thanks, Alan! I hadn’t noticed the difference in the range of scales – maybe the difference between alto and soprano, who knows. But glad for the info. Not sure of quality of Zen-on Piany but this one is fun. Doesn’t sound too bad either but I don’t have the most discerning ear either. LOL.

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