[Philippa Collings]

Hi Darren, sorry for delay in replying, I was holidaying .. yes, I bought the pianica from Amazon but I think as long as you have proof of purchase it should be ok. I bought the airboard from bax-shop. Glad this has been useful info for you.
I’ll let you know when the reed plate arrives.

[Philippa Collings]

Hi Daren
Yes, reed plates appear to come under the standard 24 month warranty for parts so Yamaha are sending me out a replacement free of charge -coming from Japan in 2/3 weeks, fantastic service!

[Philippa Collings]

Hi Darren, thanks, it sounds as though I’ve just been unlucky then, if a failed reed is one that has no ping in it then that’s what it is!
I’ve just bought a hohner 37 airboard for £60 that arrived in two days! So at least I have something to play though it feels a bit clunky after the pianica. Having said that it’s a lot easier to play really quietly. I prefer the pianica though so definitely want to get it sorted.
I’m going to phone Yamaha tomorrow as I’ve only had my pianica for 6 months so it might come under the warranty? Thanks to you and Alan, I might actually sound as if I know what I’m talking about!
The £48 quote I had for the top reed plate was actually from Sontec – they charge £33 to deliver to Ireland! So if I end up having to buy one I’ll have it delivered to Northern Ireland, 10 miles up the road and only(!) £14 delivery. Obviously it makes sense to order more than one reed plate at a time. Anyone in this group fancy setting up a spare parts business?!!

[Philippa Collings]

Thanks very much Alan, that’s really helpful. I will have a go at the regapping and tuning, will check again the price I was given for a reed plate. Really glad I joined this forum though I seem to be benefiting from it rather more than contributing, hopefully one day I’ll be able to return the favour. Thanks again, Philippa

[Philippa Collings]

Hi all
The top A on my Yamaha pianica went really flat, more than a semitone, over a two week period. When I opened it up the reed looked as though it had bent, so I tried to flatten it again. I mustn’t have done it right as it now doesn’t play at all… I’ve had a quote for a new top section reed plate for £48.00, and apparently the Yamaha site says out of stock, so no idea when it might arrive. I’ve used it as an excuse to order another melodica and am going to try the hohner airboard for a contrast, but does anyone know where I could source a new reed plate more quickly and preferably cheaper than 48 quid? Or any tips on how to bring the reed back to playing again? I wondered about trying to iron it?!! Any of you experienced people out there got any ideas about what I could do? I’d be very grateful.
Six months in to learning now and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Recently found out there’s a whole load of reggae music featuring melodica but expect you know about that.

[Philippa Collings]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies and suggestions I shall try them all -apologies for not getting back sooner but have been staying in the wilds of Sligo for the feadh Cheoil (all Ireland read music festival) and had little access to the internet. While there I took the yamaha 32 into an accordion maker and he doesn’t think the ends can be swapped around successfully – so I will keep my eye out for some of the models suggested. In the meantime I’m playing it upside down with the hose coming out from the mouthpiece end which works fine for the time being. I don’t think I can manage to play over the top of the black keys is too much of a strain on the hand and feels clumsy, maybe ok if the left hand is just playing the accompaniment but difficult for tunes. Maybe eventually I could get one custom made? Thanks again I’ll let you all know how I get on, cheers, Philippa

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