With the notable exception of one-row instruments, most melodeons have two ‘voices’, that is to say they have two reeds per note. These can be tuned in different ways to achieve different tones:
- Dry Tuning – This is where both reeds are tuned exactly the same, giving a very clean, pure sound.
- Light Swing – The reeds are tuned slightly apart, giving a clean, but slightly warmer sound.
- Swing – This gives a very light tremolo, and is the factory standard for Castagnari instruments.
- Tremolo – A slightly more open sound, and the factory standard for Dino Baffetti and Saltarelle instruments.
- Wet – The most luxurious of the tremolo tunings, and the factory standard for Hohner instruments.
Which tuning to choose is purely a matter of personal taste. Some musicians prefer the clean, pure sound of dryer tunings, whilst others favour the warmth and perceived added volume of the wetter options.
All work is guaranteed for 12 months. To discuss your tuning requirements, please get in touch using the contact form below.
From time to time, repairs can also be necessary: from routine servicing needs such as replacing broken springs, old valves, or chipped buttons, to dealing with more serious damage to the casework or internal mechanisms of the instrument.
Restoration of vintage and antique melodeons requires an initial assessment of the condition of the instrument. A range of things will be considered:
- Reed wax – on older models of melodeon such as Hohner, the reeds are fastened onto the reed block with a mixture of beeswax and rosin. Overtime this wax mixture tends to dry and crumble, and replacement may become necessary.
- Reeds – the condition of the reed plates and tongues must be considered, and where necessary cleaned.
- Reed Valves – the valves regulating air flow to the reed tongues will be replaced.
De-clubbing and Conversion
I am pleased to be able to offer a sales service. All instruments sold through Boxwright will be given a full service, and be subject to a 1 year guarantee.