Easy DIY Tips for Maintaining Your Alfred Arnold Bandoneon
It is important to take into account that most Alfred Arnold bandoneons are around 100 years old, and although there are some that still resist in good condition, this has a logical effect on their components.
Wood, Leather, and
Metals
Together with mother-of-pearl, these are the materials used in the bandoneon machines. The part of the bandoneon where most of the problems occur, but which fortunately can be fixed at home.
Bandoneon leathers
For all Alfred Arnold bandoneons The passage of time dries them out, hardens them and cakes them, causing little elasticity in the case of the valves of the voices; or cuts and holes in the leathers that are folded in the bellows; and loss of thickness and breakage due to dryness in those that work as joints. All circumstances that lead to malfunction and air leaks in the instrument.
Bandoneon metals
Corrode and also lose their aesthetic properties in the case of ornaments, and their mechanical and elastic properties in the case of springs, bearings, nails and screws. As for the reeds, the humidity of some environments generates rust on them, resulting in detuning.
Bandoneon wood
Also suffers twisting and wear due to use and changes in the environment, both in the machines and in the furniture. And the glues expire and crystallize, losing their adherence.
Combined with all this, luthiers are far away, repairs are very expensive, and it is very difficult to find information to do it alone.
Let's get to know your bandoneon, help and learn are my mottos.
The bandoneon grows if we ALL learn.
Some Maintenance tips for Alfred Arnold bandoneons
Keep your bandoneon away from the ground when not in use to avoid possible moisture that could affect its leather, wood and metal components. Keep in mind that changes in climate and temperature affect the wood of the instrument, causing expansion and contraction. I recommend that you do not tighten the screws on the covers too much so that they do not get stuck or even cause caving in the wood in case of temperature changes. Furthermore, when you are going to play in a place where the bandoneon suffers a sudden change in temperature (especially from hot to cold), I recommend that you open and close the bandoneon several times with the valve before playing, so that the new air can circulate through the bandoneon. inside the bandoneon and acclimatize for a few minutes. This way you will avoid breaks in your voices due to sudden changes in ambient temperature. Something else to keep in mind about the screws on the covers. This model is very old and had wood screws instead of threaded screws. Install new AA Fabrik screws, but I still recommend being very careful when installing and removing them. The thread is a little weak and to avoid sweeps the ideal is to support the screws and turn gently when we notice that it coincides with the hole in the nut. Be very careful with the salt in places close to the sea, or stages with machine smoke, they can generate rust and destroy the voices of your bandoneon in a very short time, try to play away from those places.
