Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > July 2002 > 2002.07.01 > 05Prev  Next


Melodeon Portable Reed Organ Pedal Covering
By Reg Smith

Can anyone tell me what material was originally used to cover the
wooden pumper pedals for a mid-19th century melodeon?  I am repairing
an instrument whose pedals some previous "restorer" had recovered with
what appear to be pieces cut from linoleum floor tiles, which he then
covered with a garish red paint, sloppily applied.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with it, the "melodeon" I refer to is a
small, portable reed organ, probably used for camp meetings or other
outdoor gatherings.  This one has perfectly preserved gold stencils
decorating both ends, and also sounds quite nice with freshly repaired
bellows and cleaned reeds.  I would be grateful for any advice on the
pedal material (and color) if anyone may have an un-molested original
instrument in your possession.

Repairing this instrument is outside the realm of my normal (and much
preferred) work.  My forte is precision restoration of cylinder music
boxes, including complete in-house repinning of damaged cylinders, and
all comb repairs including accurately restoring their original maker's
unique tuning.

I wish you each a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.

Reg Smith - Sublime Harmony Music Box Restorations
Gainesville, Georgia
email: music-boxer@charter.net.geentroep


(Message sent Mon 1 Jul 2002, 09:50:13 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Covering, Melodeon, Organ, Pedal, Portable, Reed

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page