Thirty people squeezed into a room at Mendlesham Community Centre on Sunday 27th March 2011, bearing squeezeboxes of all ages in varying states of
disrepair. Theo Gibb and Rees Wesson, aided by Martyn White from Essex, proceeded to impart many arcane bits of knowledge about glue, gaskets, buying old tools from car boot sales, removing rust, and most importantly, what NOT to do to your melodeon when trying to fix minor problems. Some people were old hands at some aspects of repair, but lacking confidence, whilst others had never ventured inside their instrument before!

Below is the prospectus for the 2011 course, which has now finished. There will probably be another in 2013.

The day will be led by experienced repairers Rees Wesson and Theo Gibb who have worked with us on the previous one in 2009, and on our Melodeon-Makers course over the last three years.

During the day, you can expect a mixture of demonstrations and practical work, covering: bellows, pallets, springs, glue, tools, tuning, wax, valves, reeds and reed-blocks.

The aim is to help you identify and evaluate problems, and learn some of the recommended methods for maintenance and repairs, including tuning.

Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.