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How To Take Care of Your Harmonium

The harmonium has a number of delicate parts that are made of cloth or leather. These restrict and maintain the air within chambers and the bellows. These parts are usually held in place with water soluble glues. It is important not to expose your harmonium to extremes in temperature or moisture. Be very careful around curious children. If you have ever heard a parent tell you they had to replace the VCR because there was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich stuck in to the tape slot- well there are a number vents, and holes on the harmonium that are perfect for small fingers, pencils, etc. Any holes in the bellows, or cloth vent covers will cause air leaks in the chambers and your harmonium will need repair.

The instrument itself is hand crafted of wood, which will also react to the changes in moisture and temperature. Changes in the wooden parts can cause the reeds to buzz. Sometimes simply playing a reed over and over will eliminate the buzz. If that does not work you may whish to try loosening the screws on the reed, lifting the reed slightly and then re-tightening it. Any small bit of debris in a reed will also cause it to buzz. Clean them carefully, reeds can be easily bent and then they may not work, or the note can be altered.

Don't leave air inside while closing the harmonium bellows. Always press a few keys while closing a bellow to remove all the air from the inner bellows otherwise this would cause leakage in the harmonium. Avoid pumping the bellows with all the stops pushed in; this will cause greater pressure in the chambers than the delicate parts can handle and may lead to leaks.

You can dust the harmonium with a slightly damp cloth. To prevent dust collection, cover the harmonium with a section of lint-free fabric, such as a silk brocade.

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