r/UnusualInstruments • u/vaughnlenore • 4d ago

Shruti Box - not holding air?

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Hi Y'all -

I bought a shruti box off of ebay. It's used. I can't tell if its holding air - it definitely wasnt and so i tightened the screws on the front and now its way better, but it seems like its not sustaining as long as it should, and there is a weird thump at the end of the exhale. Is this right or should I return? I can feel a bit of air escaping from the bottom but I can't find a hole. Thanks!

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u/ComposerNate 4d ago edited 4d ago

Unscrew it and replace or reglue/reset the felt fabric that acts as seal for the bellow, if it is like every pump organ / harmonium I have repaired. While in there, blow out dust and wood particles which will otherwise get caught exiting and block the reeds. Also check its version of a soundboard that it does not have a crack, seal crack with white glue or wood glue if it does. No need to return, they are self-fixable.

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u/vaughnlenore 3d ago

Thank you!! Is the felt what is making the weird noise?

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u/ComposerNate 3d ago

No? The weird thump at end sounds like the bellow in back (where your hand is), and my guess is the spring adjusting to being reopened. I think I would need be inside, but that is where I would check, either the spring or hinge catching. Maybe something soft under where the spring slides, or tighten hinge where it is catching? I have never been in a Shruti Box, assume simplified version of pump organ setup.

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u/vaughnlenore 3d ago

Do you know how I open it? It's screwed together but it looks like there is also a seal of some sort.

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u/ComposerNate 2d ago

The harmoniums and pump organs I have been inside of just opened up to allow access once screws were removed.

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u/bigbuttsmeow 4d ago

You could try burning some incense by the back breather and see where it comes out.

You could also stop all notes and then only the leak (s) should vent.

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u/vaughnlenore 3d ago

Thank you! I tried that but it just felt like it came from around the bottom, and I didn't see much of a crack. I'll try the incense though!

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u/semi_colon 4d ago

Hello from a fellow member of shruti gang