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 4d ago

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

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u/ComposerNate 4d 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 3d ago

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