Pianotech

I need to replace the pedal straps on a reed pump organ that is housed in a museum.  If anyone has experience changing the straps on such an instrument I would be interested in any comments regarding the task, particularly as to difficulty.  At first glance it looks pretty straight forward.  I  can see the broken strap on the pedal but was wondering how the strap is attached to the bellows.  Any help is greatly appreciated

I've replaced them on a couple of organs. The straps were made of jute webbing, you can pick up a few feet of it at an upholstery shop. One was held in with screws and one with tacks as I recall.

The task may seem intimidating, but it is a straightforward replacement.  I have used heavy canvas rolled over into a triple layer in place of the original straps, though pedal strap material is available.

The hold-downs are usually a simple wood block held down with two screws.  If you lay the organ on its back the job may go easier (on some different organs this may not help).  Don't lose the original straps as you may need them for the lengths.

Good luck! 

The straps are generally screwed on under wood blocks. If not, replace any tacks with screws. The hardest part is accessing the bellows attachment, as it is hidden  behind case parts. I generally use a low-profile screwdriver like this one.  Once the bellows attachment block is removed, cut an extra-long strap and feed it through the wood roller, then fold the end and turn the screws through the block and strap. You can then find the holes and finger-start the screws, finishing the job with the screwdriver.  Once that is done, trial-fit the pedal ends so they are level. You may need to re-adjust the pedal connections if the straps stretch. Be sure the straps raise the pedals high enough to allow a full pedal stroke.