I have a seth gallagher bellows which at one time was the bizomb. Now it leaks. Like most of you, I am impatient and I don’t want to send it back to him and wait 4 weeks to get it back. Any tips on how to seal a leaky bellows? There is a leather shop down the street from me I was thinking about taking it there, or perhaps some fix-a-flat?
regards
TGB
Have you found the leak? Sometimes it’s the intake valve and it can be relatively easy to fix - just adjust the leather flap.
I agree with PJ, first find out exactly where the leak is coming from as it may be a very simple fix.
Cheers,
CJ
Alright lets be a bit more specific shall we.
Plug the exit hole(where the pipe is)brush some soapy water solution around all the seams and inflate then deflate the bellows.Ye will find bubbling up if there is leakage around the seams.To remedy this ye can try pouring some bagpipe seasoning into it..Remove the valve and the outlet pipe.Seal the valve hole with some gaffer tape.Pour the solution in and work it around with your hands making sure it gets into all the seams,pour the excess out and leave it overnight,this will also help the leather if it has become porus over time
Ye can also remove the flapper valve and blow into it and then suck it.Blowing will tell ye if it is moving freely and when ye suck ye shouldn’t be able to get any air back.If ye do,then put the valve leather side down on a flat surface and put a piece o wood across the other end and give it a sharp tap with a mallet this may help to seat the valve .If that fails then replace the valve.This is very simple bellows maintenance, it may be however that the leather gussett is worn and will need replacing and if ye are not confident to do that then send it back to your maker for repair.
Good Luck I’m sure ye will fix it its not rocket science. 
Slán Go Foill
Uilliam
bizomb!!
Bizomb? is that a derivation of Bizzum meaning the business?
Just wondering
Uilliam
Da bomb North American gangster lingo. 
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bizomb
upiper71
I found the leak. Damn it is huge. Like the whole bellows is coming apart at where the leather is seamed together at the end that looks like this.. <. Whatever that thingy is called. I glued the bastard back together with some stuff that is supposed to bend when dry. We shall see about that one. Also it has to dry 24 hours. 24 hours without a B set will make me a fiddle player again.
BTW Seth’s bellows are sweet, and I have never had a problem with them. I think this is a glitch.
Have you had the bellows/set long? If not, I’d recommend sending it in to Seth, even if you end up waiting 2-4wks to get it back, you receive it back with twice the amount of care and repair than its current state.
Daryl
Flooter 1979 wrote…
“BTW Seth’s bellows are sweet, and I have never had a problem with them. I think this is a glitch.”
I think its a leak!!
The < thingy as ye put it is called the Gusset.I take it ye took the hinge strap off to re-glue it?
Nice photo 
Slán Go Foill
Uilliam
yeah i took that thing off. i might send it back to him, bite the bullet and all. i just got the set back from a local pipemaker guru, and it sounds really good…the reeds and all.. I have no patience accordingly.
Yea, I know it tis a pain in the kiester, but in the long run, you’ll be glad you did return it to him. I spoken to him personally, at North Hero 2004 about his products, and he is a really nice,friendly, likeable guy, and take pride in his work..I’m sure you’ll appreciate it afterwards.
Daryl Mc