I am the new owner of a used 1985 Hofbauer Harmonipan with Mikrobox.
When I unpacked the unit and turned the crank, there was a sound like
a valve stuck open.  That was before even any electric was connected.

The sound can best be described as one of the lower note valves, but
not necessarily the bass notes.  I liken it to a drone from a bagpipe
and is noticeable behind any music I cranked up on the electronics.

I had some advice over Skype on taking the unit apart to the point
where the top pipes themselves were removed and it came down to the
area where the solenoids might be and no way to access that area.
The advice I was given was to put it together and see if I can find
some technical help close by.  It was suggested that because we saw
no way of getting to that bottom box, the unit itself from top down,
including the electronics may have to be taken apart, layer by layer
to get to the box below the pipes.

Has anyone any suggestions or can you help me through Skype?  Are you
close enough by that I can drive the unit to you for help?

Any assistance would be appreciated.  I just paid $800 to get the unit
shipped here and can't see myself going to Germany for help.  I'd like
to get some use out of this organ this summer, without depleting my
dwindling bank account.

You can contact me at <chklemm@telus.net.geentroep> [delete ".geentroep"
to reply]  Skype is <albertaopa>, MSN messenger is <Carlo Klemm>  I
work during the day and only have alternate weekends off.

Thank you!

Carlo Klemm
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada