[ Philip Jamison wrote in 140701 MMDigest --

> Can the lead-acid battery be replaced or improved
> with a more modern battery unit?

Phil,  Hofbauer 'Tanzbaers' have been around for many years so will
need their batteries replaced.  I would be surprised if their original
batteries were lead acid as Nicads were available when they were made.
Anyhow, I'd recommend using nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries as
they give the best capacity for their size.

I recently replaced the batteries in my second-hand Thuringer
Konzertina with size AA solder-tab type NiMH batteries.  By using the
solder-tab type you can get them in a smaller space than using standard
AA cells which need to be put into a plastic holder.  Just solder them
together and tape to a thin wooden strip, then screw that into the organ.

Solder-tab AA NiMH cells can be difficult to find but I got some through
eBay.  Remember that if the original batteries really were lead acid
then you will need more cells to get the correct voltage, i.e., lead acid
is 2.0v per cell and NiMH is 1.2v per cell.

As for the sticking pallets, a fully charged battery may well un-stick
them but if not, release them manually.  I've never opened up a Hofbauer
so can't tell you if they used neoprene sheet for the pallet facings,
but if they are no good simply replace as necessary.

Good luck,
Nicholas Simons