Accordions are one of the most intriguing, exotic and charming musical instruments available, yet when played incorrectly can become quite painful to play.
If you’re in the market for an accordion, it pays to do your homework and know what you should look out for when shopping in person or online. Here are a few important points you should keep an eye out for:
What to Look for
Considerations should be given when searching for accordions for sale, including factors like cost, musical genre and brand name.
Begin your search by researching various brands and selecting one that best meets your needs. Each manufacturer specializes in particular styles, sizes and designs of accordions.
For instance, if your musical tastes lean toward French tunes, then it would likely be advantageous to opt for a musette accordion over straight tuned accordions. One company may specialize in beginner accordions while another produces chromatic versions.
Check that the instrument is in good condition before beginning practice. Sticky or soured keys or buttons could indicate it was improperly maintained over time; similarly, signs that reeds have degraded could indicate they are cracking under pressure, leading to rust spots on them and eventually breaking when played loudly.
Repairs
A standard 120/41 LMMH accordion contains 380 reed leathers that will need replacing at some point. They should lie flat against the reed plates, but as they age they tend to curl back.
Problematic air flow wasting results in snuffling or hesitation while playing, leading to cracking and potential injuries.
Fix this problem yourself by switching out the old leather gasket with one made of adhesive-backed foam rubber, such as those found at FRM Enterprises in Montreal for around $12 or $13. It is thicker and will seal more effectively.
Do not remove your reed plate without first thoroughly cleaning and replacing any worn or missing valves with new ones, then tuning each reed – this may take considerable time and care, but will result in an excellent sounding accordion!
Value
Accordions for sale typically range in price depending on their features and age, with more expensive models including tone chambers, microphones, electric pickups, stands, gig bags and back pads typically costing thousands.
Purchase of an accordion on sale can be an excellent way to save money and find an instrument that fits within your budget. Before making your selection, take the time to conduct an in-depth assessment of each instrument you consider buying.
As soon as you acquire an accordion for sale, the first thing to assess is its condition. Examine its appearance, determine if it has been played previously, and ensure the bellows work properly to gain an idea of how much work needs to be done to bring the instrument up to standard. This will give an estimate as to the total work necessary in bringing up to an acceptable standard.
Shipping
When searching for an accordion to purchase, it’s essential that you know what features to look out for. Doing your research beforehand will help ensure you do not end up spending more than necessary on an unwitting bargain.
As an example, when selecting an instrument case you should aim to find one with superior craftsmanship that fits snugly around it and protects it effectively. You should also investigate its warranty coverage to make an informed choice.
At last, you should also be mindful of shipping costs when making your purchase. These may differ depending on where your accordion comes from but typically run between $100-200 one way for international deliveries.
A great way to determine price is to conduct some online research and talk with friends and family for recommendations. Once you know the cost, compare that against what’s being sold locally before making your final decision.