DIY Accordion Backstrap Tutorial: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

[@SqueezeandThanks]

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[@samadams8355]

@SqueezeandThanks I just tried this method, substituting one element: I had a spare 2" accordion backstrap sitting around that I had bought in a vain attempt to improve on the one that came with my Scandalli. Turns out the strap wasn't the problem at all. I am just not able to fasten it myself behind my back. I used the strap in place of the velcro strip, and tightened it up enough on the buckle to get a comfortable but secure strap length once I've put on the rig and buckled it..This is a wonderful technique! I'm sure my spine and shoulders will be in much better shape with the backstrap on. I'm so glad you have recovered from your accordion-related injuries and that they didn't keep you from making music again.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

I’m very happy to hear you found a better solution to your strap setup Sam, that’s great! Awesome tip on the extra backstrap use, that’s an idea I haven’t thought of. I appreciate the kind words my friend, hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving season!

[@nk41keys]

After shoulder replacement surgery I couldn't reach behind my back to buckle my back strap. This video provided me a way to overcome this problem. Thank you so much for this video!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

I am incredibly happy to hear this was useful for your situation brother! The shoulder is by far our weakest point as accordion players and I can definitely sympathize dealing with setbacks. Really glad you were able to get the attention you needed to overcome this and get back behind the box again. Much love my friend ❤ keep on squeezin'!

[@zacwoodward6054]

You saved my shoulder! Ive only been playing for 5 months and developed shoulder pain that I started seeing a PT for. Your strap mod moved the straps of of my left scapula and onto the bigger muscle groups (traps) so my left arm can move more naturally now. A lot of my pain disappeared in my first practice with this mod.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

@@zacwoodward6054 YESSSS! 😆 I’m so so happy to hear this is helping you continue to play without pain Zac! Definitely stick to the PT too despite how annoying it can get sometimes, every little bit you can do to build it up again will help. You ever need anything, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email, happy to help!

[@jackmacica5407]

Great hack for the bottom strap Denny. Now I can use my back strap without having help!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Hey Jack, hope you've been well brother!! So happy to hear you found this tip useful, it's such a game changer! Appreciate you tuning into this!

[@kitchengangstas8056]

So much YES! Instantly my shoulders and back felt relief. Thanks!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Ah I’m so happy to hear that!! Really appreciate the “super thanks”, that’s very kind of you!! ❤️

[@811birch]

Hi Denny, I really wanted to let you know how happy I was with this suggestion. However putting it together was challenging and I am now thinking about other backstrap options. I am an older adult who lives near by (Columbus, Ohio). Many of the steps you described included some short shots of what you were talking about followed up with a quick move onto the next step. It was frustrating and I feel bad putting this out there because I really appreciate your musical intentions.

[@811birch]

Hi Denny, This is me, Guy from Columbus again. I was finally able to figure out how to set up the attachment. I am really pleased with this new set up, thanks to you. I would recommend if you have the time and interest to include another video that provides more details about adding the Velcro strip to the buckle and place at the bottom of the accordion where the straps are attached. It me some time to figure this out. Keep doing what you are doing! 👍🏽 🪗!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

@@811birch hey Guy! I’m really glad to hear you were finally able to get things up and running despite the challenges of setting it up. It’s definitely well worth the hassle once the project is competed… wanna add a bit of advice too, I got strap buckle guards recently, they’re like $10 at petosa’s website… they’re heavy duty elastic tubes that you slide over the buckles and it tidies everything up very nicely! I got two sets and used one them on top straps and one on the backstrap buckle. Well worth it in my opinion :) hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving coming up my friend!! 🪗🙏

[@811birch]

@@SqueezeandThanks Thanks for the suggestion Denny on the strap buckle guards sold by Petosa. I will definitely need to check that out!

[@38scsharma]

A wonderful Tutorial ! A wonderful guide ! However - Regrets for me because it is too late for me to correct my posture now ! Accordion has been a passionate hobby for me since the 1950s - self taught - No ' KZbin ' or back straps/pads in those days or " Squeeze &Thanks" to guide and warn about maintaining correct posture while playing it. Sir - you are doing a great and wonderful job for all who love to play this most beautiful instrument in the world ! Please keep it up and keep innovating . Warm Regards.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Sorry for the late reply… but what a wonderful thing to say, thank you :) little late, but hopefully it still serves you some relief. Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving season my friend, much love! ❤

[@38scsharma]

Perfectly fine Sir - Thanks and Regards.@@SqueezeandThanks

[@tandemwings4733]

Hey, me again. I've been struggling with the backstrap/no backstrap thing now for years. I just couldn't make the backstrap routine work, which was a serious problem coz I use a Scandalli Polifonico X that weighs around 11.5 kilos (about 25lbs for those that still live in the dark ages 🤣🤣), and so strapping it on for 3 to 4 hrs solid at dances nights was causing muscle soreness to the point of distraction. So recently I bought a new backstrap from my (not-so-local) supplier and set it up rather more firmly on my fantastic Italian straps, the result being that last Saturday night was the most comfortable and stress-free night dance ever. It really is worth the effort to do this properly.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

My heart goes out to ya for sure, 25 lbs for that many hours is no joke! I’m glad to hear you found a better solution and you’re back at it with less pain. So good to hear that!

[@johnwest5396]

Thanks for the video. Have altered my accordions as you suggest. Clipping the left strap at the bottom is so much easier than trying to put the conventional straps together

[@SqueezeandThanks]

So happy to hear that you tried this out and it’s working out well for you John, it’s been such a game changer. Appreciate your order too brother, hope you enjoy the charts when they arrive. Lmk if I can help in any way when you start to unpack everything 🙂

[@johnwest5396]

Hi the the charts have not arrived yet. I wonder if I ever will receive them@@SqueezeandThanks

[@davidmorel373]

You are a GENIUS. Thank you so much. Subbed.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

So happy to hear the video resonated with you David! Really appreciate you sticking around 💯 Report back and let me know how it goes it you complete the build or at least implement some of the other tips in there, exited to hear how it works out for you brother!

[@jimmygumballs4993]

Excellent idea for that clip at the bottom.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Glad you found it cool! Report back if you give it a whirl, would love to hear how it works out for you

[@abigailpauley]

Great idea! Love it!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Thanks Abi!! 😊 I wish I could take credit, I heard of using the dog collar from Sebastian Bravo 🙌

[@SqueezeandThanks]

🙂🙏❤

[@beholder2012]

Thanks! I have to consider this kind of „upgrade”.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

You're welcome!! Report back and lmk how it goes if you decide to do it :)

[@beholder2012]

@@SqueezeandThanks I think at first I'll try it with my old straps, since they are rather worn - just in case I could do any mistake. Only then I'll place order for quite new ones.

[@rupendradhillon]

Thank you so much. I will try this out.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Awesome, you're very welcome! Report back and let me know how it goes for you and if you have any better tips, it would be great to hear your approach!

[@Robstalobsta82]

Thanks for the awesome videos and that shout out. That was a nice surprise 😊

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Sure thing Rob!! Glad you enjoyed the video my friend 😊🤝💯

[@TheCryptKeeper8]

Thanks dude.

[@SqueezeandThanks]

@@TheCryptKeeper8 sure thing my friend!!

[@headmermaid]

Great video, Denny! Thank you!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Aw glad you liked it! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ❤

[@Tcustoms]

Love it!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

🙂 thanks brother!!

[@DissonantCat]

Got it done, thank you! I didn't use the glue though, thought that might be over kill. Cheers

[@SqueezeandThanks]

@@DissonantCat ah that’s awesome you went ahead and added it! What’s your initial impressions?

[@DissonantCat]

So far I'm liking it!!

[@jean-felixbernier7008]

Love it ! thanks for sharing your knowledge 👌 also, video quality is imaculate!

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Ah thank you so much man, having you tune into this despite not being a squeezer means the world to me!!

[@SmilinJackAccordion]

Super Good video Denny ... entertaining too. You really are using the - K/11 - (inspiration) to encourage people who have doubts about DIY . Not everyone has the confidence you do or believe they can be creative ... but a video like this with careful attention to detail can get them to give it a try, and with SUCCESS, the person becomes more willing to try other DIY projects. Success builds confidence and stimulates creativity !

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Ah such kind words Jack, thank you brother! Sometimes it takes another perspective such as yours to remind me of the importance of these tutorials for the younger generations to come. These are a whole lot of work but it's comments like these that make it worth it. Hope you're doing well and staying inspired! Looking forward to your next video my friend :)

[@louieTraina]

Hi I can't find the petosa curved straps do you have a link?

[@SqueezeandThanks]

Sorry for the late reply! 😬 petosa.com/collections/straps Either the A100 or A200 based on size… I’m 6’2”, 215lbs and got the bigger set of straps bc the smaller ones were sold out, but they barely fit me properly, they were almost too big. Even at my height/weight I probably could have gotten the smaller ones