How to Tune an Accordion with Scraper and File: Explained in 7 minutes

[@TomsMusicShop]

In this accordion tutorial, I show you how to tune an accordion manually, with a scraper and file. You also need a tuning app, a test bellows, and some brass metal strips to hold the reeds. Equipped with these few tools, you can straighten out the tuning on any accordion reed. Take a look below at some product links of where to find these tools. Products used/recommended in this video: (these are affiliate links that help fund videos like this, at no extra cost to you) ☘Scraper Tool: ebay.us/DYTPwX ☘Further Tools (BossettoAccordions): ebay.us/AWq4VF DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. Affiliate commissions help fund videos like this one.

[@thedistinguished5255]

instead of a scraper and an accordion file i used a screwdriver and a nail file, and it worked just fine!

[@dannongwu]

I always watch your coffee tutorials and comparing videos. .. But never thought you shown up when I searched how to tune accordion by oneself video 😂 congrats to your multi talent! ❤

[@TomsMusicShop]

Hi Dannong, that's so kind of you to say! Amazing accordion playing by the way, I am very impressed! Take care, Tom

[@dannongwu]

@@TomsMusicShop Hi Tom, thank you so much for your kind words too ! 😊 All best Dannong

[@bigsqueezyaccordionrepair8510]

One rather important point that is not mentioned here is that the reed will often sound a slightly different pitch when the reed block is outside the accordion. Sometimes it is only a matter of a cent or two, but can be as much as 5 or even 10 cents difference. To tune precisely, it is necessary to either tune with the blocks secured inside the accordion, or measure and record all the pitches with the accordion intact, and then add or subtract the difference when the blocks are outside the instrument. Although precision is a bit less important on an accordion like this, which is likely quite wet tuned anyway and has no dry register.

[@wheatonna]

On my chromatic, if the inner reed is in tune when installed, I can just match the outer one to that.

[@adamcolbertmusic]

@@wheatonna Good point. I was just going to say that the original comment (which I wasn't aware of and is very good to know) applies to using a tuner, so as to have the entire accordion tuned accurately in standard tuning. However, if you're merely fixing a wonky note and you're getting the instrument relatively in tune with itself, then as long as the two reeds (inner and outer) sound in unison outside the accordion, then they will sound in unison inside the accordion.

[@ilfisarmonicistapazz]

What about the shift in frequency between blocks inside/outside the isntrument?

[@ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗΠΕΛΤΕΚΗ-ξ7φ]

Thank you sir, very helpful! I will try it to a small hohner accordion!

[@Charleythegod]

Someone please watch and learn. Your skills will be much appreciated

[@rajakaz4075]

True inspiration, Tom! Thanks a lot! ❤

[@johnmickey5897]

I noticed something when trying this out, I used the same app you are using here, and when I downloaded it, it defaulted to showing A G F E… instead of A B C D like the screen in the video, so I scratched up one reed pretty badly because I thought I was doing the right scraping but I was doing the exact opposite and making it worse since the tuning screen was backwards, Also, I have 2 accordions, one is near perfectly in tune, I checked the reed block of the in-tune one on my test bellows and the tuning was consistently higher on each note outside of the accordion, this should be noted when tuning like this, otherwise you’ll put the accordion back together and it will be slightly out of tune.

[@predator627]

Hi Tom , could you make a video about tuning table how many holes goes on the top just a little info how to make one

[@frankie7torres]

Hi Tom,I was wondering if you have a chart for tunning but before the standarrization, meaning when before A=440 i been reseaching google but it seems to be gone,

[@sebastianbravo8829]

good video Tom! You need to place a leather gasket in the test bellows holes in order to achieve better air pressure.

[@adrianpolley9419]

Hi, Have you done a video covering the leather replacement. What glue is best, is leather or plastic best, if using plastic should you use one piece or two, which reeds don't need covering etc. This is what I find most confusing. Thanks.

[@TomsMusicShop]

Hi, no I haven't done such a video. Plastic is easier to glue, but leather seems to be the choice for larger bass reeds. Only the smallest treble reeds don't require a cover. Cheers!

[@adrianpolley9419]

@@TomsMusicShop OK, thanks for taking the time to reply. All the best

[@seanryan1176]

Thanks again Tom. Well done

[@TomsMusicShop]

Very welcome, Sean!

[@costyzaharya4136]

Ai putea sa ma ajuți te rog vreau sa fac un acord 880 bandon cu tunetul care îl ai și tu in videoclip poti sami spui cum îl regleze sau daca merge te rog din setări l-am pus pe 880.0 dar că sunet n-are nici o schimbare comparativ cu 440.0te rog să-mi spui dacă se poate sau nu

[@Alan_Gingerbard]

Hey thanks for this detailed video! it was very helpful for me! I just have a question. I have an issue with some tongues. When i give more air to play louder the tunig drops, when it give less air it rises. how can i fix this? greetings!

[@AccordionManiac]

What did you add to your bellows to make them test bellows? Piece of wood on each side and one hole to place the reed block hole against?

[@TomsMusicShop]

Hi yes, just balsa wood.

[@untejano1231]

The block is stamped GCF is that correct or has that block been changed to a different key?

[@noodles7196]

Amazing video

[@TomsMusicShop]

Glad you think so!

[@gomes9886]

Thanks for the explanatory video. Where can I buy this pointed, needle-like tool?

[@TomsMusicShop]

Hi Gomez! The link is in the description, but here as well: Scraper Tool: ebay.us/DYTPwX Thanks for watching!

[@maxsolinasmusic]

Hi Tom, thank you! What about the tuning of the other side of a single voice? If the voice is fixed yet, we can't operate on the opposite face

[@TomsMusicShop]

One side is around 0, while the other side is about 20 cents higher on average.

[@Sp4wnf3rk3l]

Hey Tom :) Thanks a lot for your videos. I've got some old accordions to train with but i ran into problems lately. I've build a tuning table for myself and so on... but i can't get a consistent pitch. It feels like every time i place the reedblock on my table it has a different pitch than the last time :D it is quite frustrating.

[@TomsMusicShop]

Are you sure your mic is placed correctly? Also, the wind speed seems to make somewhat of a difference.

[@JeovasanfoneiropsNovo]

Qual o nome do application de Afinador?

[@petelopez6051]

tom is awesome

[@mromar355]

Hello Tom. I find your videos very helpful just like everyone here so i subscribed not to miss any content. Just like most these guys I also have a question, I will try to tune my Gabbanelli diatonic in the key of FBE. Looking at the chart here there is the common notes like A, C, F but there is also buttons (on the chart) that say -A, -A#, d#+, and so on.. How do you set your tuner up for those notes? I own a chromatic tuner, the needle type Boss TU-12. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@TomsMusicShop]

Hi Omar, any tuner recognizes all notes, whether flat, sharp, or not. The key really, is tuning one side of the reedblock slightly higher (average 20 cents higher) than the other, to attain a tremolo sound. I would recommend contacting a local accordion tuning specialist, and asking him/her for some lessons.

[@Acordeon-y-Mas]

Thank you for the video Tom, Normally what is the cost to tuning the accordion in the shop?

[@TomsMusicShop]

Hi! I think it's $2 per reed. At least that is what they charged me.

[@MrJCIRELAND]

I was quoted €300 in Ireland to do a basic tuning on my 4 voice diatonic Paolo Soprani. I was also told that if any reeds or valves required any work, then the price could be prohibitively expensive.

[@keithelgrande]

The G note on a reed that your raised is on the push? The G note that your lowered is on the pull?

[@TomsMusicShop]

Well, the notes are inverted when you take the reed block out of the accordion.

[@UltimoLegado209]

How can I have a setup for my own shop? And where can I get some Vinci reeds?? And one more… how can I know what reed goes where ??

[@TomsMusicShop]

You just have to experiment, and try to find documentation online - like in forums and stuff. Or, find a local accordion tuner, and ask him/her for some pointers.

[@mariafajardo3494]

Hello Tom do u make accordion tuner boxes for sale ?

[@TomsMusicShop]

No, sorry I don't. I just fixed boxes that didn't need all too much updating.

[@94ferraz]

Did you accrodion Acessorios?

[@TomsMusicShop]

No sorry, not anymore. Cheers!

[@LuficariusRatspeed]

It seems that second ebay link has run out of inventory!

[@TomsMusicShop]

Thanks - it looks like they closed up shop...

[@jimsanders4425]

I can't tell exactly where you are scraping /filing. A closer-up view would help, and perhaps move your finger out of the way of the actual scraping motion.

[@TomsMusicShop]

Sorry about that Jim. I will try to include some closeups next time. Cheers!

[@annann4786]

I wanted to say the same thing

[@frikici]

Do not tune reeds out side of accordion! Someone will try this way on expensive accordions and it will make more damage than good. Reeds are always tested and fine tuned inside of accordion with help of use bellows table !

[@NoSupports]

I will make 3D printable PETG bellow.

[@alfredgiesen1656]

you should organize a better camera close-up position. Nobody can see what you are doing exactly....

[@Szekszkazan]

Okay man. First of all, we tune the reeds IN the accordion. You can tune it outside, you put it pack and your tuning isn't okay anymore because the accordion house modifies the frequency, specially in bigger accordions. The other thing, we scratch alway the inner side of the reed tongue, NEVER the outter side. Finally, the tuning depends on the intonation of the reed tongue (distance over the hole). And in the end: you tune with an iPad software instead of a real tuning device... LOL.

[@TomsMusicShop]

This is how I learned from a german guy who tunes for money, so that's why I do it this way. You don't have to follow suit.

[@AntonioRodriguez-ye4in]

So make a tutorial of how to tune an accordion“correctly” instead of judging others.

[@Phillip-y6d]

This is stupid. You said you scraped the reed then you broke the damn thing off and didn't explain one bit what you did.

[@TomsMusicShop]

I didn't break anything, lol.

[@streethunter527]

Que programas usas para afinar

[@Ccescui]

PanoTuner en apple