Looking to buy a used accordion? Watch this first.

Martin Hergt and his family have been servicing, selling, and leasing accordions for over 50 years. Tempo Trend Music is the name of their store. He ships worldwide. Send Martin an email at [e-mail] or call him at 1-888-838-3676 www.tempotrend.ca/
Martin brought my broken white accordion back to life. Can't recommend him enough!
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[@Autoskip]

I'm getting the impression that I was pretty lucky with my first accordion purchase - a couple of months ago, I saw one in a second hand shop, going for 160 AUD, just sitting on a table (it turned out that it'd be handed in in an actual suitcase that only just fit it), and I hadn't even considered getting one before then, but it was the kind of instrument that seemed to fit me. So I spend the next 15-30 minutes looking at it from every angle, googling things to look out for, and looking at it again. I probably should've asked if it was alright to go through all the notes, but social anxiety got in the way of that and/or doing it without permission, but I did check it enough to know it wasn't musty, the bellows held air and it sounded good when playing with all three reeds (one low, two mid). Since getting it, I have found that one (maybe more, I still haven't done a systematic check) reed doesn't work in one direction, promptly decided that I needed to take it apart and service it (I take apart basically everything, so trying to fix it myself was my first instinct), and everything inside looks great, except for one reed block that delaminated at one end and I'm going to have to re-glue, and a few valve springs that got bent somehow that I've been able to fix, but it's gotten to the point that I can see I'm going to have to make a reed tester so that I can do that systematic check, but I suspect that that's going to be time/money well spent, because seeing the inner workings of my accordion is making me want to make my own (first a concertina, then, if it hasn't driven me crazy, a full custom accordion specifically for what I want in one, and who knows, if I still like making accordions at that point and they work, I might try making it a job).

[@Houdi2]

Martin is a great guy and a very fine accordionist. I bought my Weltie from him, and I live in Oregon.

[@moshezuchter]

Couldn't agree with you more 👐 greetings from across the border 😊

[@jerrypie]

"if you see it playing on its own without you touching it, another issue" it's haunted! :O

[@moshezuchter]

lol

[@ugur.nurcan]

Thanks a lot. I am so happy the store is in Canada.

[@jimtobler2636]

Good to see you, Martin. Nice explanations!

[@FredHsu]

This is a great video for first-time buyers. Thank you so much, both of you.

[@roberthershkowitz5455]

Such informative video. Alot of integrity here. To the last detail. Great.

[@randigaracci7754]

You’re the best!!! Thank you so much for making this! So helpful. ❤️❤️❤️

[@moshezuchter]

Very welcome!

[@sofronio.]

This man is a truly master! He gives his years of precious and honest experience for free. Big thank to both of you, hats off!

[@moshezuchter]

🙏🙏

[@mariannemiller2874]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I am trying to find info about my own accordion that I have owned for 52 years. Thank you for your great video and advice!

[@uve_viktor_doom]

Thanks for the video, nice and useful advises.

[@lawyeremmanuel327]

Good pieces of advice

[@markjones7063]

Hi Ronen, I exchanged a few ideas with you on your chromatic accordion video. I've made the decision to purchase an instrument and because of this video I'm restricting my shopping to specific shops which service and repair accordions. Since I was a comp major, I've owned my share of instruments from every category and yet the accordion turned out to be the most challenging to evaluate based upon model, action and voicing. Excellent video and thank you SO much for sharing all of your information with all of us. I hope the accordion has a massive resurgence in popularity... there's just too much going for it to fade from popularity.

[@brianmcwhorter1682]

You guys rock! I can't wait to incorporate the accordion into my real, live, sound profile. Yum to me ears, no less. Arrgh!

[@hlemelify]

Thank you so much Moshe...Wish I had seen your video before making all the mistakes Martin mentioned.

[@brianmcwhorter1682]

What a sweetheart- such a pleasant persona. I will take his advice. I am a multi-instrumentalist musician. I will buy from Martin's store.

[@morekalamatas]

very informative! I have a loaner that definitely smells musty! looking forward to getting my own from martin I think. cheers!

[@rheaclements1193]

I love the three year trade up option! I haven’t purchased from him yet, but it is good to know it is available.

[@moshezuchter]

Yup! Makes sense 🙌

[@torilsusegg9572]

Very good video! This is very important!

[@TLSWalters]

I met Martin in 2017 when I went to the Victoria International Accordion Festival. He's a great guy! I'm actually considering going to Castelfidardo this September to do an Accordion Technician course. I've just got to muster the courage to spend the money on the course haha

[@moshezuchter]

What a small world :-) Great guy. So much knowledge!

[@ez-jay100]

Great information I bought one recently and it looked nice on pictures so I didn't bother to even pull it out of the case when I got home and began playing it the keys began falling off and some were Breaking into tiny pieces I was so upset and now it's just sitting in my room..I'm going to check out Martin's inventory and buy one from him

[@totesmcpreesh7617]

Followed the link. Saw "250" and thought "well shit that's in BC!" next time I'm down south I'll be making a visit. :)

[@welshboo1]

Brilliant advice. Going to see an accordion today. Being a novice this is perfect advice.

[@moshezuchter]

Exciting!!

[@welshboo1]

Alas.... Accordion was no good. It played notes without me pressing any keys.

[@awnmi]

How interesting, and cool that he mentions his sales to Brazil. I am from Brazil, and the accordion is indeed popular around here. Does he have a catalogue or website showing the accordions available?

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Marcelo. I don't think the store has an online catalogue. I did a walkthrough and there are hundreds and hundreds of accordions available. Send Martin an email with your parameters - budget, size, make/model, etc. and he'll reply with his availability.

[@LScott97]

Brilliant video, well done! 👍👍👍🤠

[@moshezuchter]

Thank you!!

[@brianforrest8178]

Lot of good sense and tips here. One little irritation I have, which may seem like a minor niggle, but can cost money longer term...Martin is checking out the Titano without fastening the bellows straps. particularly with the metal mesh types, which this model has, if the straps are not firmly secured and left flapping about, as they are here, they tend to twist and can easily bend slightly out of shape, sufficiently to rub against the bellows when holding them in the closed position...over the years I've seen many examples of bellows damage caused simply because of this bad habit... Otherwise, very informative...thanks for sharing...!

[@moshezuchter]

Really good point. I've damaged bellows that way, too. Now as soon as the bellows are open, snaps get snapped into place or moved well out of the way. Thanks!

[@operasona888]

Ok,for my answer,thank you.

[@moshezuchter]

Really excited to share this video series with you. Martin is an accordion expert. I asked him questions about what to look for when buying your first accordion; what's the difference between a $300 and $3000 accordion; and what sort of repairs we can do at home vs. at the shop. Stay tuned for more! What questions would you like Martin to answer?

[@yoboisteven1741]

Where do the accordions from Martins shop ship from?

[@corinnewendler8795]

Moshe Zuchter good day where is Martins store or website? I just bought my first accordion also I have a question for him. Thank you so much Moshe

[@christophbisschopinck9050]

very interresting details, thanks a lot, as well as with the smell. I have an Atlantic 3N from Hohner, I believe its from the late 50ths, yes the box does have a smell, but not an anoying one, more like a dry old book, it plays very well.... regards from Spain Christoph

[@codyives5409]

There’s a good book about this topic called Piano Accordion: Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide by George Bachich. There’s some knowledgeable sellers on eBay, and you can tell who they are by looking at the photos they provide and by reading what they say in their listing. You want to see very clear, high resolution photos of all reed blocks, and what you need to know before buying. Personally, I stay away from the individual sellers and buy from the professional accordion sellers. Good video, Moshe!

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks Cody. I bought my first accordion from eBay. Luckily there wasn't anything too wrong with it. I agree with your comment, though 😊

[@markmwandu6358]

Thanks for the help I bought one with moisture now it's dry it's giving me trouble in Zambia Africa

[@jakd4457]

Excellents conseils !!

[@moshezuchter]

👍🙏

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

sounds like a mine field i was going to but a used accordion i think i will pass on that now. Thanks for the excellent advice.

[@moshezuchter]

You're welcome! Good luck!!

[@dirtybenny1]

Great video...thank you for it. Are there any repairs that one could do on their own with some care and attention? I have aligned key levels and am about to undertake removing the pins that hold the keys in to address some sticking keys.

[@moshezuchter]

Will ask Martin for our next video. Thanks for asking!

[@rachelrmcbryan525]

I connected with Martin and I live on Vancouver Island too. I didn't realise you were all so close. I imagined you were from a distant country because of your accent but you live in my neighbourhood! Martin is going to look at my accordians... I am so excited!

[@moshezuchter]

Oh that's awesome you connected with Martin. What a great resource to have on the island. I'm in the Cowichan Valley if you're ever around these parts 😊

[@rachelrmcbryan525]

@@moshezuchterThat's so cool... is there an accordian community... How can I connect with you?

[@moshezuchter]

@@rachelrmcbryan525 I assume there is in Victoria... Ask Martin 😊 otherwise email me at [e-mail]

[@rachelrmcbryan525]

@@moshezuchter sent you and email

[@EasyGamerWorld]

thanks for best video

[@fr3ak1shh]

I think I’ll buy new for my first accordion. That’s what I took from this video! I was looking at a vintage 60s Giulietti, but I just don’t know enough about accordions to know if it’s a safe buy.

[@moshezuchter]

New or a well-tested used may be the way to go :)

[@HotSabta]

Further to your video, I sent "Tempo Trend" an email through their site. I'm a beginner (at my age ((: ) and learnt from your videos a lot about my accordion - Lady Paolo Soprani Donina-1 80 bass, play it etc., that I found with some thrown out junk near my home, in Israel. I renovated it but it has some faults in 2 basses that I intend to bring back to the shop where it was renovated. But after watching your videos, especially this one, I started thinking of purchasing another one, maybe 90 bass (if it's not too heavy) and Martin's offer sounds the best deal I can think of. I would appreciate having your ideas and comments about my thoughts. And - thank you A LOT for your tutorial videos.

[@moshezuchter]

An 80 bass is great. 96 is lovely, but starts getting heavier. Shalom 👋 from Canada

[@sarbajitghosh5244]

Thanks. In the part where I live junk shop vendors are the best possible connoisseurs of old piano accordion. My God! They are patriotic supporters of 'desi' technology!

[@froreyfire]

I didn't look close enough at the bellows of my accordion, but my local repairman in Austria replaced them with brand new ones for 300 Euros.

[@falconfighting4793]

THE BEST

[@falouerba7730]

Have you ever tried that type of accordions above in the shelve? They’re vintage-like that seem lighter and better looking but don’t know if they still make them

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Falo, no I haven't had a chance to give them a try. When I went in it was just to film. I would LOVE to try out more accordions. Tons and tons of different ones.

[@yaroslavyatsyk6475]

I have a question. Is it ok if an accordion bellows have damages between pleats?

[@LABELLEPLUIE]

Merci Beaucoup!!

[@smithy1578]

Oui :)

[@djteako]

great vid !!!! Tips I was given by 3 different stores. I gotta ask, are you in B.C ? And do you ever come east to Alberta?

[@moshezuchter]

Yes I'm on Vancouver Island. We don't have any trips planned to Alberta, but would love to come visit :-)

[@SA-ze3yf]

Thank you.But why did you not test the bass buttons?

[@meileihung799]

Thank you for great information. I have small accordion for my little boy. He practises it every day. Can I put it on the bookshelf instead of its bag please?

[@moshezuchter]

Sure! As long as it's safe ☺️

[@MrTalkingzero]

what was that little red accordion you played and it had a rich French sound in comparison to the big North American one? You played Edith Piaf La Vie En Rose. What chromatic button accordions have such rich sound?

[@moshezuchter]

That's that musette sound.. the two slightly detuned from each other clarinet reeds.

[@lauroalejandroborja7414]

Tanks sir I’m very interested buy one Paolo soprani

[@alfonsocespinoza674]

Thank you for the good advice.👍🏽 Im in the market for buy one, the gentleman on the right is playing. We’re are u guys located..?

[@moshezuchter]

His website info is in the video description. Tempo Trend Music 👍

[@alisonohalloran2506]

If you live somewhere super humid, how should you keep your accordion moisture-free????? Are there cases with de-humidifiers, and would those even help?????

[@cardgamecoffin1087]

Hi, I've never actually owned an accordion, but I've played the guitar for years and live in a super humid area. They do make super compact dehumidifiers for guitar cases that I would imagine you could stick in an accordion case aswell. Do remember that these instruments were originally from Vienna! (another really humid area) Unless you're going to be outside all day with it being inside a climate controlled building should be all it takes to cut down on humidity. Most of the mold and humidity damage on used instruments comes from storing them in attics and basements.

[@harryziglerrealtor]

Any suggestions on how to determine the value of a Sonart accordion? My sister wants to sell one that she inherited!

[@moshezuchter]

No idea but check the Reddit accordion community /r/accordion they may be able to help

[@dineshdatania8002]

Hi, Martin, I am from India, know nothing about to play an accordion, but after felling in love of accordion, hearing it's melodious sound i bought one second hand, but there is some problem in it's bellows which are workig very hard though it's condition is very good.Would you like to guide me in this reference? Because I may have some good reply from you. Thanks.

[@adrianpolley9419]

Hi Dinesh. It would be very difficult for Martin to diagnose your problem without seeing the accordion but it sounds like you have a bellows leak maybe. If you pull out the small pins ( normally about 6 of them ) you can pull the bellows off and look for leaks, and be able to look at the reeds and pads as well. Plenty of u tube videos that will show you how to do this. Hope this helps.

[@rmcq1999]

Unfortunately on the other side of the planet from where I live or I'd be buying an accordion from Martin's shop. I'm from Canada but live in Australia, and shipping is astronomically high at the moment.

[@andrewkeenanrichardson5772]

Does Martin have a website? I'm in the market for a new accordion and I'd like to see what he has.

[@moshezuchter]

I don't think he has a website, but his contact information is in the video description. He loves receiving emails and calls.

[@msmlr5016]

I still have not been able to make contact with Martin. I'm looking for a small mussette PA

[@moshezuchter]

I'm not affiliated with Martin, but try giving him a call?

[@sherryking319]

Well Im in the US so Im not sure I could get it delivered at this point.

[@bedadyutichowdhury1539]

I am a learner from India. presently I am learning on a 8 Kg Hohner Concerto II 60 Bass. However India is a hot and humid climate. I want to now have a light weight accordion having the perfect Musette sound. Please suggest which one I should opt, and I want the same with a good in built mic so that I can play it in small musical get togethers. I can spend up to 800 dollars.

[@moshezuchter]

Reach out to Martin. He'll be able to help you out

[@bobthetacotruckguy509]

What make and model of accordion is Martin using?

[@moshezuchter]

I'm not certain, but you could email or call him at the link in the description :)

[@ShiningSta18486]

once, i ended up w a amazing accordion but it had the foam. I had to get rid of it

[@Rohirn]

I emailed Martin I’m from the us I haves heard back from him yet are the floods affecting him

[@moshezuchter]

Martin is safe 🙏 and will get back to you shortly, I'm sure 🙂

[@cileuscherilus9738]

Am interesed

[@cynthiabeaton451]

Should I keep a silica gel dessicant in my accordion case?

[@moshezuchter]

I think keeping it in a cool dark place is ideal. But silica gel can help if there's some dampness.

[@JohnAceti]

Loved the video - incredibly informative. Does Martin recommend any particular brand when looking at used accordions?

[@moshezuchter]

Hmm, good question. I would assume different brands would have different sounds. So it may depend on what sort of sound you're looking for. I would contact Martin with any questions. His contact information is in the video description. Thanks for watching! More to come!

[@moshezuchter]

I'll ask him in the next video, too!

[@JohnAceti]

Moshe Zuchter great thank you

[@judydemond6764]

I have a mother of pearl Video Accordion 120 base I have had for 50+ years. It is student size. I would like to trade it for an adult size. Any suggestions in how I can do this?

[@moshezuchter]

Hmm, good question. You can reach out to an accordion store and see if they'll do a trade-in. Otherwise I think it's selling your accordion and getting another one.

[@captainironbiscuit]

Does Tempo Trend sell accordions online, or only in-store?

[@moshezuchter]

Both.

[@graceyerex9149]

I have a titano accordion.....perhaps would trade it in for one similar with more sound options.....I'm a beginner.where is the contact info for your store? I live in manitoba

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Grace, you can contact Martin directly at www.tempotrend.ca/

[@honesty1234]

Left handed accordion?

[@SA-ze3yf]

Hello.Thank you very much.Whers is your store?

[@moshezuchter]

Hi, I don't own the store, it's Martin's store in Victoria, Canada. www.tempotrend.ca/

[@SA-ze3yf]

Thank you for replying and useful videos.

[@ellencoleman8283]

How do I get in touch with Martins store. Thank you

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Ellen, here is the stores info www.tempotrend.ca/

[@roberthershkowitz5455]

Help me out alot. Big time.tremedous.

[@moshezuchter]

So happy this was helpful!

[@hlemelify]

JUST WONDERING WHAT MARTIN"S EMAIL IS. THANKS!

[@moshezuchter]

HIS EMAIL IS [e-mail] YOU CAN FIND THE INFORMATION ON TEMPOTREND.CA

[@pegjones7682]

Thanks,I cant handle this weight, its damaging my shoulders ,neck and back. Too bad.

[@haidenbrady1013]

Brand new to the accordion since my grandparents gave me one a couple weeks ago. I had some repairs done for it, but being the person of expensive taste( to my wallets demise) I’m already looking for another one that will last me a long time as I love playing the one I have. The only thing I know is that I want a piano accordion with 120 bass buttons, if that’s even necessary, any suggestions? Or should I just use the email you listed and ask them?

[@moshezuchter]

I would give Martin a call or an email for sure. In terms of advice, I would play the accordion you have right now and see what's missing. Do you need more voices? What sort of sound are you looking for? Based on that, you can let Martin know what you're looking for. I love having multiple accordions 😊

[@moshezuchter]

And congrats on getting an accordion 👍👍

[@jimmcandrew2568]

How do I get in contact with Martin?

[@moshezuchter]

Info in video description. Tempo Trend Music is his store

[@lottyamaya2215]

Hola soy latina y no entiendo....tu vendes acordeón?

[@moshezuchter]

Not me, but Martin does. You can email him at [e-mail]

[@walimuhammad4802]

Where are you located in us

[@moshezuchter]

Canada 😁

[@allabtMando]

Since accordions hate moisture what does that mean for people in humid climates? I live in Arkansas and the humidity is pretty constant, everything gets wet. Should I avoid learning the accordion because of this or is there a way to deal with this?

[@moshezuchter]

Hey Vaughn, just make sure to keep the accordion in a dry place in your home. I live in a moderately moist climate here on Vancouver Island, and anything that is kept in rooms that aren't temperature controlled - outside sheds, basements, crawl spaces - will get moldy. I keep my instruments inside the home, and they're totally fine. If your home is really humid - like a greenhouse - then keep your accordion inside its case with some of those little pills that absorb moisture (like in pill bottles). I know they sell them in packets. One in your accordion case will be sure to keep it dry. But otherwise, go ahead and get an accordion and play it. Martin's advice referred to long term storage in a damp space.

[@Tsukuyomi28]

They like them in Latin America so it shouldn't be a problem If you store it properly

[@marcelly5425]

Where is him located?

[@moshezuchter]

Martin's in Canada

[@marcelly5425]

Any clue if he delivery to california? San José, maybe if you can share his contact i can try to arrange something with him;)

[@marcelly5425]

Never mind hahaha just check it out all the info on tge description! Thanks!

[@pegjones7682]

My accordian is really heavy ,is this normal? Or is it me .?

[@moshezuchter]

Do you know its weight? Smaller accordions can weight less than 10 pounds, while larger ones can weigh as much as 30 pounds!

[@pegjones7682]

@@moshezuchter It weighs 25 pounds, a good instrument but too heavy for me sadly.

[@moshezuchter]

@@pegjones7682 yup. That's a biggie!

[@maclayyc]

Neither Calgary, Edmontonmontonton, or Peace River are very humid places

[@jacobrepino3808]

These guys don't reply to emails.

[@moshezuchter]

Super busy. Give him a call as well

[@barrel9158]

Mint smell=Them tryna hide it?

[@moshezuchter]

Could be 😄

[@Sublibrarian11918333]

A 50 dollar accordion . . . . I am a beginning accordionist, but I already understand enough to know that the only thing you're going to get for 50 dollars, new, is a toy. You can't even get good straps, for fifty dollars. If I ever win the lottery (I'll have to start playing, first), I'm going to treat myself to a Jupiter bayan, with converter bass and hand-tuned reeds. A trifling matter of $25,000, or so . . . . plus straps and a case. Nah, an accordion that someone wants less than 100 for has basically got to be garbage.

[@moshezuchter]

My garage sale find was rare. It needed $200-$300 of work with Martin and now it's like brand new. Agree that for $50 you may find a garage sale find, but those are getting harder to find nowadays.

[@Izakokomarixyz]

I bought my LM 40 key, 120 bass piano accordion for $80 and the only thing wrong was that there were 2 pennies stuck under the piano keys, which weren’t too difficult to remove...