What to look for when buying a used accordion

[@drakecooley4776]

I got extremely lucky with my baby. I walked into an antique shop and there she was, a JG Serenelli bass accordion. she had one key that was mess up and about a dozen crammed in buttons. undoing the buckles unleashed a scream and I knew I had to save her. I got her for 50 bucks, brought her home and fixed all the little problems, set her up with some new straps and she sounds beautifully.

[@moshezuchter]

Ooooh, I LOVE stories like this! Good find!!

[@jenniferrenzi7008]

What a helpful video for someone just exploring the possibility of buying an accordion. Thank you for posting!

[@moshezuchter]

Thank you!

[@KarenIrving-r5e]

super intimidated.. but really want to buy an accordion.not sure where i'll find one. or even where to start since I know so little, ..but thank you for this video, it was very helpful

[@moshezuchter]

It's totally doable 🙂👍

[@bbutchart63]

I've bought and sold a few accordions. I find most used accordions need a good cleaning. I've taken them apart and freed stuck reeds. I bought a Hohner Mussette IV (used) many years ago from Tempo Trend in Victoria, BC. Still have it today. Of all the accordions I've had over the years it has the best sound and have never had a reed problems with it. I would say it's from the late sixties or early seventies model. When buying an accordion I always check every key in and out on each voice to make sure everything works. Then make sure the buttons don't stick. Check bellows. Work them in and out to make sure there are no air leaks. I could go on, but the above video explains it well.

[@moshezuchter]

Great points. Thanks! Martin from Tempo Trend just fixed up my newest used accordion. Sounds wonderful!

[@nahwals]

So I recently got an old accordion for free (120 button Noble brand keyboard accordion (14 keyboard registers, 7 bass side registers)), and this gave me the opportunity to fall in love with playing it. Because it is so old, it was bound to have damages. The lower half of the keyboard has some keys sticking out, and one constantly rings when the bellows move. Besides that it appears to be in great condition, all buttons and registers work. Is it worth repairing this keyboard, or should I sell it/keep it and buy a new one?

[@moshezuchter]

+nahwals Is there an accordion repair shop nearby? If so, take it in there and ask them how much it would take to make it playable (i.e. stop the buzzing, fix leaks, etc.). If you love its sound, perhaps it's worth repairing.

[@derail14]

After playing for 20 yrs i found the best way to buy a used BOX is to take it apart and check everything inside, esp the reeds as they can have rust on the inside part of them, also the leather flaps if they are curled up,nadda nadda,, also check the valves and the wax, if the wax is brittle, No buy. also check for drone sounds when not playing any key,if you hear a drone don not buy it,esp if its a double chamber acc.

[@moshezuchter]

+derail14 Really great advice, thank you. Agree - if you can open up the accordion (usually just a few screws) and have a look inside, go for it!

[@shadowthehedgehog9190]

I've recently become interested in the accordion and similar instruments like the concertina. I play the violin and the ukulele, but the bellows instruments are just so charming!

[@moshezuchter]

Give em a try. There's something soothing about that deep bass drone.

[@shadowthehedgehog9190]

@@moshezuchter I decided to buy a cute little concertina from eBay. It'll be here Monday!!!

[@moshezuchter]

@@shadowthehedgehog9190 oooh exciting! Let me know how it goes. Congrats

[@leonwrede9213]

The Hohner Student IV N is really popular where I live. It has 40 buttons.

[@jemand8462]

okay, here's my checklist: - friend who plays the accordeon. nope. - neighbor who plays the accordeon. nope. - store who rents accordeon. nope. - any idea on which accordeon to get. nope. Maybe I'll stick to guitar.

[@pattysherwood7091]

Thank you, Moshe. Very inspiring information. I always want to buy another accordion. I inherited my Crucianelli. It would be nice to have a midsize model to keep with me in the car so I won't be stranded somewhere without an accordion.

[@moshezuchter]

+Patty Sherwood Each accordion brings with it its own sound, right? I love the smaller ones, for portability and ease of playing.

[@Hugo-ub5bj]

Same weltmeister I will buy today but is the gigantilli 3

[@moshezuchter]

Ooh. Congrats!

[@Zoco101]

Can you comment more on voices & registers? I want to buy an accordion for playing along with early jazz groups, such as manouche. I already play jazz piano & trumpet, but these are not ideal for manouche. Do I need a Cassotto accordion? I note that some Hohners have a bassoon voice, but I doubt that they would be Cassotto accordians.

[@moshezuchter]

A cassotto makes a HUGE difference, especially with softening up that lower bassoon reed for jazz music. I've played a few on my livestreams and the sound is just *chef's kiss*, soft and precise. Haven't been able to replicate it without a tone chamber/cassotto.

[@Zoco101]

@@moshezuchter Thanks for the reply. Listening to a cassotto accordion very recently, I noticed how smooth the tone is. I might get a basic old Hohner to start on (since I like the Hohner tones fairly well) and that would leave me free to make a major upgrade later when I have the confidence to pursue this adventure further.

[@frerecampbell9291]

Thanks for sharing, please tell me what those 5 white switches are for? Thanks.

[@moshezuchter]

So, those white switches on the right side control the "voices" of the accordion. How many reeds are playing at once. Some accordions have these switches on the left hand side as well. They control the voice, or deepness, of the left hand bass.

[@frerecampbell9291]

@@moshezuchter Thanks for the info, I really enjoy accordion music.

[@stdmid]

Hi Moshe, I'd love a tutorial for hava nagila. I can read the basics and play a simple version of it but don't know how to play with expression. I loved the Game of Thrones tutorial, the combination of reading the notes and listening to how it should sound is exactly the sort of tutorial I need. I just play for fun. Thanks for all the uploads.

[@moshezuchter]

+Emma Henry Hi, just saw this comment. Yes, it's on my list of tutorials to do! We are away for three weeks and then moving houses, but will make sure to do it this year.

[@stdmid]

Look forward to it thanks.

[@maxjohnson8898]

Hey Ronen! I recently stumbled upon your youtube channel as well as accordion love (which I plan on fully signing up as soon as purchase my first accordion). Anyways, because of quarantine I decided now is the perfect time to pick up the accordion as I have the time. Unfortunately, I lost my job because of covid so I don’t have a ton of money to spend. I was wondering if you would still be willing to look at some listings and give me a decent recommendation? Thank you so much for all the useful tips!

[@moshezuchter]

For sure, Max. Send em my way [e-mail]

[@alliecurtis616]

I am about to purchase this accordion for a very good deal and wanted to know what you thought of it. How it looks and if the brand is a good one. I plan on testing it out following your steps before I purchase but just wanted to know your thoughts.

[@asimdey8927]

I want purchase a used accordion on better condition up to 90 base. Thanks.

[@moshezuchter]

Yup! Check out my other video about buying a used accordion

[@jeanmason9490]

Moshe, I've picked up my old accordion after 55 years. I took lessons for a couple years as a child. I've been teaching myself since Thanksgiving. I'm now working in the Palmer book, level 4. I haven't mastered the level 3 books yet but I understand everything in them and just need to work on accuracy and smoothness. My level 4 book is hard. I don't feel that I can learn all the counterbase keys. I feel like if I just had a teacher they would point stuff out to me and give me tips on fingering and timing. I live in a small town of a few thousand people. There are no music stores around me and the accordion is not a common instrument. Could a piano teacher help me? Are there online teachers? I feel like I've hit a wall for the first time since I picked it back up. Maybe I should just stick to level 3 books and be happy playing here. Do you have any suggestions to help me make the most of my playing? Thank you. We

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Jean, good on you for picking up the accordion again. I'm not familiar with the specific books of the Palmer Hughes series, but I have a few thoughts... It sounds like you've figured out the basics from the first three books. Maybe it's time to branch out and play some songs. Are there specific songs that you *want* to play that you haven't played yet? Learning book 4 would be of benefit, I'm sure, but you'll learn just as much by learning a new song. You can always come back and learn the counterbass at another time. A piano teacher could help you with your RIGHT hand technique and musicality, and yes, I would recommend doing that, but only an accordion teacher could help with the left hand. If you'd like, send me an email at ronen @ accordionlove.com and I'd be happy to help you along. Thanks!

[@michalmachac3931]

Výborné videá.

[@moshezuchter]

***** I've never tried looking for an old accordion online. Do you remember the maker or its country of origin? Hohner? Weltmeister? If so, you can try doing an ebay search, or a google image search to see if you can find your model, then go to the maker's website or contacting the maker for more information?

[@djblackjackshellac]

I just inherited a beautiful vintage Venuti 120. It sounds perfect, but has sat in its case unopened for about 60 years. Thus ... an extremely pronounced mold/mildew smell. I've sprayed the straps w/volka, but not much help. I'm guessing it's an internal thing. I love this accordion and am really enthused to learn how to play it. But ... is this one a lost cause? I can't really sink hundreds of dollars into it :( Thank you.

[@moshezuchter]

Congrats on inheriting an accordion! I guess it depends. If the thing plays okay, then play it until it doesn't play anymore. Unfortunately, if it's moldy and starts to break apart, is leaking air, etc. it may require some work, which may be expensive.

[@djblackjackshellac]

@@moshezuchter Thank you. I would do that, if I could. However, the smell is so bad (and gets all over my clothes) that my wife won't allow it in the house. In fact, the accordion is currently in the garage, and the entire garage now smells like it. It seems that a costly disassembly/deep clean may be the only solution. (Perhaps the *other*, less-ideal solution, is that I become the Naked Garage Accordionist.)

[@moshezuchter]

😄

[@Gtrx0998]

What's the difficulty and cost of repairing a significantly big tear on the outside of a bellow? I'm looking to buy my first accordion and I don't mind putting in a bit if work since I'm pretty hands on when repairing stuff. All i want ti know is if will patching the tear be worthwhile and play just fine or should I might as well pass? What's your insight? It's a Hohner Panther by the way.

[@moshezuchter]

Hi, good question that I have no experience with. Maybe someone in the comments? Otherwise, reach out to an accordion repair shop to get a quote for a repair / new bellows replacement.

[@adrianpolley9419]

ind U Tube videos that show how they are assembled. Repair tape etc can be found on auction sites. Not too difficult really, but you do need patience.

[@andrewprovazek1867]

Very helpful. I was given a HOHNER Imperator V Accordion. In pristine condition. Beautiful. It is very large. I am 6'2, but wondering if it is too much to begin on or should I get a cheap, light weight to start and save the big boy for later?

[@moshezuchter]

+Andrew Provazek Try the large one out as long as it's comfortable and doesn't stop you from playing. You might want to play in shorter spurts because of its size, and maybe even sit down, rather than stand up while playing, to save your lower back.

[@Stefannice]

Hi Moshe Zuchter ! You got a nice channel ! :) I don't know where should I ask this, but ... When will you make a tutorial for Amelie Theme Song (right-hand) ? And thanks for the tutorials ! ^_^

[@moshezuchter]

***** Hi Stefan, I have an old video where I show the left-hand bass of the song, though I never made a right-hand tutorial. I just did a Google Image search for "Valse D'amelie sheet music" and there are a number of results that show how to play the right hand. Are you stuck somewhere or is there a difficult part? I don't play the song according to sheet music, but let me know if there's a difficult part and I can try to help.

[@Stefannice]

+Moshe Zuchter That's what I like, that you play a song on your own way, not by sheets. :) I like your interpretation of the song Falling Slowly. I even added a few notes to the song, I think it might sound a little better :D .

[@rontaylor6925]

IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ACCORDIONS, WATCH IT IS NOT OUT OF TUNE, TUNING IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND REQUIRES SKILL ,,I TRIED IT ONCE AND MADE A RIGHT MESS OF IT

[@adrianpolley9419]

Me too, but I shall persevere with it. Just bought an old accordion so I can use the bellows for a tuning table .

[@ec-hi1br]

Where is the serial number on the accordion? From 50’s to 61’s ?

[@saltnlightful]

Thank you!

[@lokehagberg5280]

Hello sir, could you please make a cover on the monkey island main theme, that would be wonderful :)

[@moshezuchter]

+Loke Hagberg Oh, a wonderful song. Added to my list of tutorials to come. Thank you.

[@noemijanossy6888]

Hi Moshe! I have just got a fairly old Hohner Concerto I accordion and I noticed that most of the metal pieces on the bellows have a greenish colour and they kind of stick together when opening the accordion. Plus the instrument opens a bit slowly. What do you think what may have caused these? Is it possible to use the accordion properly while having these problems?

[@moshezuchter]

It sounds like the accordion may have been stored in a damp place for a time, and the green colour may be corrosion and/or some mold. I think you can play the accordion for sure, as long as it sounds okay. Medium to long-term, you should take it to an accordion repair shop and get some new bellows put on. I'm not sure whether you can remove that greenish "mold" without harming the existing bellows, but in general you want to stay away from moldy-things, so I would take it in to the repair shop.

[@noemijanossy6888]

Moshe Zuchter Thank you so much for your answer! I will definitely look around whether there is someone in my town who can repair my instrument!

[@moshezuchter]

Allie Curtis, your link didn't show up on the comment, it may be that KZbin is blocking it. Send me a private message, or email me the link, and I'll be happy to help.

[@brilliantbroom2024]

i hawe weltmaister too

[@extramedium4389]

Theres no view count?

[@moshezuchter]

Wow. So weird??!!

[@LimeGreenTeknii]

3:50 What if you haven't played accordion before, but you know how to play piano?

[@moshezuchter]

+LimeGreenTeknii if you already play piano picking up the accordion will be much easier. The right hand, especially, should come fairly quickly. The bass system is fairly intuitive, too. Coordinating the two will take a bit of time, bit I highly suggest the instrument for you if you play the piano.

[@LimeGreenTeknii]

As someone who knows the drums and chord progressions/music theory as well, I assume that would make the accordion an even better fit? (Drummers have to learn to keep their limbs independent. After learning drumming, I now have a super-easy time patting my head and rubbing my belly at the same time.)

[@moshezuchter]

Yup, all skills that will come in useful :)

[@alliecurtis616]

I am about to purchase this accordion for a very good deal and wanted to know what you thought of it. How it looks and if the brand is a good one. I plan on testing it out following your steps before I purchase but just wanted to know your thoughts.

[@marvegomes]

Thank you!