What to look for when buying a used accordion

Рет қаралды 9

Күн бұрын

In this video I discuss where to find an accordion, and what to look for when buying an accordion.
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This video is designed with a learner in mind, or for someone looking to buy a used accordion.
As always, leave a comment with an accordion listing and I'll do my best to give you an opinion.
WHERE TO FIND
1. Rent
a. Try or rent before you buy
b. Ask neighbours, parents, grandparents, community, Facebook
c. Rent an instrument - Long & McQuade in Canada rents them for $25/month
2. Buy
a. Buy the instrument you borrowed or rented
b. Online classifieds - Craigslist, Ebay, Kijiji, etc.
c. Used instrument stores (check Musical Instruments of Canada if you live around Toronto)
d. Buy new - Safest, but most expensive option
Avoid flea-markets. The accordions are there for show, mostly, not an instrument you'd want to play or learn on.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
1. Sound
a. Pleasing?
b. The songs you want to play sound good on it?
c. Is there buzzing? May mean a broken, bent, or out of tune reed
Bring a friend, or ask seller to play a song for you.
If purchasing online, ask seller to record the sound of the accordion
2. Press all the Right-Hand and Left-Hand keys
a. Push and pull the accordion while playing all the keys
b. Stuck keys?
c. Broken keys?
3. Registers + Voices
a. Check to make sure they all work, Right and Left Hands
4. Smell
a. Check for a moldy smell
5. Bellows
a. Bellows should hold air well
b. No rips, no rust, no tears
c. Leaks - Ends of bellows ($40 gasket), middle of bellows ($200 for new bellows)
d. If purchasing online, ask seller for pictures of the bellows + video of any air leaks
6. Straps
a. Make sure they are in good condition so you can start playing right away
b. Leather repair shop can repair broken straps, or buy new straps for $20 - $100+
7. Size + Weight
a. Wear the instrument, don't just hold it
b. Size and weight are typically determined by the # of buttons on the left-hand
c. 6 buttons across on the left-hand multiplied by the # of rows
d. Go for at least 4 buttons across on the left-hand
e. The more buttons, the more versatility
8. Prices + Brands
a. I've owned 4 - $200, $300, $450, and $1000 for a new one
b. All of my used ones eventually had issues with leaky bellows / stuck keys / registers that didn't make a sound, but they were great to learn on.

Пікірлер: 71

@drakecooley4776 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@jenniferrenzi7008 4 жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@user-wx4cv6bf1v 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

It's totally doable 🙂👍

@jemand8462 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@marvegomes 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@leonwrede9213 6 жыл бұрын

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

@bbutchart63 5 жыл бұрын

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 5 жыл бұрын

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

@derail14 8 жыл бұрын

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 8 жыл бұрын

+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!

@michalmachac3931 5 жыл бұрын

Výborné videá.

@shadowthehedgehog9190 5 жыл бұрын

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 5 жыл бұрын

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

@shadowthehedgehog9190 4 жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter 4 жыл бұрын

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

@pattysherwood7091 9 жыл бұрын

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 9 жыл бұрын

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

@nahwals 9 жыл бұрын

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 9 жыл бұрын

+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.

@Hugo-ub5bj 5 жыл бұрын

Same weltmeister I will buy today but is the gigantilli 3

@moshezuchter 5 жыл бұрын

Ooh. Congrats!

@stdmid 9 жыл бұрын

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 9 жыл бұрын

+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 9 жыл бұрын

Look forward to it thanks.

@maxjohnson8898 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

For sure, Max. Send em my way ronen@accordionlove.com

@alliecurtis616 9 жыл бұрын

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.

@moshezuchter 9 жыл бұрын

***** 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?

@andrewprovazek1867 9 жыл бұрын

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 9 жыл бұрын

+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.

@frerecampbell9291 Жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@Zoco101 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@jeanmason9490 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@Stefannice 9 жыл бұрын

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 9 жыл бұрын

***** 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 9 жыл бұрын

+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 .

@ec-hi1br 5 жыл бұрын

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

@lokehagberg5280 9 жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter 9 жыл бұрын

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

@Gtrx0998 5 жыл бұрын

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 5 жыл бұрын

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 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@noemijanossy6888 6 жыл бұрын

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 6 жыл бұрын

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 6 жыл бұрын

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!

@brilliantbroom2024 7 жыл бұрын

i hawe weltmaister too

@asimdey8927 4 жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter 4 жыл бұрын

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

@rontaylor6925 5 жыл бұрын

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 5 жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter 9 жыл бұрын

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

@djblackjackshellac 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

@@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 4 жыл бұрын

😄

@LimeGreenTeknii 6 жыл бұрын

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

@moshezuchter 6 жыл бұрын

+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 6 жыл бұрын

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 6 жыл бұрын

Yup, all skills that will come in useful :)