An accordion is a fascinating and unusual musical instrument that requires bellows, buttons or keys and reeds to make music. Though it looks like a fairly sturdy instrument, it’s actually pretty fragile on the inside and should be handled with care. When one part of the instrument breaks down, the whole instrument becomes quickly unusable, since all the parts of an accordion work together to make the sound.

While you can buy accordions in online auctions, it’s best to stick to someone who specializes in accordions and is willing to give you a written guarantee. The very best solution is to buy an accordion in person so you can be sure the instrument plays properly. Or have the seller play it a bit for you to be sure it’s in working order.

Though few people think of an accordion as a fine musical instrument, it is. And it requires tender loving care, just like every other musical instrument. In fact, it may be even more fragile than most instruments. An accordion contains several reeds—usually metal reeds. If one comes loose, the whole sound suffers. The reeds are usually attached with some sort of resin or beeswax, so this needs to be replaced by a reputable repair person every several years or so.

Not many manufactures ever dealt with creating the accordion. Scarlatti is a Chinese company that manufacturers accordions, and Delicia and Serenelini are Czech and Italian, respectively. These might be the most likely names you’ll find when look at accordians. If you do choose to buy an accordion from an online seller, be sure the case comes with the instrument. If the seller opts to ship the accordion without a case, you’ll most likely end up with a damaged instrument.

An accordion should be stored on its bass end, vertically—usually four or five little feet become apparent on closer inspection, offering a base on which to stand the accordion. It should be kept in a dry place, out of direct sunlight, in its closed case whenever possible. If you have the instrument apart at any time, don’t touch any of the metal inside, including the reeds. Where you touch it, it will rust. Also, don’t blow on a reed, as if to blow away dust. The moisture in your breath can also cause the reed to rust.

One of the key things when buying an accordion, is to make sure it’s in good condition. If you want the instrument to be playable—and you should want one that’s playable because those are the ones that have value—the cost of repairing the instrument can be very limited for some. It can cost a thousand dollars to have every reed replaced, so the better condition the accordion you buy, the longer it will last before it needs repairs or an overhaul. Few people want to purchase a collectible instrument only to have to pay over $1000 to have it restored. Contact an accordion dealer or repair person and ask questions before purchasing.

Originally posted 2008-12-05 05:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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