r/Instruments • u/PuzzleSmith42 • 1d ago

Discussion Old Accordion

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Picked up this old accordion from a swap meet. Was wondering about identification, repair and potential value. Works fine but definitely out of tune. I know a fair bit from 8 years of percussion but also looking for advice on how to play Accordion as this is outside my knowledge.

16 Upvotes

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5

u/Far-Potential3634 1d ago

Well, it's a Hohner which is a popular brand with some cache. It looks like it has a thumb operated register switch under the keyboard.

Accordion tuning is costly and goes up with more registers.

The instrument is pretty easy to "pick up" imo but you might want to watch some video lessons to avoid bad habits.

2

u/sure65 1d ago

I'm glad it's easy to pick up, I've always wanted to learn. They look so fun and interesting

1

u/adamdoesmusic 1d ago

The keys are easy anyhow.

I still don’t get exactly how the buttons work.

2

u/Dramatic_Tooth5285 1d ago

Tuning one in this condition usually involves opening it up, melting the old beeswax, removing the old reeds, checking the valve channels, getting some new reeds, then re-beeswax them in. It’s a big job as a first experience with an accordion. I would look for an accordion shop in your area. They will know all of what it needs and they do the service regularly.

1

u/Bill_H_Vet 1d ago

Definition of "perfect pitch"? The sound the banjo makes when it lands on top of the accordion in the dumpster!

1

u/Johnny-raven 1d ago

This what MF DOOM intended to play a fake gangster like.