Q: This accordion I bought off of e-bay doesn't seem to play very well.

A: Well, most likely, you got what you paid for. A full size accordion for $150 is probably in need of at least a tuning and rewaxing. Without playing the instrument first, you run a great risk. The thing about a used instrument purchased over the internet is it can difficult to determine problems without methodical investigation. When buying something from e-bay, etc., assume the worst and you usually get what you pay for. We do repairs and are happy to tune or even restore the instrument but keep in mind the expense. Please see our repair page for more information.

Q: I have this really old accordion, who made it and when do you think it was made?

A: Often on the back of the keyboard, it will show were it was made by stamp or engraving. There might also be a serial or model number. Unfortunately, since there is minimal access to factory records, we are often unable to decipher the meaning of these. Most instruments made before the 1960s are manufactured in Germany or Italy. Instruments from the 1940s and earlier might be from the USA, from SF to NYC with Detroit being a large manufacturer at that time. Some of these instruments are excellent but will most probably need to be refurbished, as the wax and leather valves age significantly. This can also lead to the often heard phrase" there seems to be something rolling around inside" as the reeds can come loose and fall out of the wax.

Q: There seems to be something rolling around inside?

A: The wax and leather valves age significantly so the reeds can come loose and fall out of the wax, rolling around inside the instrument.

Q: I have this really old accordion, is it worth anything?

A: I recommend you search e-bay and other sites for an instrument similar to yours. We do not do over the phone appraisals. You are welcome to bring it in for appraisal (usually $25-$50), but this does not mean we will purchase it. We would be happy to repair or tune the instrument for you.

Q: Do you teach accordion?

A: We now host in store group classes ,call for updates. Refer to our links page, for links to local accordion clubs and fun bands. You can also call me at the shop and I will be glad to help find a teacher in your area. 510-268-4084

Q: Do you have any accordions that aren't so heavy?

A: The weight of the accordion is directly proportional to the number of keys or buttons and banks of reeds. If weight is an issue, it may make sense to have more than one instrument that has been selected for its particular function, i.e. musette only, other than an instrument that has multiple functions. If you play folk music you will find that an instrument with fewer keys would work out, but someone who plays jazz would probably prefer a full size keyboard with more banks of reeds. Up to 5 banks of reeds are available. The more reeds, the heavier the instrument.

Q: Do you have an accordion for around $100.00?

A: We have some toy/playable instruments that are priced from $16 to $75. They will have a limited octave range and aren't very durable, but they are fun to play. Restored 120 base Italian Student Accordions usually start around $395. Another option for a better grade of used Italian or German instrument can be purchased for around $550. Your other option is a Chinese Accordion, 32 base models, which start around $225, I often have restored Italian 12 base instruments for around $275.

Q: I see cheap new accordions online. Why shouldn't I buy from them?

A: When you buy an instrument online, it's very risky - even if new. An accordion has thousands of parts and just because an instrument looks okay from the outside, it may need serious work on the inside. Often there are no warranties given by online stores so even though it may seem cheap, there could be much greater expense down the line. At Smythe Accordion, every instrument sold is given a warranty and possible trade up policy if you desire a more expensive model later. Also, it just makes sense to actually hold and play a musical instrument before purchasing, don't you think?

Q: What's a tone chamber?

A: Also called a "cassotto," a tone chamber is a second long wood or aluminum box inside the accordion. One or two of the reed banks are mounted inside (usually the clarinet or middle octave reeds and/or the bassoon or low reeds). The chamber takes the metallic reedy edge off the sound. Sometimes in case of the "clarinet" reeds (that often come as a pair of reed banks on larger instruments), one bank will be in the chamber and one outside so that the player has a choice. Tone chambers add to the weight and expense of an accordion.

Q: What is a "free bass" accordion?

A: Most accordions have buttons on the bass side that play pre-set chords. On a "free bass" instrument the buttons only play individual notes — the chords must be constructed like on a piano. This gives the player freedom to do chord inversions or come up with more variety of chords than can be gotten otherwise. It also allows playing of melodies in the bass. A few accordions are free bass only. Others allow for switching back and forth between free bass and standard pre-set chords.

Q: What is "wet tuning?"

A: When one bank of reeds of the same octave is tuned slightly off from another, a beat or fluctuation of sound results. This gives a distinctive character to the sound and is frequently used in certain folk music. The "wetter" the tuning, the more pronounced the beating. Sometimes three reed banks are used: one stays at pitch, one is tuned slightly higher, the other slightly lower. The result is sometimes referred to as "continental musette" or "true musette." Many older Italian accordions have a very slight de-tuning of one reed bank, creating a subtle chorus effect. Larger instruments with multiple register switches will give the player a choice whether to play "wet" or "dry."

For more specialized questions, we are happy to try and answer them, Send email to Smythe's Accordion Center. Responses might take up to two weeks