Accordions inherited, worth anything?

Subject: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 11:53 AM

Hi,

Found this site from a google search! I have (well my brother and I) recently inherited an estate that includes 3 accordions, a Hohner Contessa III, a Hohner Arietta IM and a Barcarale (Barcarole?) which has a plate with 47866 on it.
Now are they worth anything and are there any specialist sites for selling these instruments on? Both my brother and I are non musical and have not got a clue where to start with this, so any advice will be gratefully received.

I have photos if it will help.

Thanks in advance,

Martin

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 12:04 PM

Martin - Where you are would be of assistance - UK , USA etc !

And be prepared for a lot of 'Witty' comments , as Accordians , like Banjos (one of MY instruments) are the butt of a lot of very bad jokes in Folk Music .

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 12:22 PM

Leadfingers... thanks for the reply, I am like a coiled spring awaiting 'witty' comments ;)
I am in the lovely sarf east England, Kent to be precise, the accordians are in Germany (where they appear to be very popular!) at present. They may well stay there as my mum is out there and is trying to sort out her brothers possesions. I shall be returning at some stage so I can collect them if necessary.

Thanks again.

Martin

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: Acorn4
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 04:09 PM

People will need to know various things like how many bass buttons,(usually 24, 48, 60, 72, 90 or 120) how many right hand keys, any voices -these are normally tabs on the front of the instruemnts.

The condition will also be important -if they've been kept in a damp loft they may not work properly and notes might stick, the condition of the bellows is important as well. You really need to find someone who plays to give then a go and see what kind of order they are in. Anyone who buys one will want to try it first.

Do this before you think about asking a price.

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 04:21 PM

I'd suggest you having a quick look at this page at the Hobgoblin 2ndhand list here:

http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/secondha.htm


Type in 'accordions'. They're bound to have some Hohners and Barcaroles for sale. You'll start to get an idea of the price.

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 04:23 PM

I'd have said you should be able to get a couple of hundred quid each for the Hohners, maybe more for the Barcarole.

But it entirely depends on whether they're full size (120 bass) or less (80 bass, 48 bass, 24 bass etc).

The Hobgoblin website is also quite good for explaining the differences between types of accordion. I think they have an "Instrument FAQs) on their home

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 04:38 PM

If no one in the immediate family plays, I would recommend finding a music dealer in Germany and leaving them there..it would be bulky to transport them, and if they are from Germany originally, maybe they want to stay there. Then take the money and buy \an instrument or something you would like. mg

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: Ernest
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 01:18 PM

Where in Germany are they? There are a few dealers specializing in accordions over here too...

Good luck
Ernest

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 05:50 PM

"The Hobgoblin website is also quite good for explaining the differences between types of accordion. I think they have an "Instrument FAQs) on their home"

Then of course, there is the Mudcat Technique: Piano Accordion for The Recycled Muso which explains the basics for those who do not play...


Robin

Subject: RE: Accordions inherited, worth anything?
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 08:43 AM

Thanks for the help guys, I called the Leeds Hobgoblin shop and spoke to a really helpful lady there. She gave me a few pointers.
I have since spoken to my mum and some musician friends of my Uncle are helping her with all the musical instuments, Accordions, Drum kits, keyboards, bongos etc!