Accordion Parts & Tips

Subject: Accordion Parts & Tips
From: Max
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 05:49 PM

Just found an old accordion at an antique store. All the keys appear to work, as do all the buttons. It doesn't have asthma and seems to be pretty airtight. The leather straps are all busted though. The local music store can order me new ones for $30. Thought I'd ask here though first to see if anyone had any recommendations for ordering straps and just anything that may help an eager to learn, enthusiastic, first time accordion owner.

Subject: RE: Accordion Parts & Tips
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 06:05 PM

Oh.
My.
God.

Not another one! I'm up to three now: one 120-bass antique store piece of junk, one 120-bass loaner, and Rick's former Cajun box.

The Button Box has accessories, but it looks like their straps are more expensive than your source. Want padding and adjustability. You want a back strap - it really does give you a whole lot more control. Other than that, I'm is ignernt as you. Max, you gonna play blues on that thang?

Subject: RE: Accordion Parts & Tips
From: CarolC
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 06:07 PM

I'm proud of you Max ;-)

If you have a local music store that can get accordion accessories for you, you probably don't need any advice I can give you, except this one bit:

ENJOY!

Subject: RE: Accordion Parts & Tips
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 06:12 PM

Hi Max,

Always good to see someone taking up the instrument. Do you play any other instrument as yet, or are you a total beginner?

1) The bigger and heavier the box, the better quality straps you need - so they don't break and drop it on your toe - sweat is the enemy of leather straps, time and wear that of plastic ones. Better quality ones cost more.

2) The bigger and heavier the box, the more wider the straps and padding you need. The more padded and wider ones cost more.

3) The bigger and heavier the box, the more chance you may need back straps. Once again, they may come with the ones intended for bigger instruments.

4) The top of teh line best and biggest ones out in Australia are called "Elephant" - when our dollar was lower, they were up to AU$150 retail!

5) If $30 is all you want to pay, then you at least will be able to play it... but you may find it less comfortable that you think after a while.

6) Are these replacement straps proper Accordion straps, or something "home-made" - how wide, what padding, back-straps, etc?

You might like to look at the Technique: Piano Accordion for The Recycled Muso for other helpul knowledge, including how to strap it onto your body correctly, so you can play it easier.

The Author is known to be a bit pedantic, and it doesn't cover everything... yet ...

Robin

Subject: RE: Accordion Parts & Tips
From: vectis
Date: 30 Dec 03 - 07:39 PM

Good luck Max, you have just joined the most reviled group in the music scene along with bodhron and banjo players.
I'm a member too.