Aim in restoration
There is two main goals in accordion restoration: to get old instrument back to a playable condition, and to get the surface as close to its original condition as possible. However, it depends a lot on the accordion’s starting condition when it comes to what can and cannot be done. Not all accordions can be renovated totally or even partially. During the restoring work the accordion “tells” about its history: a lot of information about the accordion’s manufacture history stands out including what methods of making and materials were used in the past, and, of course, the history of the particular accordion.
During renovating, I try to use original materials and working methods as much as possible. Possible fixes are let to be seen because renovating is not same thing as rebuilding the accordion. There is many obstacles while doing the work. One main problem is to find usable materials and parts which have not been manufactured in decades. Still, many problems can be solved – send your instrument here for a checkup.
In general, the costs in accordion restoration are higher than in normal accordion maintainance. This is because old accordions are facing more fixing beside the normal maintaining. I even do new bellows to old instruments in order to get the outlook as original as possible.
Regognize your instrument’s historical value
It has to be admited that all accordions are not possesing monetary value, but every accordion is having its special history. For example lots of wood body accordions from the begining of the 20th century can be found in Finland, also the so called “tourist accordions” from 1970’s Soviet Union is rather common to be found from free markets. Accordions who have the first microphones or midi contacts are also rather antique looking in nowadays people’s eyes. High quality concert instruments and some classic accordion models can be found, too. And all of these are having their own history and therefore all instruments are needed to be evaluated in historical perspective. Even if the primitive looking microphones or other electrical equipment are broken, they still tell about their own time. It’s not always right decision to undo fixings or take old microphones away. Time to time it is good to leave the instrument as it is.
I like to have a great look on old accordions just because they have historical value – whether they need a repair or not.
