Hohner Carmen II

[ShmoodleDoodle]

As dunlustin said, the age it is, people usually find the bass strap too loose.
The present arrangement means adjusting the tension will be somewhat problematic.
However, once again, there may be something suitable at the parts store: try Googling "accordion bass strap tension adjuster."
Here's a relevant thread:
Tap on this.

O

Thread 'Installing an external bass strap adjuster'

Feb 26, 2022

I'm thinking about getting an externally mounted bass strap adjuster for my 48-bass Hohner Concerto and was wondering if anyone had done something similar and been happy with the result. The original strap isn't a bad fit for my hand, but I'd like to replace it with something with a bit more padding, and it would be nice to be able to adjust it if needed. I'm assuming the part with the wheel should go on the top when the accordion is in playing position. My concerns are that there isn't a lot of room on the top edge of the accordion for mounting it and I don't know if it would stick out a...

• olivigus
• Replies: 3
• Forum: How do I ....... ?

Oh, I've found some decent looking replacements on Amazon and Ebay. Hadn't thought about actual instrument suppliers. I'll have a look! Thanks!

I've adjusted the shoulder straps and have the accordion in a good position now. I think maybe the issue with the bass strap was something to do with that as it feels more comfortable now. Thanks again for your advice and for linking me that thread

 

[Ventura]

well, way back when they hadn't figured out any adjustable
clever ways of mounting the bass strap or bellows straps,
pins and holes and screws were it

meanwhile, 80 years on no doubt the leather is stiff,
so start rubbing some Lexol or Neetsfoot oil or some
such leather rejuvenator on those straps.. easy enough to
cut and mount new bellows straps cut from some suitable
fresh scrap.. just remember any screw has to hold the
straps but also must maintain an airtight seal as it
often penetrates into the air chamber

best to replace the shoulder straps soon, as the box would
likely not survive a drop and bump when a brittle old strap
breaks off (those cheap straps on Amazon are fine
for something so lightweight as this)

as you get on with this one, you will eventually begin to
experience the limitations of an old wheezer, and then
it is time to start perusing past "how do i refurb this thing"
chats or reading up on how to watch for and find something
in better condition

for the second accordion, one also wants to have begun to
figure out what kind of sound you like best, and/or is
best suited to the kind of music you seem to be
gravitating towards.. many accordions are toned and
purposed towards specific ethnic needs so there are
many layouts and variations in sound to choose from

have fun !

 

[ShmoodleDoodle]

well, way back when they hadn't figured out any adjustable
clever ways of mounting the bass strap or bellows straps,
pins and holes and screws were it

meanwhile, 80 years on no doubt the leather is stiff,
so start rubbing some Lexol or Neetsfoot oil or some
such leather rejuvenator on those straps.. easy enough to
cut and mount new bellows straps cut from some suitable
fresh scrap.. just remember any screw has to hold the
straps but also must maintain an airtight seal as it
often penetrates into the air chamber

best to replace the shoulder straps soon, as the box would
likely not survive a drop and bump when a brittle old strap
breaks off (those cheap straps on Amazon are fine
for something so lightweight as this)

as you get on with this one, you will eventually begin to
experience the limitations of an old wheezer, and then
it is time to start perusing past "how do i refurb this thing"
chats or reading up on how to watch for and find something
in better condition

for the second accordion, one also wants to have begun to
figure out what kind of sound you like best, and/or is
best suited to the kind of music you seem to be
gravitating towards.. many accordions are toned and
purposed towards specific ethnic needs so there are
many layouts and variations in sound to choose from

have fun !

Oh yeah, the leather shoulder straps were especially very stiff, so I've replaced them with some padded ones. Just cheap old PU ones but they do the job. The old ones, even on their longest notch were just too tight! The leather is beautifully designed with some nice patterning so I'll definitely keep them. They're just too stiff to be used well. The accordion was right up under my chin almost!

I'm gonna get something to try rejuvenate the remaining leather straps like you suggest. But yeah, I won't be going all in on restoring or anything. The furthest I've got with fixing anything was pushing the piano keys back that had got pulled up slightly, by taking the front panel off.

Not sure on what sound I'm after as I really just love the overall sound of the accordion, but as I delve more into everything, I'm sure something will take priority and a newer, if not brand new (if I can afford one!) accordion is certainly in my plans down the line. Just wanted something I could get cheap to get a feel for the instrument. I'm in love with it so a nice conditioned one would be great one day.

For now, I love my Carmen and will look after it even after it's retirement on the wall comes Thanks for all your info and suggestions