1920's Casali Verona Restoration

[Davey Eddy]

Hi All,

Well, I'm going to bite the bullet here and attempt to restore this piano accordion of mine myself - albeit with a little help and advice.

Now the primary plan I'm proposing is this -
To strip out all reeds, both treble and bass.
Clean each of them, revalve each of them, nail each of them and wax each of them back into place (the accordion in question is both nailed and waxed).
I figure this to be within my immediate capabilities?
This being done I'm hoping a local chap here will entertain the idea of tuning the beast?

Secondary to this plan would mean :
A spruce up of the bellows - more aesthetic.
Need to rehook and secure two bass buttons.
Possibly renew back slip on treble side.
Consider rechroming of treble grill.
Replace material which backed treble grill.
Two new leather bellow clasps.
Renew all bellow pins.

That would then be pretty much it - any thoughts or advice?

 

[Davey Eddy]

I'm just wondering how much I can do - whilst appreciating the exacting standards necessary.
Looking at this conundrum for much of the day in regards to restoring these ancient specimens - I had to wonder, what work would it take take from me to make this financially viable/affordable and in any order to even have a professional give it a second look in regards to work?

 

[AccordionUprising]

Good luck, send pictures!

 

[jollyrogeraccordions]

As a general sequence, I'd sort out essential non reed work first I.e. sort out wonky keys and air leaks first and check you have compression with the reed blocks out. Leave purely cosmetic stuff to the end. It. It may also be better not to fix on the valves or attach the reeds to the blocks. It may make more work for the tuner in the long run. It's certainly worth checking with your tuner (it would be my preference).

 

[Soulsaver]

Save some money:Just polish the treble grill and see how it looks + then a light clear laquer spray if you're happy. Chrome won't hide pitting, generally doesn't look authentic, and a good plating job just looks out of place with shabby chic 1920s accordion... just my twopence (tuppence?).