Accordion for someone looking to move up?

[the-tenth-planet]

Hello all,

I used to come on here more often, but school has really gotten to me. I got an entry-level Chinese-made accordion last year, and after taking it to a professional for setup and repairs, its been great for me. Ive performed on it several times, and Im getting to the point where Im making my own arrangements to play on it. However, it only has 48 bass buttons, and while I know enough about music theory to use chord subs, it can be pretty restricting at times. I really want to move up to a 120 bass where I have room to improve, and with graduation coming up, I think a nice accordion to take with me to college would be a great graduation gift idea.

Do you guys think its wise to make that kind of jump, though? And if so, do you have any recommendations for a piano accordion with a 120 bass stradella system? I saw this one which looked nice, especially considering I know someone who specialises in accordion repairs that I really trust to do a good job if it needs any work.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[JIM D.]

Well first of all the ad is deceiving. This accordion is late 30s . Not worth more than $100 to $125.
The bellows work this one needs, alone will cost you more than this !!

See here -- http://www.accordions.co.uk/Pre-WarInstruments.htm

 

[TomBR]

Hi 10thP, I suspect your first question is easy, but the second one is harder!
Unless you have good reasons why you need to stick with the size and weight of your 48b a bigger accordion will obviously give you more options and versatility.
A 120 bass accordion is like a standard 88 key piano, it's the one that can do everything, (OK leaving free-bass aside etc.)
I'd guess from your post that you are in the USA? JimD and others have said that the vast majority of accordions in the US are 120 bass. Over here in Europe there are more intermediate sizes, 60, 72, 80, 96 bass but those all trade size and weight for versatility.

The crucial thing about accordions is that they are complex machines that need care and maintenance. The cost of getting an instrument into good playing order can easily exceed its value in good playing order! That means an awful lot of older accordions are effectively worthless. In general "vintage" is bad news.

If your budget will stand it, the quick route is to get something from a respectable accordion dealer. There aren't many, but if you give an idea of your location I'm sure people here will help with suggestions. Hopefully you will have something that has resale value if necessary.
The slower, possibly cheaper, route is to keep an eye on what comes up for sale within travelling range so that you can take a look before you buy.
A third route, also slow, is to do your homework, set aside some "gambling money" and do some buying and selling on Ebay until you land up with a "keeper." Not ideal for a graduation present.

Good luck!
Tom

 

[Soulsaver]

Good reply, Tom.
PS I saw an 14x6 84 bass the other day.