Can anyone provide any information on this Excelsior accordion

[Bkukuk62]

Can anyone provide any information regarding this model of Excelsior accordion.
Is it Chinese with softwoods in the interior or do you think it is of better quality?
Thanks,
-Bryan

 

[JerryPH]

That is an excelsior NY from the 1950's made in the USA with a combination of Italian and American parts. If I am not mistaken (and my history is weak), it was in the 50's that they started to move production from Castelfidardo Italy to the USA. It *is* possible this one is all Italian, but more than likely it is a USA made model.

Right side:
4 sets of reeds tuned LMMH, dry tuned from the factory
41 keys just over 19" keyboard length
Of note, they had 4 "rocker" treble switches that gave it a total of 15 different registrations.
It of course also had a master pam switch.

Left side:
5 sets of reeds
140 bass
3 registrations.

It was right in the middle ground at around 21 pounds without straps. That makes it quite light for an accordion of these specs. In good condition, these are awesome to play.

It is considered a professional instrument. My parents were looking at this model for me before they bought my beloved Morino VI N.

It is impossible to tell value from a single pic, but I will say that I noticed that there were some strong discolouration on the top of the keyboard that suggest mold... an accordion's greatest enemy. Mold takes any accordion and in terms of value, turns it from hero to zero in an instant.

 

[Bkukuk62]

They want $500 for it, how do I check for mold other than an odor?

I am entry level on this, any more advice before deciding to pull the trigger on this ?

Thanks,
-Bryan

 

[JerryPH]

If they want $500 for it, expect it in advance to have issues.
Have them take pictures of the insides after splitting the accordion open.

For that price I would expect that it may need new valves and a tune at a MINIMUM... it may likely have other issues, like missing/damaged/changed reeds (this accordion originally came with hand made reeds). If you are not experienced, you may want to have someone with more experience take a look on your behalf.

As an extra, you may ask for a video of the accordion in action. being played.

 

[Ventura]

say BKU..

all old accordions will likely have brittle reed-wax, and shipping
any kind of distance at all exponentially increases risk, as one good
jolt will turn the insides into a messy puzzle

i note you are in California, so if you can drive to pick this up, ok,
the reeds alone make it worth $500, but if it will ship from more than a
state or two away, i would suggest you find something nearby

there are quite a few accordion clubs to the north, where you might
visit on a meeting day, and still a few shops too.

San Diego is so close to the border the accordion influence locally
is more Latino, but you might find something on Craigslist

good luck

 

[Bkukuk62]

This is local, so no shipping involved. I have played trumpet for over 50 years, played bass guitar and drums in a band. I just want something new. I have watched several videos on repairing accordions. After I check it out and checking for air leaks, stuck keys and faulty reeds... Are there still parts available or will they have to be custom built?

 

[Dingo40]

Bryan,
Welcome .
I can see only 120 bass buttons
(which is "standard ").
Being "local", the best advice would be to have a knowledgeable person come with you and "try before you buy " including an internal inspection.
Used accordions are very much like used cars: problems are likely to arise with age.
Of course, even brand new accordions have had their problems.

 

[Bkukuk62]

All, thanks for your responses. All are very valid. I hope to join the ranks of accordion players soon, whether it's this one or another one. I hope you will let me lean on all of you in the future, whether it be for repairing or learning to play. I can read music really well so that won't be a problem, it's the mechanics of playing that I have to learn. Thank you all. Lastly, if I ever need accordion parts, what are the good resources?

 

[nagant27]

This accordion is a super instrument with solid construction. It will certainly need sone work to make it perfect.
That being said- I absolutely love these 00 models. They are comfortable and fairly light weight for a full size 4 reed instrument. I love the design, and the reeds are of excellent quality. Great sound. You can play around with the combinations and partially open and close reed blocks.
You would be hard pressed to find a better instrument, assuming the condition is decent. Good luck and if you buy it enjoy it!

 

[nagant27]

As to parts a lot depends of what you will need. Leathers and common things can be find on eBay.
Actual replacement mechanical parts specific for your excelsior are tough, but they are built so good I doubt you will need anything like that.