Cart for accordion

[Alans]

I have been using a standard accordion knapsack for my 120 bass and I need to walk some distance with it to get to my lessons-I don't own a car. This past week I thought I had permanently damaged my back from the carrying. Someone
suggested I get some sort of cart or a suitcase on wheels to carry my instrument with. I still have to get on and off a bus
with the instrument so it's not a perfect solution but....I'm just wondering if anyone can suggest something that they feel
works really well for them. My back is in agony since my last lesson and I don't want to stop seeing this teacher.

 

[Glug]

You can get accordion bags with a built in trolley, the box I bought had one thrown in and I used it to get it home via walking and public transport (1 hour approx).
Seems to works ok, theres probably many makes but heres the one Ive got:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/CNB-accordion-trolley-gig-basses/dp/B00VECO8S8

edit: Just spotted its also on ebay.

 

[Tom]

I've used just a basic luggage cart.  You can get them on amazon for about $25.  You can add bungee cords.  Or spend a little more and get a sturdier one:

 

[Eddy Yates]

Alans,
I’m assuming that since you said “knapsack” you live in Europe. Otherwise, I could send you the very lightweight guitar amplifier rolling case I no longer use.

 

[Alans]

Thank-you for all of your suggestions. Will check these out. Anything but carrying it on my back any longer.

 

[JerryPH]

Don't use anything with those small wheels, they are made to be rolled on super smooth airport floors. Sidewalks and streets would be brutal for the accordion. If the wheels are 3" tall and made from rubber, as a minimum that would be good. 4-6 inches tall... even better and easier to pull too.

 

[Alans]

Thanks Jerry and all. I was planning on using a regular valise but as you know Jerry,once it starts snowing it will be hell to pull the suitcase for many blocks.
I just lifted my instrument for the first time in a week and felt back pain immediately. I am not thin nor young and even though my accordion is 120 bass I think it must be one of the lightest available and it still kills my tail bone. Sadly I just don’t think I can continue with this teacher because any trolley involves lifting on and off a crowded bus so..I’m asking him if he would come here but he’s a full time graduate student. I may have to go the route of Skype which I really don’t want to do but I don’t know what else to do. I love the accordion,but spinal injures are of course not fun.

 

[Tom]

Sorry to hear that Alan.  Maybe get a smaller, lighter accordion for taking out?  Seems like a common solution.  Wouldn't have to be great sounding or expensive since you have your other one.

 

[Alans]

thanks Tom, that's a great idea which I didn't think of. But if I'm playing at home 120 bass isn't it a problem if there is less bass notes and also piano? I would have to keep readjusting for the higher registers. But I'm going to think about this.

 

[Tom]

thanks Tom, that's a great idea which I didn't think of. But if I'm playing at home 120 bass isn't it a problem if there is less bass notes and also piano? I would have to keep readjusting for the higher registers. But I'm going to think about this.

Hi Alan,

I don't think it will be a problem.  Think carefully about the songs you are likely to play at your lessons.  You may find (or plan) that you don't need more than 64 or 72 bass to accomplish the learning you seek.  The lessons may be more about musicality, phrasing, bellows work, fills and chording than intricate workouts in the esoteric keys at the ends of the bass rows.  Likely also with the treble.  It's certainly worth looking into, and maybe discussing with your teacher.  Best of luck to you!!!

 

[jozz]

I feel for you. I did most of my learning on an 80 bass, and it was perfect. Then I took on 120, but this wasn't my idea of fun mainly because of the size and weight. I hope you can achieve your own compromise in size and weight.

 

[Tom]

I'm with ya there, Jozz. I went to 72 but I miss the extra treble reed (went from 4 to 3).  In retrospect I think 72 bass with 4 treble, 4 bass reeds would be just about perfect.   Luckily I still have the 120 when weight is not an issue.

 

[Alans]

Speaking of weight-I am always surprised when I see a performer standing with their accordion attached to their back. Some of these musicians are playing really large instruments. Isn't it terrible for your back to play standing up? But I see many people
online doing this.

 

[Tom]

Hi Alan,

I think that over time it may injure some people's back.  As you may have seen on here, many of the "senior" players have opted for playing sitting down, gone for a lighter instrument or using a stand.

I would point out a number of factors which could help:

1. Age and physical condition of the player.
2. Dedicated excercises to strengthen the back.
3. Length of time playing.  If you started young and gradually built up your strength. 
4. Length of time playing at a particular session.
5. Type of straps, backstraps and are they adjusted properly.   This is huge.  The right straps can make a heavy accordion seem light, and vice versa.

I, for one, have a stand, play my heavy accordion sitting down or for short periods of time, and also have a lighter accordion for those times when I want to stand.  With good straps and backstrap, I can play the smaller accordion for an hour venue without too much problem.  By then he audience is ready for a break anyway!  Good luck!

 

[craptiger]

I really struggled with the dilemma of "big accordion with deep, mellow bass and large choice of voices for home" vs "small, lightweight box for carrying to sessions with compromise on reed choices" for years. I ended up getting my Saltarelle Bourroche which being solid wood is pretty mellow, and it's so light and small it's well worth the compromise.
Saying that I wish I'd had it tune slightly wetter....ahh well, next time it's tuned I"ll get it adjusted I think.