I've got a challenge for you!

[Ep162]

First - let me compliment you all for having such a knowledgeable and engaged community! I've been lurking around here for a bit and am impressed with everyone's willingness to help others.

My father was an amazing, life long accordian player who used his talents to bring joy to many people over many years. He started playing around age 10, and continued until his recent passing at age 83 this year.

He had several accordians, but the subject of this post seems to be the oldest of the group. I can't find any manufacturer markings or plates on the instrument. It seems to be in pretty rough shape cosmetically, but it seems to play just fine. There are no electronic pick-ups on this instrument.

I'm attaching some pictures for reference and would appreciate any assistance you can provide. Please go easy on me - I was just the drummer so I never had to worry about chords or melodies. Now that Dad is gone I'm regretting not having learned more about his passion!




If there are any other views that you think might be helpful please let me know!

Thanks in advance for looking at this! My best to all -

Paul Jr.

 

[Dingo40]

Can't claim to be an expert, but it looks to me like something from the Pancordion stable circa late 1950s??
It's certainly led a very hard life (looks like the rats have nibbled it, among other things!?)
It would have been a beauty in its day!?
Other members here, I'm sure , will suggest pulling out the pins holding the bellows in place ( just along the keyboard side will do) and sending us a few photos of the insides, especially the reed blocks and the lhe leather valves.
Who knows, there may even be some inscriptions by a repairman or builder ??
Does the front grille pop off using spring loaded plungers or screws ?
If plungers, then more likely from the 1960s than 1950s
(Don't pull it apart more than you can easily reassemble !!!?)

 

[Ep162]

Dingo,

I was reluctant to try to take it apart because I'm on unfamiliar ground here but I will give it a try tomorrow. I don't think it's been nibbled at all. The keys are really fragile and seem like they are ready to crumble. I'm wondering if they are ivory as they are yellowing and cracking.

Stay tuned (accordian pun?) for an update tomorrow!

 

[JIM D.]

This one is a 1950's "LIRA" made by International of Italy. A 4/5 reed box. These were built like tanks and the reeds will be
in house hand assembled. From the Pic's this one will need new treble key tops and some of the grill pieces are missing.

These were most always found with a 4 letter LIRA badge on the treble and on the rear of the base machine an oval with the words
Made by International.

Here's a newer model ---

 

[Dingo40]

Ep162,
JimD's the man!!?
Accordion keyboards yellow even if not ivory, so unlikely to be ivory. ?
Now and then a member treats us to a blog recounting their experience of replacing keytops. Accordion repair techs will also undertake this job.
As far as pulling things apart goes, never do anything you're not comfortable with!??

 

[Ep162]

Thank you Jim D! Mystery solved. What a nice sound as well. I really enjoyed your video!

So now that we know a little more, is it worth getting refurbished or is it best to sell as-is? I really would just like to find a new home for the accordion where someone will appreciate and enjoy playing it.

Any thoughts / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Ep162

 

[Tom]

Hi Paul,

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I am not an expert on this type of accordion, but conventional wisdom is that in today's market conditions an older accordion in rough shape will cost more to restore than it is worth.

It's very difficult to place a value on an accordion when you can't inspect it closely.

One thing you could do is ask the experts here for a ballpark estimate, decide what it is really worth to you and advertise it on the appropriate spot on this forum.

I hope you will keep one of your father's accordions and consider learning to play, if only a couple of songs.

Good luck! Tom

 

[Ep162]

Thank you for the kind words and advice Tom!

I think it would be nice to learn to play a couple of songs as well. It always made our family get togethers very special.

Paul

 

[JeffJetton]

I think it would be nice to learn to play a couple of songs as well. It always made our family get togethers very special.

Another vote for that strategy.

• If you want to get a little value out of an old accordion you've found yourself with, donate it and take a tax deduction.
• If you want to get a bit more value out of it, try to sell it on eBay or Craigslist.
• But if you want to get the most value out of it, keep it and learn how to play it.