New on here looking for advice

[Neill connor]

Hi, thank you for having me. I am not yet an accordion player but have been thinking of trying to learn one having played clawhammer banjo, tin whistle and Uilleann pipes and many years ago I played piano. I therefore have a basic knowledge of keyboard but it’s finding the right instrument within my budget. The best piano accordions appear to be Italian but but they come at a hefty price. I have tried my friends Chinese accordion but it to be honest sounds awful and such hard work to play. Recently I have been looking at eBay for vintage accordions and 2 have just come up close to we’re I live. My question is are these 2 models any good and what is likely to be the cost of getting either of them serviced as they, being vintage would probably need one? Am ii better to save up for a reconditioned one from a reputable dealer like the Birmingham accordion centre or take a chance on eBay?
The two accordions close to me are

Settimio Soprani three voice - 120 Bass Piano Accordion with case | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Settimio Soprani three voice - 120 Bass Piano Accordion with case at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

and this frontalini

Frontalini 120 Bass Piano Accordion 3 Voice | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Frontalini 120 Bass Piano Accordion 3 Voice at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[dunlustin]

Two very common bits of advice are:
1: Old/Very old instruments are very unlikely to be a bargain especially for a beginner
and
2: If possible, buy used from a local professional who is able to offer tech' backup and comes recommended.

 

[Glug]

You can get a bargain on ebay, but only really if you can try it in person.

Main issues to check are:
leaky bellows
All the keys work cleanly
All the buttons work cleanly
No smell of mould.
Register switches work.

I would tend to look for something from the late 50's or later (I'm fairly sure that Frontalini is not 70's):
Probably has rounded key ends.
Probably want 96 bass or more.
LMM is a decent register combination, you probably don't want LMH since MM will give the 'french' sound.

A reliable bet for accordions of that age is a used Hohner, but other fine Italian makes will be around.
Allegedly old Baille (Chinese) can be quite good (for the price).

I've also heard the the guy that runs Birmingham accordion centre is very friendly so it might be an idea to talk to him and try a few of his instruments to get an idea what you want. Doesn't mean you have to buy anything

 

[TomBR]

...or talk to Nigel of Fair Deal Accordions, also in B'ham

 

[godgi]

I have never dealt with him.
I have phoned him re an accordion he was selling.
I am just wondering does he refurbish before resale or just resale - take it as it is scenario ie the risk is now yours.
I am trying to find out this as he has some nice accordions in stock at the moment.
I am now buying by the way.
Godgi