New Piano Accordion

[MartyQ]

Hey folks,

I am based in Ireland and have a 72 bass Paolo Soprani Piano accordion thats fallen into disrepair . I contemplated getting it fixed up , but even If I could find somewhere to fix it, im thinking it might be best to buy a new one as I suspect its quite old (was purchased from my music teacher for 800 pound: pre year 2000 for those non Irish folk) at the time second hand .

Im just not sure what brand/model would be best . There is quite a range of prices, some stupidly expensive(like 12k!). To be honest, I was kind of "forced" to play it as a kid and did so for many years but apart from being able to play fairly well - id put myself somewhere between intermediate/advanced I suppose, I never really got into learning much about the actual instrument itself believe it or not ! I still play now every now and im glad I was "forced" as I enjoy playing it , but only in the comfort of my own home, so nothing serious.

After just googling the anatomy of a piano accordion , I only now know it has two treble register switches ( which I never really use) and no bass register switches. So perhaps its basic enough. See pictures attached.

So, two questions:

1- Any Irish residents that might know of anyone in the Republic that might take a look at repairing it? Not really finding anyone . Maybe it's not worth however as mentioned .

2- What would your recommendation be on a new fairly decent Piano Accordion that would fit my casual playing, if money wasnt too much of an issue? Clearly doesnt need to that advanced but perhaps I dont know what would be good to have( for example the bass switches or more treble switches, voices etc). I think ideally it would be best to go into a music shop so I can play some and feel/hear the difference but again, not seeing any selling Piano Accordions! Failing this , I might be better off getting something similar to one I have, maybe with a couple of extra bells and whistles, either new or second hand .

Thanks in advance,
Martin

 

[Valski]

Hello Martin,

Welcome to the forum, I'm sure that you will get a lot of advice and support here. The photos of your accordion help a lot with being able to assess the condition however it's not possible to play the instrument to see if any keys are sticking or if there are any other mechanical defects. The photos show an extremely well worn accordion, in fact I have rarely seen one in similar condition. However any defects appear to be cosmetic such as the worn bass side wrist strap and some loose grill covers as well as the celluloid being completely worn off in places.

Usually with an instrument being in this cosmetic condition it would lead one to believe that there are also a lot of internal issues that would take priority. Competent repair people can be difficult to find and they would be best equipped to provide advice however I think that you would probably be better served purchasing a newer accordion because I would guess that the investment for the repair would be quite significant and you would still be left with a basic accordion. The number of registers generally indicates the number of reed blocks inside the instrument and more of them generally gives you a richer and more pleasing sound and that's one of the best things of playing the accordion.

I would think that a better instrument would give you more pleasure and that would encourage you to play more often. This will lead you to feeling more confident and perhaps sharing your talent at gatherings or even jamming with other musicians. I encourage you to play at gatherings as this will increase your confidence because people enjoy live music because it enhances special events. Be sure to get a red accordion when you purchase a new one because that colour has the most impact.

 

[MartyQ]

Hey Valski,

Thanks so much for your input. There are some keys a little sticky as you mention it . I mean , they dont have spring they once had . Also some keys are lifted a bit . I do think I'm not completely aware of what I'm missing as I've only played this one. Kind of like buying a new guitar , where the old one I was playing was an exceptionally cheap one I just learned on . I couldn't believe what I was missing out on when I bought it

I think ill buy a better Accordion for sure . I found someone that has a selection of piano accordions and I'll drop into them sometime soon to get a taste for that richer sound you mentioned. In the mean time , I'm going to do some proper research into the specs.

Finally , I had fantasized a bit about going playing in a session . I'd say there's nothing quite like it . The closest I had to experiencing it was playing in fleadh ceol competitions as a teenager. So maybe this will motivate me in that direction.

Thanks again,
Martin

 

[vivdunstan]

Gosh that accordion looks a lot like mine, bought new in 1981. Made by Paolo Soprani for Clinkscales in Scotland. I wonder if yours might be of a similar age. I have seen another 72 bass Paolo Soprani badged one, also red, that also looks like mine and is the same age.

Here is a photo of mine. Also 72 bass. It is still my main much loved instrument. It has a gorgeous sound. I will see if I can give a link to a SoundCloud recording of mine after the picture. My box recently had its first ever retune in its 41 years, done by Gordon Pattullo near me, just outside Dundee in Scotland. The recording was before the retuning



Here is a recording of me muddling through Despacito on mine. My own arrangement.

 

[TomBR]

Hi Martin, we met over at thesession.org!
Reading on this site about people's experiences with buying new accordions would make me only want to buy something I could play and take home. I'd think twice about ordering a new accordion sight unseen.

How about jumping on a plane from Dublin to the UK, going to a shop where you can play a decent number of accordions, choosing the one you want and getting it shipped home? (I think that might be safer than taking it home as hold baggage.)
Tom

 

[rhythmbox]

Hey folks,

I am based in Ireland and have a 72 bass Paolo Soprani Piano accordion thats fallen into disrepair . I contemplated getting it fixed up , but even If I could find somewhere to fix it, im thinking it might be best to buy a new one as I suspect its quite old (was purchased from my music teacher for 800 pound: pre year 2000 for those non Irish folk) at the time second hand .

Im just not sure what brand/model would be best . There is quite a range of prices, some stupidly expensive(like 12k!). To be honest, I was kind of "forced" to play it as a kid and did so for many years but apart from being able to play fairly well - id put myself somewhere between intermediate/advanced I suppose, I never really got into learning much about the actual instrument itself believe it or not ! I still play now every now and im glad I was "forced" as I enjoy playing it , but only in the comfort of my own home, so nothing serious.

After just googling the anatomy of a piano accordion , I only now know it has two treble register switches ( which I never really use) and no bass register switches. So perhaps its basic enough. See pictures attached.

So, two questions:

1- Any Irish residents that might know of anyone in the Republic that might take a look at repairing it? Not really finding anyone . Maybe it's not worth however as mentioned .

2- What would your recommendation be on a new fairly decent Piano Accordion that would fit my casual playing, if money wasnt too much of an issue? Clearly doesnt need to that advanced but perhaps I dont know what would be good to have( for example the bass switches or more treble switches, voices etc). I think ideally it would be best to go into a music shop so I can play some and feel/hear the difference but again, not seeing any selling Piano Accordions! Failing this , I might be better off getting something similar to one I have, maybe with a couple of extra bells and whistles, either new or second hand .

Thanks in advance,
Martin

Hi Martin...Have you tried Sean O'Neill in Belfast for advice on repairing your accordion? He also has a selection of new & used instruments...Good luck!

 

[MartyQ]

Gosh that accordion looks a lot like mine, bought new in 1981. Made by Paolo Soprani for Clinkscales in Scotland. I wonder if yours might be of a similar age. I have seen another 72 bass Paolo Soprani badged one, also red, that also looks like mine and is the same age.

Here is a photo of mine. Also 72 bass. It is still my main much loved instrument. It has a gorgeous sound. I will see if I can give a link to a SoundCloud recording of mine after the picture. My box recently had its first ever retune in its 41 years, done by Gordon Pattullo near me, just outside Dundee in Scotland. The recording was before the retuning



Here is a recording of me muddling through Despacito on mine. My own arrangement.

Ah very cool! It's looks to be the same alright, bar the name

 

[MartyQ]

Hi Martin, we met over at thesession.org!
Reading on this site about people's experiences with buying new accordions would make me only want to buy something I could play and take home. I'd think twice about ordering a new accordion sight unseen.

How about jumping on a plane from Dublin to the UK, going to a shop where you can play a decent number of accordions, choosing the one you want and getting it shipped home? (I think that might be safer than taking it home as hold baggage.)
Tom

Hey Tom, ah I see. You know, I think if I'd be commiting to buying a box that could be fairly expensive, a cheap flight to the UK would be well worth it to be sure. I found a chap selling a few in Wicklow area so going to take a spin there and try them out . Also , regardless of me possibly getting a new one , I might try and get mine fixed up anyway as it seems to be cosmetic mainly and has sentimental value Maybe I could pass it down a generation or two .Thanks for the advice!

 

[MartyQ]

Hi Martin...Have you tried Sean O'Neill in Belfast for advice on repairing your accordion? He also has a selection of new & used instruments...Good luck!

Aha. I was thinking to look a little further a field alright for the latter. I've found a fairly local chap that might be able to fix up my own one also so will see Cheers