Hello forum. New guy here. Was doing some cleaning out in the basement and found my Titano Ideal pearl white accordion. It's in great shape. No cracks in the bellows. Sounds good to my ear. All switches work. Is missing one knob for the electrical side of things. I have the serial number and wondering where to look that up to determine the exact year and if anyone on the forum has opinions as to the value. Haven't played it in 40 years so looking to sell it somewhere so that it can get back into action once I get the data. I've attached a pic. Thanks in advance for the guidance and opinions.
Newbie with a Titano and a couple questions
- Thread starter chipperd
- Start date
I think many of us in the forum become kind of suspicious when an accordion that has sat unplayed in a basement for 40 years is assessed as being in great shape. I’m not saying it couldn’t be, but usually the way an accordions performance degrades over time it can be hard to quantify without comparison with a properly working unit. The valving drys out and stops sealing correctly, the reed wax that holds the reeds in drys out and becomes brittle (meaning one bumpy car ride or spirited playing can dislodge any number of the 130 reeds in this accordion), and reeds slowly go out of tune.
This example would’ve been built for Titano by Victoria. The specific year it was built is of much less importance to its value than its playing condition. Because there are so many reeds in an accordion, when it is due for service, the bench time can add up as each reed can need attention. This makes it so some perceived minor performance issues can cost more to repair than the instrument would be worth after the repair. I would say as a private seller selling this “as is” $100 to $300 is about the range I would expect. Someone might point out accordion shops will have the same model for more than twice that, and that’s true but they are selling the instrument after being serviced and with a warranty.
This example would’ve been built for Titano by Victoria. The specific year it was built is of much less importance to its value than its playing condition. Because there are so many reeds in an accordion, when it is due for service, the bench time can add up as each reed can need attention. This makes it so some perceived minor performance issues can cost more to repair than the instrument would be worth after the repair. I would say as a private seller selling this “as is” $100 to $300 is about the range I would expect. Someone might point out accordion shops will have the same model for more than twice that, and that’s true but they are selling the instrument after being serviced and with a warranty.
Hello Ben-jammin. You're right; my untrained eye, ear and nose isn't going to pick up on issues that may be present and needing attention. Thanks for your reply and input. Much appreciated and hope to get this sold to a shop somewhere that can take a look, address anything it needs and get it back into circulation so it can be played. No one builds a ship to stay in the harbor. I was a Falcetti kid in the 70s. Any chance you know of a place in Mass that might be able to take a look and resell? Thanks again. Chipperd
Google Falcetti Music in Springfield MA, they're still around! 
Funny you suggest that as I called last week and was given Sam Falcetti's number. I called and spoke with him (he's 90yo now) and we chatted for a bit. Turns out he was the one who sold this accordion to my folks some 50 years ago.Google Falcetti Music in Springfield MA, they're still around!
That’s a great part of your story! 
