Structural integrity of the bellows

[EuroFolker]

I am a beginner and don't know much about ins and outs of accordions yet.

But since I've invested in a couple of brand new ones to learn on, I want to make sure I am handling them properly, so they last a long time.

My question is this - is there anything that a beginner (or anyone) could do to compromise the structural integrity of the bellows / other parts of the accordion?

(Other than actual negligence such as dropping the accordion etc)

For example, pulling the bellows way out and not keeping the bass side at the same height as the treble side, so additional strain / tension is created?

But maybe they're designed to withstand that.

Thank you in advance for your insights.

 

[dak]

Pulling the bellows out far enough that the cardboard starts to resist (rarely an issue with large instruments because your arms give out earlier). Carrying an accordion by the straps (straps are for playing, not for carrying, and they don't have a lifetime of eternity). Wearing anything with sharp buttons on it facing the bellows. Poking/dusting the bellows with anything sharp. Imagining that nail polish remover (acetone) or similar powerful solvents are helpful in cleaning anything off the accordion (stuff like that dissolves the celloloid of the instrument's body and immediately and permanently dulls the surface). Watch what your straps are doing when packing the instrument in its case: strap protectors may help keep the surface unscratched at the ends, but there are buckles in the middle of the strap, too.

 

[Dingo40]

My question is this - is there anything that a beginner (or anyone) could do to compromise the structural integrity of the bellows

Store in a cool, dry place and keep away from moisture and sharp objects: the main component in bellows is cardboard.
Surprisingly, if not mistreated, with normal use, bellows can last for 80+ years with little attention.

 

[tcabot]

The bellows (also pallets, seals) on my bando are 87 years old and the compression is still very good (not perfect, but very good).

I've been told that pulling the bellows all the way out can be damaging, but as dak mentioned, you need hands of Arnold Schwarzenegger to do it on a full-sized accordion.

Having said that, I've recently bought what appears to be a 19th century flutina, and the bellows are in quite poor condition. I wonder if it's still under warrantly.

 

[Dingo40]

I wonder if it's still under warranty

Yes, if you can produce the receipt!

 

[dak]

Yes, if you can produce the receipt!

"Mom, I don't have the receipt anymore!" "Give me that thing!" Time passes... "There you are."

But I don't lend her out. And I am sure the shop assistants are grateful for that.

 

[Alan Polivka]

One of the common damages to bellows is from sweat. If you sweat a lot while playing and do not have pad between you and the bellows, they eventually can absorb enough sweat to weaken and collapse. I've had to tear apart bellows and install some new cardboard folds because of this, and it was a big job! Always have a pad installed on the back of your accordion to prevent this from becoming a problem.

 

[dak]

If you sweat a lot while playing and do not have pad between you and the bellows

For a moment I feared that you wrote "if you swear a lot while playing" and boy would I have been in trouble then.

 

[Alan Polivka]

Me too! (-:

 

[EMan]

Sometimes when you look at older accordions the fabric on the bellows corners on the inside bottom are worn, usually a sign of resting the bellows improperly on the left knee. That can be avoided by playing in a standing position or sitting on a stool height seat so the the accordion hangs more than rests on your left knee. I've noticed that some of the newer button players seem to position their accordions almost vertically on their lap. I'm not sure how that works out, but I cannot play like that. It's only now that I'm in my 70's that I sit ( on a higher stool saddle). Up until a few years ago, I always stood up when playing. Never sat.