Titano Ideal serial 27871 in need of repair in VA

[Liana Arias]

Hello, I found a lovely Titano Ideal accordeon in a Goodwill, I think, and I finally have the time to learn to play it. I am so glad it is a student version because it is quite heavy and feels big. Can't imagine anything much bigger but, that explains the small keys and buttons. It has two issues only, I think: the first E key gets stuck when pressed and the very first button of the Diminished Chords makes no sound. Anyone knows where I can get it repaired? We live in Roanoke, VA 24015 about 3 hours from the capital and 4 from DC. Thanks!!

 

[Ben-jammin]

For this brand the air release button is the top button on the diminished row, so that is not a defect. I believe there is an accordion shop in Asheville North Carolina. I’ve never dealt with them but they might be worth contacting.

I wouldn’t be surprised if whoever you use finds additional defects (slow or incorrectly responding reeds) that should be corrected to make the instrument playable. It’s always a gamble to buy used like this.

A comment about keyboard size. From my personal experience trying to play something a bit too small can be ok for short periods. But if playing adjacent white keys requires you to scrunch you hand in an unnatural position, you’re asking for problems. And an instrument with full-size but fewer keys may be a better option.

Best of luck. Titano is a well reputed brand

 

[Liana Arias]

Thanks, Ben-Jammin! I am only 5.1 and 110 pounds so, maybe this accordion isn’t too ill suited for me but, I will keep your advice well in mind. I will not become a concert player at my retirement age now so, I may go for a diatonic if this one does not work. The box has the name Gwen Sinclair in a little metal badge.

 

[Ben-jammin]

The actual company website appears to be down at the moment, which could have ominous implications. But Titano brand was owned and sold by Ernest Deffner music which shows a VA address. I ordered from them last winter. There is contact information for them here http://www.accordions.com/deffnermusic/

 

[Liana Arias]

Fantastic! Thanks Ben-Jammin! I got in and sent an email.

 

[Ikesaccordions]

Busso Music in Virginia is now the Titano dealer. i.e. Frank Busso who took over that function from Faithe Deffner. Tell him Ike sent you.

 

[Liana Arias]

Thanks!! For now I was able to fix it with an internet video. . But if something goes wrong I will

 

[Ikesaccordions]

Bless you. Maybe nothing wikk go worng.

 

[actiasluna]

I have a Titano Ideal I received last week... and was wondering the same thing. I emailed Busso music but received no reply. I wonder if they're still in business? So instead I searched and the shop House of Musical Traditions musicaltraditions.com in Takoma Park MD has a contract accordion repair guy, Justin Paschalides. I am taking the accordion to them today for evaluation/estimate on repairs as it needs a good clean and at least a few known issues fixed.

 

[Liana Arias]

Thanks for the info!! Best of luck.

 

[Caps]

You might also check Dale Wise at Accordions-Plus. He is in Burr Hill, VA. About half an hour west of Frederickburg.

 

[actiasluna]

Busso Music in Virginia is now the Titano dealer. i.e. Frank Busso who took over that function from Faithe Deffner. Tell him Ike sent you.

I know the OP is old - but - I took a little Titano that was abandoned by an eBay seller who sold to me as in great shape (it wasn't) so I sent it back then seller and eBay refunded me. Seller just let it go by giving a fake return address so the post office near the fake address called me and asked if I wanted it... of course I said yes... so it came back to me. I contacted Busso Music (I'm in Alexandria too, coincidentally) and talked to then took the accordion to the shop and met Frank. He said the model I got was the same model he learned on as a kid. He is very nice and got the urgent issues the Ideal had taken care of for a very fair price. If you have patience - he is a busy guy with many things going on - still, he's a fantastic expert and great source of information. I think that orphaned Titano was a very lucky little accordion since it found its way to the guy possibly most qualified and actually eager to work on it.