The accordion can be a beautiful and often-underrated instrument. Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, owning an accordion can bring great joy and opportunity to your music-making life. But as with any instrument, there comes with it a certain amount of maintenance that needs to be done for it to perform its best.
Why Accurate Maintenance Matters
Accurate and consistent maintenance of your accordion is critical to ensure its longevity. An accordion is a complex instrument with hundreds of delicate parts that must be maintained regularly to ensure its performance and safety. Inaccurate and inconsistent maintenance can lead to big issues that can damage accordions and cause costly repairs. Moreover, if an accordion is not serviced regularly it can suffer from tuning issues that can lead to squeaky notes and other tonal inconsistencies. Regular servicing will help maintain the instrument's tone, keeping it sounding as it should.
Servicing Considerations
Before buying an accordion, you must ensure that you can service it. Accordion servicing can be expensive, especially if you are buying a vintage instrument that will require more complex and costly servicing. Be sure to get quotes from a qualified professional to get an idea of what the maintenance will cost. You should also consider the type of maintenance you can do yourself and what you will need to get done by a professional. Keep in mind that maintaining an accordion is a time-consuming task and will require a lot of dedication and effort on your part.
Servicing Supplies And Tools
Servicing your accordion will require some special tools and supplies. It is essential to have the right tools for the job to properly inspect, clean, lubricate and adjust the various components of your instrument. For example, you will need a set of screwdrivers and torque wrenches to ensure that every threaded component on your accordion is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. You will also need plenty of specialized lubricants and cleaners to clean and lubricate the reeds and other valves in your accordion. Finally, you will need plenty of spare parts like bellows, straps and keys.
Tuning And Maintenance
Tuning and maintenance are two of the most critical aspects of accordion maintenance. Every accordion must be tuned regularly to maintain its correct pitch and intonation. Tuning also helps with the tonal and vibrational balance that every accordion should possess. Tuning should be done every few months and should be done by a qualified and experienced professional.
Besides tuning, other maintenance matters. Lubricating the valves, cleaning the reeds, adjusting the contacts, and adjusting the reeds must be done regularly to ensure the best performance and the most accurate tone from the instrument. Additionally, various wear and tear parts should be inspected and replaced as needed. This includes the bellows, straps, reeds, keys, contacts, and more.
Storage Considerations
When an accordion is not being used, it must be stored in an appropriate place. An accordion should be stored in a dry, dust-free environment away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Additionally, it is essential to store the accordion in a location where it will not be exposed to high temperatures, humidity, and dirt. If possible, it is best to store the accordion in the case it came with to protect it.
Follow These Accordion Maintenance Tips And You Are Good To Go
When buying an accordion for sale, it is important to remember that owning and maintaining an accordion is no small feat. You need to be aware of the expense and time of regular maintenance and be willing to invest in the necessary supplies. Furthermore, you need to ensure that you have access to a qualified and experienced professional to work on the accordion when needed and have a safe and dry storage area to store the instrument when not in use.
