Bellow strap, should I add?

[Hellohelenhere]

My garmoshka doesn't have a bellows strap. Should I add one?

 

[Dingo40]

Should I add one?

I prefer them.
However, this was designed not to have them, so make sure there's actually physical space available inside the treble and bass boxes to attach the required anchors.
The straps themselves come ready made in various lengths, materials and styles: check out to see what's suitable.
See here:

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In my own experience, this all metal design has been the most durable:

116 Accordion Bellow Strap (pair)

Get a (Pair) of 116 accordion bellow straps at Music Junction Melbourne

www.musicjunction.com.au

Leather (and, heaven forbid, vinyl) tend to dry out and crack up. Metal mesh tends to deform or break away from the ends, but these are still good after 70 years!

 

[Hellohelenhere]

I prefer them.
However, this was designed not to have them, so make sure there's actually physical space available inside the treble and bass boxes to attach the required anchors.

Good point!
I was wondering if it is better for the health of the bellows, to have a strap? If not, I'll probably just leave it as is. The combination of no air button and no strap is slightly sub-optimal, but neither is a huge problem in the greater scheme of things.

 

[John M]

Good point!
I was wondering if it is better for the health of the bellows, to have a strap? If not, I'll probably just leave it as is. The combination of no air button and no strap is slightly sub-optimal, but neither is a huge problem in the greater scheme of things.

Without a strap, If you store the accordion "horizontal", the bellows should close. If you store the accordion "vertical" the bellows may open a little and you may want to put a cover over the top to prevent dust from settling between the bellow folds.