Buying An Accordion from Europe to the USA

[Sunglow]

Does anyone know of accordion stores in Europe that sell to buyers in the U.S.A. besides Thomann? I'm looking to get an alpine/styrian/oberkrainer type accordion with helikon bass and see a few brands overseas but Thomann seems to be the only one that ships to the US. Also, what kind of import or customs fees are there? Thanks in advance. Thomann seems good but I'm also looking for more variety.

 

[Ventura]

you don't want a pre-owned one ? there
are plenty available within driving distance of New Jersey

 

[Scuromondo]

You might check out Castelfidardo Musica (https://www.castelfidardomusica.it/en/produttori).

 

[Sunglow]

you don't want a pre-owned one ? there
are plenty available within driving distance of New Jersey

! - Do you know where and what kind? A pre owned one would be good also.

 

[Sunglow]

You might check out Castelfidardo Musica (https://www.castelfidardomusica.it/en/produttori).

Thanks! - I'll look into that.

 

[kimric]

I have a couple of used Melojica instruments, 3 and 4 row. I can also order them from Delicia. I don't sell a lot of them so I don't stock them.

 

[Ventura]

! - Do you know where and what kind? A pre owned one would be good also.

i sent you the info in a private message

 

[Sunglow]

I have a couple of used Melojica instruments, 3 and 4 row. I can also order them from Delicia. I don't sell a lot of them so I don't stock them.

I'm not familiar with button accordions, I only know how to play piano accordion. I'm looking for something with helikon bass and MMM or LMMM musette. Thanks for the info. I'll check what you have on the website.

 

[SteveBox]

An internet search shows that Liberty Bellows in Philadelphia has two for sale. They can probably order in other models. I would think it would be better to buy from a local US dealer if you can find what you want.

 

[Sunglow]

An internet search shows that Liberty Bellows in Philadelphia has two for sale. They can probably order in other models. I would think it would be better to buy from a local US dealer if you can find what you want.

I would rather buy from a local dealer but I can never seem to find exactly what I want. Maybe I'm picky but don't want to put out too much money on something that's not quite right for me. I do check Liberty Bellows often but just waiting for the right thing.

 

[Ventura]

lol

i thought all alpine/styrian/oberkrainer type accordions with helikon bass
were handy sized wildly decorated button accordions

 

[Dingo40]

Now's the time to buy anything from outside of the USA; before the tariffs take effect!

 

[Sunglow]

Now's the time to buy anything from outside of the USA; before the tariffs take effect!

That's what I was thinking. Anything from Canada is out until further notice.

 

[Sunglow]

lol

i thought all alpine/styrian/oberkrainer type accordions with helikon bass
were handy sized wildly decorated button accordions

I like Zupans but they seem to be huge/bulky. I'm sure there are smaller ones but I can't find any that ship here.

 

[Ventura]

some Zupans were built by Beltuna,
normal sized 41/120 LMMH or LMMM and some smaller ones
a few less keys and bass and LMM

members of Maryland Acc Club have both and we heard them
at quite a few meetings, but i never thought they "sounded"
very eastern European at all.. they reminded me more of the
brighter sound of pre-ww2 full size art-case type accordions
just with wooden bodies kind of alpine looking

 

[Sunglow]

some Zupans were built by Beltuna,
normal sized 41/120 LMMH or LMMM and some smaller ones
a few less keys and bass and LMM

members of Maryland Acc Club have both and we heard them
at quite a few meetings, but i never thought they "sounded"
very eastern European at all.. they reminded me more of the
brighter sound of pre-ww2 full size art-case type accordions
just with wooden bodies kind of alpine looking

Hmm. Thanks for the input. That's the thing...there are so few of them around that I know of, it's hard to know what they sound like. I know one person who has one and I hardly ever see her to hear it. There's one for sale on eBay and one on Reverb right now but they look too bulky for me. Maybe I'll try something else. Thanks.

 

[SteveBox]

That's the thing...there are so few of them around that I know of, it's hard to know what they sound like.

There is no substitute to visiting an accordion shop and trying some out in person. The next best thing would be the many videos on YouTube demonstrating piano accordions with helikon bass. Many of these are demos of the accordions that Liberty Bellows has stocked, currently or in the past.

 

[Sunglow]

There is no substitute to visiting an accordion shop and trying some out in person. The next best thing would be the many videos on YouTube demonstrating piano accordions with helikon bass. Many of these are demos of the accordions that Liberty Bellows has stocked, currently or in the past.

It's true, there is no substitute for trying them out in person. I've noticed with videos - somehow they all sound good. Very different in person. It's kind of taking a chance to buy without trying it.

 

[pitzelberger]

Also, what kind of import or customs fees are there?

I don’t know the current situation, but let’s hope that it won’t increase by 25% in the near future.

 

[Sunglow]

Has anyone in the U.S. bought an accordion from Thomann in Germany and were there additional costs to pay (custom/duty type fees) and how do they get paid?