Can anyone help me

[Lurtchatv]

A buddy of mine was cleaning out his basement. He bought an older home about 20 years ago, and he simply tidied the basement up and added some of his belongings to store.
He decided it was about time to go through it all and chuck what wasn't needed. He found this Accordian in a case and lifted to me knowing I was into music.
The thing is MINT!! Not dust in the bellows after opening it. No serious diets or blemishes anywhere. I am trying to date it and I need some help. I don't know much about them.
I was thinking of selling it, but when I heard it, I thought.....what a great project. Learn to play it??
Amy help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

 

[Scuromondo]

I could not help but notice that this accordion is being placed upside down in its case—i.e. with the weight of the instrument on its keyboard. The keyboard should be positioned towards the opening of the case so that the weight of the accordion is on its feet when in the closed case.

 

[Lurtchatv]

Thanks for the reply, the accordian was only in the case like that for about 2 minutes. That position was better for the Pic. Is there anything you can tell me about the instrument itself?

 

[Ventura]

Sonola was a well respected Pro accordion company in Italy,
they also made tons of student level accordions under
many names including their own "Rivoli" as well as private
brands like "Regina" and this accordion school name
Mundinger

it is in fact intended as the second step instrument/model
from the introductory 12 bass basic starter type.. this is referred
to as a 2 reed treble (LM) meaning one low set of reeds and one
pitched middle, giving you 3 sounds, low, mid, and a blend of the two

it is likely a nicely built instrument, and yes you would get much
more value from it by playing it, as 60-70 year old student
accordions still far outnumber available students in the marketplace

i do recommend fresh straps.. the old leather will snap at the loops

a nice find.. we all hope you enjoy your new journey

 

[Lurtchatv]

Great info - thanks a lot. My plan is to clean it up, and put a new strap on it. What would your advice be in terms of where or how to start learning to play??

 

[Dingo40]

What would your advice be in terms of where or how to start learning to play?

•Check out the many instructional videos available on YouTube.
•Get one of the several introductory accordion courses available on the web.
Enrolment for an online accordion course with one of the several online accordion teachers.
•Over past decades, many accordion students have been guided by local piano teachers, following commercially published accordion courses (the theory is much the same).
•You could be lucky and find a genuine accordion teacher nearby.
•Try to find other players in your vicinity and associate with them!
•Listen to accordion versions of tunes that interest you on YouTube and memorise them (very helpful)!

 

[Lurtchatv]

Thank you Dingo 40. Hopefully I will get started today

 

[JerryPH]

•Check out the many instructional videos available on YouTube.
•Get one of the several introductory accordion courses available on the web.
Enrolment for an online accordion course with one of the several online accordion teachers.
•Over past decades, many accordion students have been guided by local piano teachers, following commercially published accordion courses (the theory is much the same).
•You could be lucky and find a genuine accordion teacher nearby.
•Try to find other players in your vicinity and associate with them!
•Listen to accordion versions of tunes that interest you on YouTube and memorise them (very helpful)!

Those are some great ideas!
Add to the list maybe someone that could offer Zoom courses for you?

I also own one of these little beauties:

This one was originally my sister’s before she decided that drums was more her thing. It’s basically one of the smallest and lightest 41/120 accordions that you will be able to find…perfect for ladies or older players where weight is a concern. Inside they are well made, but if left sitting many years, will likely need some work to get it to 100%.

Edit: Lastly, KUDOS to you for deciding to learn to play. So many come here looking for a dollar value and just want to sell their accordion, but the TRUE value is in the music it will give you, much more valuable than the few bucks you would get by selling it.

 

[Lurtchatv]

Very nice - and very similar to the one I have - thanks for the reply

 

[Ben-jammin]

One thing you may want to consider is that it appears to be a reduced size instrument. Many were intended to be played by children with small hands. What does the keyboard measure?

 

[Thomas N]

Keep it and learn to play it!!!! That will be worth far more than the $100 or $200 max you could get from selling it.

As others have said, three treble registers and a single bass register, student-model accordion that's been sitting for decades in a basement. It's going to sound very bad most likely, but if just starting out on the accordion you most likely will sound very bad as well!

 

[JerryPH]

I was thinking of selling it, but when I heard it, I thought.....what a great project. Learn to play it??
Amy help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

Forgot to mention, these models are from the 70’s-80’s.

I have a little suggestion, if you are interested… I can offer you a zoom session and give you a short introduction to some of the basics, if you like? If interested, just let me know via PM and we would arrange something.

 

[Valski]

Welcome to the forum,

Gerry's a very helpful member of the forum and constantly helps us less competent members with all sorts of technical assistance. Also it's refreshing that you intend to learn how to play, all too often we get newbies who suspect that they have found that elusive " Stradavarius" of accordions and become wealthy. Since you're located in Nova Scotia, you may want to learn some traditional east coast music which works well on the accordion and should be easier to play than more complex tunes. I hope that you get much enjoyment from your instrument.

 

[Lurtchatv]

Forgot to mention, these models are from the 70’s-80’s.

I have a little suggestion, if you are interested… I can offer you a zoom session and give you a short introduction to some of the basics, if you like? If interested, just let me know via PM and we would arrange something.

I am sorry gor this late reply Jerry. First of sll let me thank you for such a e

 

[Lurtchatv]

I am sorry about that. My phone is acting up, and that is what I am using right now. Again - thank you for such a generous offer. I would be thrilled to take you up on your offer. I have played guitar for over 50 years. All by ear. I can't read music, so I can use all the help I can get