Excelsior 930 van Damme

[JIM D.]

Don't be confused about the shifts on this one as they are mis-marked. This box has three sets of treble reeds L M M .
The L set is a Bassoon set, the first M is a clarinet set and the second M is a clarinet set slightly out of tune.
The shift machine on this accordion was made for an accordion with three sets of reeds L M H that gave you 7 shift choices. A L M M box only needs five choices hench the repeats.
The correct names of the switches on this box should be from left to right 1st Bassoon (L) 2nd Violin (MM) 3rd Clarinet (M) 4th Master (LMM) 5th Bandoneon (LM) 6th Violin (MM) and 7th Bassoon (L). For many years in the US a dry tuned L M H was the preferred reed set and very few L M M models were imported here. Well times have changed and an accordion with a L M M set is now preferred and will fetch a better pre-owned accordion price.

 

[truthinbeer]

You are a mine of information Jim.
Excelsior sold instruments with a 4 & 5 shift machine. I wonder why they put the superfluous switches on this little fella...to look impressive perhaps?

What would supply cost of keys be for the 930?
edit: Just found key tops at Bossetto Accordions - us$49.50 for the set. Just glue them on. :ch

 

[truthinbeer]

...
Also the 2 bass switches seems pretty normal to me. I would have to agree the price is a little high- since this is not a full 120 bass.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

The Excelsior Accordiana passed in (ebay) and relisted now at same money aud$680.
The 930 van Damme also listed on ebay now has an offer $1,000 (us$700). Awfully cheap if that is what it goes for in 16 hrs time, but not a bargain for me if I would not be able to sort the problems myself.

 

[Soulsaver]

edit: Just found key tops at Bossetto Accordions - us$49.50 for the set. Just glue them on. :ch

Jim didnt comment on this solution; any down side Jim?
I notice they also do pearl tops for $ a bit more.

 

[JIM D.]

Replacing treble key tops are best left to a quality repairman. To properly replace a key top (1st) the key will have to be removed from the accordion and the old top removed. (2nd) You must find a supplier that offers key tops in different sizes and chose a size closest to the old tops. (3rd) In most all cases the new key top will require some fitting and filing a in some cases the edges will have to be re-chamfered.

To obtain the proper replacement you will have to go to a supplier such as --
http://www.accordiondepot.com/

To give you an idea of the different types and sizes available go to this site and look under components and then keyboard.

 

[truthinbeer]

Still torn on whether to bid on the 930, 5 hours to go .

edit: Oh ohhhhhh. Now I've got some explaining to do to mrs truthinbeer. I am a bit competitive and well I couldn't help myself. With 3 seconds left to run, I pressed send and now I am the owner of the 930vD. :shock:
Now I am having regrets, how am I going to explain what I spent on an instrument that has some issues. I am going to have to take a deep breath and plunge into opening it up to see what is wrong.

 

[NigelB]

Oh dear truthinbeer...that's just what I did. My symphony grand USA has some fairly big issues but, when I pick it up for a play at home it's magical. Sounds like shimmering glass and feels like driving a Mercedes. Never met a better box. Worth it even with the stress of knowing it needs work. I payed less than half of what it would be worth restored so I'm still happy.

 

[truthinbeer]

Thank you for the encouragement Nigel. Mrs truthinbeer (oops, forgot where I was ) was not nearly as positive. :roll:
I ended up paying aud$1,050 which is near as dammit US$700 or £500. {} :ch

 

[Soulsaver]

Thank you for the encouragement Nigel. Mrs prozac was not nearly as positive. :roll:
I ended up paying aud$1,050 which is near as dammit US$700 or £500. {} :ch

Well if you find nothing else wrong with it, it seems a bargain to me. Fixed, this will be an inspirational box to play. Good luck, nice find.

 

[truthinbeer]

Thanks for the reassuring words Soulsaver.

 

[JIM D.]

In your case consider yourself fortunate that you've made a fine investment. You see that if this one was in my area for $700.00 USD I would have bought it yesterday. In parts alone it's worth twice that much. That 930 refurbished will easily fetch $2,500.00+ USD here today.
I have a list of 7 customers now waiting for one of my rebuilt Pro Excelsior or Excelsiola models when completed.
There are 3 on the bench now in the process of rebuild, a Symphony, a Symphony Grand and a Continental AC all pre 70's. When I get anyone of the 3 completed I'll go to my list, call them all, and will probably hear a knock on the door before I put the phone down.
Keep Playing And Have Fun; JIM :tup:

 

[nagant27]

Great buy!! I have been busy and missed a lot of this thread. I would agree with what everyone has said and you made a great choice. $700 is a steal for this accordion. I mentioned earlier that I love mine, and either bassoon reed is exceptional sounding. Its a great accordion, and worth the money to get repaired. I only think it will be worth more in the future so whatever you put into it, I would think you would get back if you ever decided to sell. I am willing to bet you keep it though!! I am so happy for you. Enjoy it!!

 

[truthinbeer]

Thank you one and all for the help in this protracted decision and the reassurance I haven't done my dough based on the ad description. I will be unlikely to sell it nagant if it is everything it is supposed to be. As you have pointed out, it is not everyday you come across these instruments.

If I was around the corner Jim D. I would be bringing it in to you for a service. As it is, it looks like I will be learning how to make the small adjustments required to unstick the C3 and the sticking treble registers. The owner tells me the register issue is intermittent. Possibly ok for use by someone like me until I rectify it by unreliable for a professional player. I will take my time and make the right tools for the job before I tackle anything.

 

[JIM D.]

The Accordion revival site will give you tips on that sticking key. And on your shift machine problems - remove the grill and you will see the shift machine has 4 rods that connect the shift machine to the slide control box. These rods are adjustable and with patience you can fix the shift machine yourself. You will first have to carefully remove 4 lock clips and put them aside - you will then find that these rods have threaded ends and can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing to make the rod longer or shorter. With the lock clips removed try (1 turn at a time) adjusting the rods until the shift machine runs smoothly without jamming - replace the lock clips and start playing and enjoy. :tup:

 

[truthinbeer]

The Accordion revival site will give you tips on that sticking key. And on your shift machine problems - remove the grill and you will see the shift machine has 4 rods that connect the shift machine to the slide control box. These rods are adjustable and with patience you can fix the shift machine yourself. You will first have to carefully remove 4 lock clips and put them aside - you will then find that these rods have threaded ends and can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing to make the rod longer or shorter. With the lock clips removed try (1 turn at a time) adjusting the rods until the shift machine runs smoothly without jamming - replace the lock clips and start playing and enjoy. :tup:

Jim, you make it sound so easy which I am sure it is...when you know how. First time opening up a PA and with your encouragement I will now do it with some confidence esp. now that I know what to look for. Thank you.

 

[truthinbeer]

The joke about leaving the accordion on the back seat of an unlocked car only to return to find 2 accordions on the back seat comes to mind. I have been asked to make an offer on a 1989 Excelsior 940, musette tuned. It has bass and treble pick-ups. Unused for maybe 15 years some of the keys are sticking a little as are some bass buttons. For some reason it does not have any straps. <EMOJI seq="1f615"></EMOJI>

I know I have one already, and it is dry tuned. How many is too many when you do not have a musette?
I will try and get some photos.

What would be a fair price to offer assuming these are the only issues?

 

[nagant27]

If the price is fair, you have the extra money, and you like it, go for it. Every one is unique in some way, is how I justify new purchases to myself. Nothing worse in a few months looking back regretting not buying it when its no longer available. Just my opinion.

btw does it have 3 middle reeds?