Help with cleaning of an old piano accordion? ?

[Nik]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me please? ? I have inherited what I understand is a piano accordion and it was suggested that I contact this forum to see if there is anyone who could be recommended to possibly clean it and put it back to its former glory? The instrument is old but does still play. A couple of the notes don’t sound quite right and it is quite dirty. Is there anyone who may be able to help? Thanks very much.

 

[Ben-jammin]

Does it smell musty?

 

[Scuromondo]

if you want it restored, the least risky path would be to take it to an experienced accordion repair person.

 

[Tom]

Welcome Nik!

You can do it. Best thing is to clean it up the best you can using a mild cleaner, low on noxious chemicals. Then ask very specific questions here, complete with pictures. People will give you plenty of advice, both solicited and not, some of which will really help you, but you must send pictures. In the meantime, check out accordionrevival.com for ideas on what to look forward to.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Dingo40]

What kind of "dirt" are we talking about: mould, dust, food, wine?
Be careful with the bellows! They are made of cardboard which doesn't like moisture.
The "boxes" at each end should be covered in celluloid and should be OK using a soft rag dampened with clean water.
I have successfully removed nicotine stains from the keyboard and bass board by rubbing with some neat toothpaste on a rag, but be careful not to fill up any gaps or spaces ( the holes the bass buttons sit in) with toothpaste!
Don't apply any cleaning agent directly to the accordion, put a small amount on a soft rag first and apply it using the rag.
Hasten slowly!!!
"Dirt" in bellows folds can often be brushed out with a clean, dry 2 inch house painting brush. Leave any stains that the brush doesn't remove.
Good luck!??

 

[Nik]

Does it smell musty?

It just smells old really.

 

[Nik]

if you want it restored, the least risky path would be to take it to an experienced accordion repair person.

Yes I’m actually a Brass player and could point someone in the direction of a good brass repairer. I was hoping I could take this to someone who knows what they are dealing with in the accordion world. ? If anyone has any recommendations that would be great.

 

[Nik]

Welcome Nik!

You can do it. Best thing is to clean it up the best you can using a mild cleaner, low on noxious chemicals. Then ask very specific questions here, complete with pictures. People will give you plenty of advice, both solicited and not, some of which will really help you, but you must send pictures. In the meantime, check out accordionrevival.com for ideas on what to look forward to.

Good luck!!!!

Thank you very much for your help. I may try and clean it myself if I can’t find a specialist to look at it. ?

 

[Nik]

What kind of "dirt" are we talking about: mould, dust, food, wine?
Be careful with the bellows! They are made of cardboard which doesn't like moisture.
The "boxes" at each end should be covered in celluloid and should be OK using a soft rag dampened with clean water.
I have successfully removed nicotine stains from the keyboard and bass board by rubbing with some neat toothpaste on a rag, but be careful not to fill up any gaps or spaces ( the holes the bass buttons sit in) with toothpaste!
Don't apply any cleaning agent directly to the accordion, put a small amount on a soft rag first and apply it using the rag.
Hasten slowly!!!
"Dirt" in bellows folds can often be brushed out with a clean, dry 2 inch house painting brush. Leave any stains that the brush doesn't remove.
Good luck!??

It’s really just dusty and old smelling. Thank you for your cleaning advice. I’ll certainly look to clean it myself using your suggestions if I can’t find a specialist to look at it for me. I appreciate your help. ?

 

[colinm]

There used to be a chap at rowlands
gill

 

[Dingo40]

As far as smells go, airing in a warm dry space is effective, although it may take some time (months possibly).?

 

[Nik]

As far as smells go, airing in a warm dry space is effective, although it may take some time (months possibly).?

Thanks. I’ll give that a go. ?

 

[Nik]

There used to be a chap at rowlands
gill

Would you happen to have a name? ?

 

[Pipemajor]

Have you looked on Melnet.com, the melodian site?
There is a list of repairers there. I think Theo Gibbs is in you part of the world

 

[Nik]

Have you looked on Melnet.com, the melodian site?
There is a list of repairers there. I think Theo Gibbs is in you part of the world

Thanks I’ll have a look at this site. And I have been in contact with Theo Gibbs. He couldn’t help but directed me to this group chat. Thanks for your help. ?

 

[Juls108]

In retrospect, it is best to leave no surface unchecked and treated with some sort of appropriate cleaning medium. Once bought: a vintage accordion on ebay, did not expect to have low offer accepted. It came, beautifully cushioned by much rolled up newspaper in a washing machine box. The accordion smelled a a bit musty, as did the case, both in pretty good order, considering the vintage. Finally got round to removing the keys from the key-bed. Wood mite city had been established in the plywood body on the treble side, thankfully not having extended into or beyond the pallet face. With the instrument completely stripped down, and after a week long battle, praying over the little pale souls that came out of the timber to breathe their last, It took a further two-plus years before being able to play the instrument without the industrial scent of 'eau du worm killer'. Well worth the wait, but what a shock to encounter those critter mining-works in order to salvage the case.