Hohner Arietta IV M : restoration project or sure disaster?

[Jose EB5AGV]

I knew this was going to happen. I am all for fixing broken things. On any hobby I get into, as amateur radio, electronics, synthesizers, guitars, electronic wind instruments, motorcycles, cars ... I end up buying projects and, luckily, most times getting them back to life. That was the beginning of my current work at my home lab, fixing amateur radio gear for a living. Even if I am a Telecommunication Engineer, after 22 years on R&D I began my self-employed adventure 13 years ago, and sice then more than 5000 radio amateur units have gone through my workbench, with a 90%+ rate of success. Also, fixing things allows me to really understand how things work. For me, first ones on any hobby are learning tools.

So, after this introduction, you will understand that, as a beginner with accordions, it was just a matter of time to buy a project

And, yesterday, I probably goofed by buying, online and so unseen, this accordion:













Today, looking in detail the pictures, it seems like humidity could have ruined it as it has probably sat uncovered on a damp place for years...

All in all, my investment so far is 112.68€, so that is the amount I could have depleted...

What do you think, is this for sure a lemon or could it have some chance to revive?

Jose

 

[PhiliGol]

Hard to say from an outside view only Jose.
Main task to inspect the reeds, if they are full of rust (since you said you assume it was been sitting in a humid environment for a while) then you may have to book it under tuition fee.
Else you will be able to restore it with rather more than less effort.
Good look for the opening ceremony.

 

[Rosie C]

In the very worst case you have an opportunity to learn new skills to equip yourself [for] future accordion projects! Good luck with this one

 

[Pipemajor]

. I am all for fixing broken things.

Surely the first thing any self respecting "fixer" does is take it to bits.

 

[debra]

Only after seeing the inside can we have any idea whether this accordion is worth the effort of restoring it, assuming as a hobby the cost of labor is zero.
The keyboard needs a bit of leveling and the bellows tape needs to be replaced. That we can see. Inside the condition of reeds (potentially rusted beyond help) and valves (leather still of all curled up) are possible problems. The pallet felt+leather likely needs to be replaced, bellows gasket as well... But if you are a bit lucky the cost of the needed materials will not exceed the value of the restored accordion (minus the initial investment).
Most of the work can be done with standard tools a hobbyist already has (screwdrivers, pincers, files, etc.) and this accordion does not have the most difficult reeds to work on (piccolo reeds). Unless the reeds are really badly rusted this is a worthwhile project to learn the first bits about accordion repair. It's imperative to read carefully all the advice given on www.accordionrevival.com to get you going.

 

[Jose EB5AGV]

Well, I have been able to cancel this one, in benefit of the Paolo Soprani acquisition (https://www.accordionists.info/thre...sionale-iv-41-120-lmmh-with-added-midi.14169/). It is not the same purpose, and I will for sure buy a "project one" in the future!

Thanks for all your insights!