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Hohner Morino IVM

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Morne

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Speak of the devil!

A Morino IVM just popped up in a local ad a minute ago.





The price would be roughly 615 USD or 430 GBP.

This one is, again, too far away for me to just pop in and have a look. I have asked the seller for some more details.

debra and Soulsaver, what do you think about this one?

Even if some minor work is needed and can only be done a little later, would this still be worth it?
 

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Sorry I did not see your post earlier. It's an hour ago so the instrument may already be gone. If it isn't it must be because it's not a black one. You probably don't mind that much. Even if the instrument needs some work it's a steal! (That is, except it's in extremely poor condition, or missing many reeds or having busted mechanics.) The normal going rate for a Morino IV M is 4 to 6 times this price, when the instrument is in good condition. Whenever I see a Morino IV M on sale I start regretting that I changed from PA to CBA.
 
The seller responded to my initial questions. He still has it. According to him it's in perfect condition, not a cent needs to be spent. He's couriered instruments before, so he said he'll do it again. I suspect he plays a bit of concertina and accordion too.

At this point I don't mind the colour. In this case beauty really is what's on the inside.

I've listened to a few videos of the IVM on YouTube after you mentioned it and even though there aren't many videos, I do like the sound.

I sent him a few more questions, but I'm feeling positive about this. It's 11PM and I don't think there are too many people looking at accordions locally right now.
 
Lucky you. If this seller is legit you should jump on it. But... where is the instrument and where are you? If you can drive there to get the instrument that is infinitely better than having it shipped. And if you do get it shipped make sure you have very good buyer's protection. There are unfortunately too many dishonest people on Internet to just trust someone you don't know, even with the pictures of the instrument and all. I follow local buy&sell sites and there are always some dishonest buyers and sellers. I only deal in person, want to see (and when I sell offer) documentation that the goods have the right owner, and even then there is no absolute guarantee that everything is legit.
I do hope this add is real and the seller is honest. If the instrument is good you have a super deal.
 
That is why I asked some more questions and I will give him a call tomorrow. I did a little bit of looking around and the seller's identity at least appears legit (i.e. from the area the ad is in, and that he is somehow involved with music).

The seller is around 800km from me, but still in South Africa. That is a little bit far and too long for me to just drive out quickly.
 
Yes the price on this one in playable condition is tempting but, from the pics you have only show bellows tape wear on the front. Ask for a pic of the rear and bottom of the bellows as the condition of the bellows tape wear will give you an estimate on mileage and bellows repair if necessary . And always ask the reason for selling it. An evasive seller will always use the excuse of not having correct knowledge of accordions. Now on the other hand, the silver grey on this one is very attractive and the color holds up very well with age. If you have some knowledge of accordion repair or a local repair service that has reasonable prices -- go for it.
 
This is an early model, c1950. 123 bass 4/4 good reeds, cassotto; in good condition, this would be a very sought after model. As Debra says - 4 times that price... min.
If this was described as in good tune & playing condition in Europe at this price it would be ...too good to be true..!
A common scam in UK is to advertise in, say, London a very nice sought after accordion located in Scottish Islands hoping to find someone who is not prepared to travel, but will transfer the bargain price for a courier delivery... the punter sends the money... the accordion doesn't arrive.
Know anyone near them you can trust?
Take care.
 
I got some more information.

He will send me higher quality photos later today. In general and of the bellows in specific.

His reason for selling is he has too many instruments. He has had this accordion for five years now. He is primarily a concertina player (in the Boeremusiek style) - I found a short clip of him playing the concertina on a local TV show years ago.

He does not have a date for a last service. Which means the last service was probably 5+ years ago. But I also take it he didn't play it so much as to throw everything out of tune.

There is actually a pickup jack above the grille, but he says that is the only thing he cannot promise to work as he has never used it or tested it. I'm not too worried. If it works - great.

He says his dad and him have couriered accordions before. They pack the case with newspaper and bubble wrap, and then they put that in a box that's filled too. He is going to get me a quote for the courier.

He is also aware that it is a really good Hohner.

Regarding the low price: my currency is somewhat weak at the moment. For example, two months ago this would have been more than 700 USD / 460 GBP. But even then, the relatively low price compared to internationally is because there really is only a very limited market for accordions here. Professional players who can afford it go with modern instruments.

I don't know anybody in that area, but I have a feeling this isn't a scam. At the price it might look too good to be true internationally, but I think this is legit given what I've found on him online and the (price) differences in our accordion markets.

Also, he said he will play a little on it over the phone when I call him later in the afternoon.

Is there anything else I need to ask him later?

My thought so far is if the phone call goes well and there's nothing visibly wrong with it and nobody here tells me otherwise, then I will go through with this. Even if the instrument isn't in 100% shape sound-wise, I'd rather spend a year getting. it better than letting this pass. I have a feeling I won't be seeing any more local Morino's any time soon.
 
I would say go right ahead. You are very lucky to find this instrument.
The shipping method sounds reasonably safe but it depends on how a courier handles it. Even is there is minor transport damage the instrument is still worth the repair.
Congratulations!
 
Good news: the seller has somebody that'll be driving down to my city on Friday and he can transport it with him. Which means, if all goes well, I could pick it up on Saturday morning.
 
Still sounds too good to me. Take the care needed to avoid losing your money, an honest seller won't mind. Could you offer to transfer a deposit and pay the balance to the guy who is delivering?

Playing over the phone is easy with no accordion at all. If he does play it as for something of your choice so you know he's got it. If he keeps saying he doesn't know it ask for a double octave scale or the like.
 
Soulsaver said:
Still sounds too good to me. Take the care needed to avoid losing your money, an honest seller wont mind. Could you offer to transfer a deposit and pay the balance to the guy who is delivering?

Playing over the phone is easy with no accordion at all. If he does play it as for something of your choice so you know hes got it. If he keeps saying he doesnt know it ask for a double octave scale or the like.
Click to expand...

Ask them to play whatever they play again with mistakes should prevent someone using a recording, but it doesnt help with a different accordion!

I hope very much that this is genuine but theres no-one as helpful and friendly as a scam seller!
(And anyone can read this discussion!)
Good luck,
Tom
 
For what it's worth, I managed to track down a partial ad for this same Morino IVM in Google search results which had the same contact number in 2014, so I'm guessing he tried selling it before. Anyhow, I'll have a chat with him in a minute and report back here.
 
I uploaded the recordings he made for me:


 
 
So can anyone think of any final objections given the above?
 
From those last pic's I personally feel you have a winner here. If it was on my side of the pond and local - well I would have purchased it yesterday. :tup:
 
Me too.
Listen I hope it's a kosher deal.. but even if he played exactly what you wanted, and sent you a pic with todays Port Elizabeth paper, it would only prove that he has it... but not that it will arrive after you've paid your money: Try the deposit & balance on delivery.
Other than that It looks like bellows has been replaced or re-taped. And if I'm being a bit picky it doesn't sound as mellow as I expected. And he can't count up to 123.
Good luck.
 
Soulsaver said:
And he cant count up to 123.
Click to expand...

<S>Is that a reference to his playing or the price or ?</S>
Never mind. Youre referring to the buttons on the ad
 
Yes Ed's (Solesaver) response to this thread echo my feelings exactly. My view of the new pic's show yes, the bellows tape and pads have been replaced, But I must say that this one looks extremely great for a box 70+ years old.
 
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