Looking for info on my dad’s accordion

[keithi70]

Hello all:

I’m looking for some info on an accordion my dad has owned since the 1950s. He’s 80-years-old now, doesn’t play it much anymore and is honestly thinking about selling it. As you can see, it’s a La Tosca but I know little else about it (I’m a drummer - drums I know more about )

Just looking for some background on it and what it might be worth? Any info much appreciated!

 

[JerryPH]

Gretsch La Tosca
Reeds: 3/4 LMH
Treble: 41 Keys, 17.5"(44.5cm) Key to Key, 5 Registers
Bass: 120 Bass Buttons, 2 Registers
Weight: 19.5lbs.

A "middle of the road" accordion, so to speak.

Value if in PERFECT condition: $600-$750.

As I say in all such posts, the chances that this accordion is in perfect condition is quite rare. An accordion that is not regularly played regularly is not going to be in perfect condition. Once past the 40 year mark things like the need to replace valves is almost guaranteed and it will likely need a tune and regular maintenance. Done at a professional's we are looking at somewhere between $300-$500 in the USA, if you can find someone with reasonable skill and a very fair sense of pricing.

If not properly stored, dampness inside can cause mold and rust to form on the reeds pretty much making this accordion not worth the gas money to pick it up locally. It's true value is going to be defined by the inside, even though this accordion looks clean and well loved from the outside.

That's not to say that getting more for it is impossible... like cars, the value is ultimately whatever the buyer wishes to pay, and for the right (potentially sentimental) buyer, they could pay higher.

 

[keithi70]

Thank you for your assessment - I really appreciate it!

 

[Valski]

Hi Keith,

Agreed that this accordion looks great from the outside; even the case looks well cared for. JerryPH is correct, it's the condition of the inside of the Instrument that counts. On the positive side, if you could sell the accordion for $600-750, you would get approximately what this cost in the 1950's. You might want to check out some of the accordion dealers in Michigan who could probably give a better assessment of your La Tosca.

Because the previous drummer was subjected to a "drummer switching to the accordion" joke, I'll spare you. Best of luck!