Newbie intro/chat

[peterbike]

Hello all, becos of bursitis in my shoulder I can no longer play my fiddle.
Decided I needed to learn the accordian. After reading on here I learnt I should start on a piano acc.
Playing predominately irish folk music, I decided on a 12 bass button as a starting point.
Got a hohner on ebay $180. ok
When it arrived I discovered 2 things.
1. it is smaller than I expected. 240mm/ 9.6 inches long . I bought from a photo - did not ask any questions as I thought all 12 bass buttons would be the same. My friends one (italian) is longer & the keys are wider.
2. Some of the keys did not work or they worked a little.

I had read on here before hand about buying with the full width keys, but thought I was looking at a photo of the correct item. With the assistance of youtube I pulled it apart & found that several of the flaps leather/vinyl/? are missing & one reed had dropped out of place & was rattling around inside.
Repairs will be easyish - but I do not know the name of the leather stuff (cut to size & glue on?) to order or where from ?
Also I would like 1 of the little spoons for the waxing & wax.
There is an accordian repair place in Oz so I can order when I know what to ask for.
Getting back to the size, I am wondering if I bought a child's one ? It doesn't really matter, as I am sure I can make it work ; I am just curious if someone can identify what I have.
If the 2 of us hit it off, I will buy an electric one.
Thank you in advance, Peter

 

[Pipemajor]

Hi Peter and welcome.
before you start on any repairs, I suggest you study the Accordion Revival website first. It gives you all the information you will likely need to repair your box.
Using a waxing spoon is not for the faint hearted and requires a good deal of practice so you will find youtube videos on how to do it using a small paint brush. The upper reeds dont have valves (the leather bits) 0n them. If you can't get any in Oz, there is always Aliexpress!!
You can do a lot with a small box. Have a listen to Sany Brechin on Youtube to see what I mean!!
Any queries you have, just ask on here. No question is stupid if you don't know the answer.

 

[murathan]

Welcome. It may be a good choice to buy a melodeon if you are focused on Irish etc. music. I found it is harder to play these on piano accordion while they are relatively easy on melodeons. Here is an example:

 

[SteveBox]

Welcome. It may be a good choice to buy a melodeon if you are focused on Irish etc. music. I found it is harder to play these on piano accordion while they are relatively easy on melodeons.

Yes, welcome. I would agree, if you are not already proficient with a piano keyboard, and your interest is mainly Irish music, consider a B/C, C#/D, or D/G two row melodeon. These are the types that predominate in Irish music, especially the B/C or C#/D. It is easy to find books and YouTube instructional videos on these instruments. Note that the playing technique is very different from that of a piano accordion.

That said, you can play Irish music on any accordion, and there are some really good Irish piano accordionists. Personally, I play Irish music on a small CBA.

There must be some Irish sessions in Melbourne, typically at pubs, where you can get advice.

If you are experienced playing Irish music on fiddle, then you may already know much of this! If so, my apologies for presuming you didn't.

 

[Dingo40]

Have a listen to Sany Brechin on Youtube to see what I mean!!

Welcome Peter!
Pipemajor,
Thanks for the tip on Sandy Brechin
That's "Sandy Brechin".
Peter,
Just Google him on YouTube: you'll get plenty of hits!
He's certainly a full on, all round entertainer!

 

[Scuromondo]

As someone who has had my share of shoulder pain, I would be surprised if your bursitis (particularly if it involves the left shoulder) will have any less impact on your accordion playing than it had on your fiddle playing.

 

[Dingo40]

I am just curious if someone can identify what I have.

Here's another 12 basses owner putting his accordion through its paces.
Good luck with yours!

And:

 

[Pipemajor]

That's "Sandy Brechin".

Banana fingers strikes again

 

[peterbike]

Thanks to all for yr answers.
Pipemajor : accordian revival, very helpful. the brush I did consider, then wrote it off - but it is back on again.

Murathan : I actually had a read of this site before I purchased & (mis)read? that the button accordian was twice as hard to play ?
& that it is better to start on a button - then change over to button.
Maybe I got it wrong, but it doesn't matter - as I will have a lot of fun & can change over later

Stevebox : the pub scene was very hit & miss pre covid - now virtually stopped. but I have friends to play with.

Scuromondo : you may be right, but there is only one way to find out. It is my right shoulder (could/should be ok ?)

Dingo : hi to a fellow ozzie

Will be starting the repairs today (saturday), so I will update my success/failures.....