So I have this accordion...

Submitted by X_PRSN t3_z7fnvy in pittsburgh

It doesn't work. In fact it's likely completely ruined and unplayable. However...

This accordion once belonged to my dear departed mother, whose father bought it for her when she was 12. She used to tell the story of how her family lived in poverty and her dad went to great lengths to get her this instrument that cost several hundred 1950's dollars. So I have now inherited it, and sadly it's been sitting in an attic for decades. Parts of the inner workings are warped, the bellows is ripped, and I have neither the time nor the knowhow to attempt to restore it.

So I'm hoping to come across anyone here who could restore it, knows someone who can, or who otherwise may have a use for it, even if it's just a theater prop or something. If you can, it's yours. Free to a good home. I'm trying to declutter the house and this is the one thing I just can't bring myself to simply drop in a trash bag and get rid of.

Thanks to anyone who's interested.

32

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Icy_Photograph412 t1_iy6qcmr wrote

I'd try giving these guys a call before you put it in the trash

https://www.carnegieaccordion.com/about

31

Budget-Pass-2433 t1_iy6w8h3 wrote

Kevin Solecki, who runs Carnegie Accordion, is the bomb. He repaired our family accordion, was super-knowledgeable and very friendly. And Grammy-nominated!

25

Wildman_916 t1_iy8v8om wrote

I read that as your grandma approves of him until I realized lmao

2

WoodpeckerFar9804 t1_iy7rz0b wrote

Op this is excellent advice. However if you choose a different route, I will gladly take it off your hands. I have several family members who collect accordions and button boxes. We go to the button box festival every year in Sharon, and one of my family members may be able to restore it, if not it would be cherished in our family. The fact that is has the story makes it even more appealing as we are sentimental folk.

15

kittenshart85 t1_iy6c2a3 wrote

how does bronzing work? like moms do with our first pair of shoes. couldn't you do that and keep it around? my mom's yahrzeit was recently so i'm kind of a sentimental softie about these things.

9

X_PRSN OP t1_iy6if14 wrote

Good thought, but the problem is 1) finding a place to display a full-sized bronzed accordion in the house and 2) trying to convince my girlfriend not to leave me for displaying a full-sized bronzed accordion in the house.

38

kittenshart85 t1_iy6ivn9 wrote

your second point is an alien concept to me as i cannot fathom dating someone who wouldn't wanted a full-sized bronzed accordion in the house but as for your first point, a nice mantelpiece?

21

X_PRSN OP t1_iy6lyy6 wrote

You clearly have a superior sense of domestic aesthetic. Sadly, I can't see it as a practical option given the circumstances.

You ever decide you want to adopt an old disabled accordion, you know where to find me.

11

kittenshart85 t1_iy6mi6v wrote

honestly, i have no place for it, but i have a roommate who might love it. he just went to bed or i'd put you two in touch rn.

5

X_PRSN OP t1_iy6n978 wrote

Tell you what - I'm gonna hold out to see who else replies for now. Truth be told I'm hoping someone will be able to look at it, tell me it's fixable, take it, and make it live again. That may or may not be realistic, but I wanna see first.

DM me if your roommate is interested, and if nothing else pans out I'll let you know. That ok?

4

kittenshart85 t1_iy6ot3n wrote

no problem! i'm still all about bronzing it and putting it on your mantel, maybe with a bronze plaque that says "mama's squeezebox".

9

X_PRSN OP t1_iy6q5a5 wrote

And now I feel obligated to write a song called Mama's Squeezebox.

7

LostOldAccountTimmay t1_iy6xlma wrote

The Who already did, so you could just play it and focus on finding a take or a place for your newly guilded heirloom haha

3

happyjazzycook t1_iy81goi wrote

I can't believe that someone else is in this situation! I was staying with my parents over the holiday weekend and saw my Dad's unused-for-20-years accordion in a corner of the spare room. It still works and there's a bunch of sheet music, but I had no idea what to do with it. What a timely request, thanks OP, I'll also take some of the suggestions! 👍🏻

7

computerface9000 t1_iya1arl wrote

I would love to purchase this accordion from you! My partner is looking to learn how to play. PM me if you’d be open to parting with it

1

computerface9000 t1_iya1jvh wrote

I’m interested in the accordion! I have a car and will come take it off your hands

1

fattasswiper t1_iyeg713 wrote

This is just a shot in the dark but when my dad was in an assisted living place in Squirrel Hill area he used to tell me about the great accordionist who would perform for the residents. I wonder if it might be worthwhile to contact some senior facilities or nursing homes to ask for the name of the accordionist who performs at various places.

1

sr214 t1_iy6lehm wrote

Take a nice picture, get a nice frame, and toss it. It's not your mother and you're not honoring her by keeping it tucked away somewhere.

−6