Selling & Repairs
Want to sell your accordion?
We'd Love To See it...
But please send photos first!
Whether you have a relative’s old accordion, or you’d like to free up some space in your basement…we’d love to see your accordion! But before you pack it up and bring it into the shop, please send a few photos to our email address: romagnoliaccordions@gmail.com.
We cannot give precise value estimates through email or over the phone, but we will help you identify your accordion and then give you a rough estimate of value. We will also be able to provide some options about selling your accordion online or consigning it here at the shop (we do not purchase accordions outright). We often insist that you keep your accordion and play it…so be prepared for a small guilt trip!
*PLEASE NOTE: Due to space restrictions, we cannot purchase or consign accordions with amplifiers, speakers or generators. Examples include: Cordovox, Elkavox, Transicord, Farfisa, Iorio etc.
Things to know
It's what's on the inside that counts..
The most beautiful accordion in the world will have little value unless its interior parts are in good condition. This means that the reeds are in good shape, have little or no rust and are not falling out of the reed blocks. The wax that holds the reeds in place should still be pliable and not cracking off in chunks. The leathers that cover the reeds should lie flat and not be curled or falling off. The reeds are the voice of your accordion. If these are in good condition, then your accordion will have more value if you want to sell it
Clean reeds in fresh wax with new leathers
Rusted reeds in old wax with warped leathers
Fun to see Mike working on repairs in the front of the shop.
Love my accordion and I highly recommend this shop."
Make sure the parts of your accordion are in working order.
- In addition to the reeds, you should check the quality of your bellows. Open the accordion as wide as you can and then, without pressing any keys or buttons, push the bellows closed. This should take a little effort and you shouldn’t hear any whistling sounds, wheezing, or air leaks as you close the bellows.
- Also check that the switches on the accordion work. Some accordions have as few as 2 switches while others can have 13 or more! (Other accordions, especially ones made before 1940, have no switches at all.)
- Finally, make sure the piano keys on the treble side and the bass buttons on the bass side all work well. Keys and buttons should not stick, but should pop back easily when released.
Examples of treble switches
Accordions are not, in general, valued as antiques.
The first accordions were made in the 1820’s and by the early 1900’s many companies in Italy, Germany and the United States were producing instruments. We often see accordions from the 1920’s and the 1930’s. They are beautiful instruments that often feature multi-colored rhinestones and intricate grill designs. Unfortunately, accordions are valued more for the condition of their interior parts, than the beautiful work on the outside. This is not to say that older instruments have no value, since some players prefer them once they have been refurbished both inside and out. When these accordions have been cleaned and polished, they make beautiful decorative pieces that are truly a part of history!
Examples of 1920’s – 1930’s accordions
Is Your instrument in Need of Quality Repair?
Our repairs and restorations include, but are not limited to:
Adjust, strip, and repad keyboards
Retape or replace bellows
Much more!
Free Estimates – Repair Rate: $100/hr + parts
Buying my instruments and having them service them is well worth the long drive for me.
They're knowledgeable, honest, give superb customer service and are so passionate about what they do. They're unique in a world where this kind of dedication and craftsmanship are all too rare."
Full restoration of this vintage Paolo Soprani
