Care and precautions
Accordion care
A quality accordion contains internal components designed to ensure that the mechanisms operate silently. Over time, some of these parts may lose their effectiveness; this is particularly true of felt valve linings, which will gradually settle and wear out. When the parasitic noises become annoying, it’s time to replace the felts.
Even if your diatonic accordion perfectly tuned from the outset, it will one day need to be overhauled and the reeds adjusted. When the notes have lost their initial accuracy, usually after several years, the time has come to entrust your instrument to a qualified professional for re-tuning.
Precautions to take with your accordion
1. Avoid aggressive contact with your instrument
Before playing, beware of anything that could scratch or prematurely wear away the accordion’s varnish or exterior wood (watch straps, belt buckles, metal fasteners or aggressive buttons).
2. Don’t play in excessively dusty environments
To prevent premature clogging of the reeds, avoid playing in highly dusty environments as far as possible.
3. Protect your instrument from humidity
The accordion does not appreciate very humid atmospheres: do not take it out to play in the rain or in dense fog.
4. Save your accordion from extreme temperatures
Take care not to subject your instrument to excessive temperature variations: beware of winter frost, summer sun (in a car or behind a window, for instance), or the immediate proximity of a radiator or fireplace.
5. What should I do if notes are muted in cold weather?
If any notes are wrong or mute in winter, ventilate the inside of the accordion while setting the bellows and the air button without acting on the keys: the reeds will warm up gradually and normal vibrations will resume within a few minutes.
6. The best protection for your instrument: its case
When not being played, your accordion will be best kept in its case (away from knocks and dust) and standing upright: this is the ideal position for the inside leather lining and will prevent premature wear.
7. Protect your accordion from knocks
Save your instrument from knocks and even more from falls: always carry it in its case; never leave it on the edge of a table or on a chair but always in a place where it cannot fall.
Summary
By taking these few precautions, you can ensure the longevity of your accordion and preserve its tuning. Take good care of your instrument, and you’ll be well rewarded!
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