#Excelsior accordion model 911 full size#

Gaskets are inexpensive, but If the bellows must be replaced, figure $350 to $400 cost. Other commonly needed repairs include air leaks at the treble or bass valves or at bellows corners or bellows gaskets. Any accordion other than a professional model (only a fraction of one percent of all accordions are professional models) that needs new wax probably has zero value until it is repaired.

#Excelsior accordion model 911 full size#

The cost to re-wax a full size accordion can approach $2,000.00. With age, the reed wax hardens and cracks, allowing the reed plates to loosen, which puts them out of tune at first, then eventually silences them entirely. In addition, a full size accordion contains 224 reed plates, each of which is anchored in place with reed wax (a special mix of beeswax, rosin, and linseed oil).

Replacing a single leather costs only two or three dollars (all but 20 cents of that is labor cost) but a full size accordion contains 388 of them, so the cost can add up quickly. The most commonly needed repair is replacement of the leather check valves (leathers) on the reeds. To sell these accordions you will probably have to either 1) have them professionally evaluated and serviced, or 2) open them and take good high resolution photos of all the reeds and leathers to show prospective buyers, or 3) sell them at junk prices ($100 or less) based on the assumption that they need extensive repairs. Knowledgeable buyers will want to look inside before buying, or otherwise be assured that they will not have to pay for expensive repairs later. Very often the costs of these repairs exceed the value of the repaired accordion, in which case prior to such repair the accordion has zero value or perhaps some token value as an ornament. Have you opened these accordions to determine that they are also in excellent internal condition, or are you judging solely by exterior appearance? Most older accordions need extensive internal repairs to be put into excellent condition.