portland

This is an update, with pictures as suggested. I had the occasion to take the instrument apart to repair a sticking button, and this is what the insides look like. Is this still likely a Bastari? Please note that the button and the "see saw" lever that opens the air channels has a riveted joint, not rubber. Incidentally, this was a super easy repair. I was fearful of how long it would take, but I was able to hold the little stubby aluminum part that the button is attached to, and the button-which was slightly out of parallel with the longer lever-was easily bent back. By holding the box that holds the reeds and levers upside down so the buttons all dangled downward, I was able to get the wood cover with the holes on it reinstalled.

Thanks to all! I did wipe each fold of the bellows out with a dampened piece of cotton gauze, and it is currently in a room with a fan turned on it, bellows as open as I can get it safely. I am hesitant to remove the end, fearing that various small parts will fall out-or perhaps I wont be able to get the end back on securely. If this is a silly worry, I'll chance opening it up and perhaps there is a makers mark inside. To paraphrase a saying, "After all, what could possibly go wrong?" At least I could air out the insides better in that case as well. One article I read cautioned against leaving the end cap off too long for fear of things warping. The tone of the instrument seems less brassy (ie softer, more rounded tone) than what I have seen posted on you tube concertina clips, so I assume it has accordian and not concertina reeds. I think I got a good price-$450-for a 48 key instrument; I reasoned that the Jackie or the Rochelle, though good and new, are starter instruments and have less keys. My son is classically trained and a cellist, but taught himself accordian and plays some new composition stuff with friends. I think he will be up to the task of being presented with a complicated, challenging instrument. A piano accordian is easier, but he did well with this in a couple of months. I figure if this plan bombs, I would then like to know better what I have.

First, my apologies-I am a total newbee and barely know the terms. (I am musical but dont play this type of instrument. This is to be a gift for my son, who plays accordian and other instruments. I purchased the concertina pictured below from an older man who, unfortunately, lives in a damp, cool environment with inadequate heating. He said he bought this instrument, new, from a local music store in 1980 but never learned to play it. It has been stored in a closet-in a hard wood case-for the last 33 years! There are no numbers or names on the instrument, only a transparent sticker that reads "Made in Italy". I'm curious what it is. From internet surfing, the fretwork looks closest to a Bastari. It has one black key to inflate the bellows on the side not pictured. I'd also appreciate a little advice about its condition. It looks new. The bellows (there are 8 folds) are not cracked, and I don't think they leak (when I inflate the bellows and position it vertically, it takes about 10-12 seconds for the bellows to deflate). The buttons all work smoothly, and do not feel loose. The notes all play normally on both in and out directions and all but one of the highest notes are in tune. The one problem is a low B note-on the out direction it is wheezy and weak, but it sounds strong when inflating the bellows. The instrument smells moldy, though there is no visible mold. It doesnt reek but is noticeable. So, my questions are: 1) what instrument is this? 2) how much, generally, would it cost to repair the B note? I am semiproficient in taking things apart, but dont want to get into a situation where I may damage things by not knowing what I am doing. I know there are repair instructions on line, etc. I also assume the note wont fix itself over time, but is this this possible? 3) How can I get rid of the moldy smell? I noticed the hard wood case, which also smells moldy, also smells of cinnamon and I assume the previous owner tried this to absorb the odor. I appreciate any ideas or suggestions. There are accordian repair shops in town but dont know if they also deal with concertinas. Thanks very much for reading this.