ACCORDION SALES GUIDE
THE HOHNER LEGACY In 1857 a young German clockmaker, Matthias Hohner, established the first production facility for harmonica manufacturing in Trossingen, Germany. U.S. offices were established in 1901, which were integral in growing the business to become the largest manufacturer of free-reed instruments in the world. Given the worldwide success of its harmonicas, at the turn of the 20th century the “House of Hohner” expanded production to include accordion manufacturing. In 1903, Hohner built an accordion factory — the first of its kind. Much speculation surrounds when and who introduced the diatonic accordion to Mexico and Texas. What is known is the clearly evident German influence in Texas — they founded the Texan city of New Braunfels & can also be traced to northern cities in Mexico such as Monterrey. Like diatonic models, piano accordions also have a long tradition in the German and Mexican community. Today, over 100 years after the first Hohner accordions were introduced, we still design them in-house using state-of-the-art equipment. Our foundation of old world craftsmanship, combined with the latest in manufacturing technology, produces instruments that meet the toughest demands of the world’s greatest accordion players!
HOHNER Factory Today
HOHNER Factory, 1857
Matthias Hohner 1833-1902
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SOME FAMOUS HOHNER PLAYERS Buckwheat Zydeco Joe Derrane Skip Edwards Larry Goldings JAMES TAYLOR
Jorge Hernandez LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE
David Hidalgo
Santiago Jimenez, Jr. Steve “Esteban” Jordan Queen Ida Cynni Rangel CHICAS DE CANELA
Sunny Sauceda Terrance Simien
TERRANCE SIMIEN
LOS LOBOS
Rob Hyman
BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
THE HOOTERS
Flaco Jimenez DAVID HIDALGO
QUEEN IDA
FLACO JIMENEZ
ROB HYMAN
JORGE HERNANDEZ CYNNI
LARRY GOLDINGS SUNNY SAUCEDA
and many more … 3
WHY SELL HOHNER ACCORDIONS? • Every Hohner accordion is hand-checked prior to shipping. • Instrument quality and value are unsurpassed. • Hohner offers in-house accordion service which includes parts, repair and custom tuning for full customer/product support. • Accordion music is hot! From Tex-Mex/Norteño, to Rock, Folk & Country music, the sound of the accordion is everywhere. • Accordions offer great opportunities to maximize your sales per square foot, making the most of your store’s revenue opportunities. • Accordions aren’t carried by every store — therefore, they represent a unique opportunity for sales and profits.
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HOHNER PRODUCTS OVERVIEW DIATONIC ACCORDIONS CORONA II CLASSIC ( HA-3522) #
This accordion is made with the professional in mind … ideal for Tex-Mex, Norteño, Vallenato, and Zydeco players. COLORS: Brown Pearl, Jet Black, Light Blue Pearl, Red Pearl, White Pearl, Green Pearl, Orange Pearl, Blue Pearl, Red-White-Green Pearl, Purple Pearl, Fantasy (multi-colored pearloid) and White Tiger. KEY COMBINATIONS: EAD, FbEb (FBE), GCF, and ADG (see pg. 15 for more info) KEY FEATURES: Wooden fingerboard, double strap brackets, adjustable bass straps, and protective gig bag included. Made in Germany WEIGHT: 9 lbs SIZE: 7.5" deep by 12" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $2350 5
THE EXTREME SERIES Hohner is happy to announce the new Xtreme line of diatonic accordions: the Corona II (Tex-Mex) Xtreme, Corona III N (Norteño) Xtreme, and Corona III V (Vallenato) Xtreme.
be! A b l E lab b i a Blso av a
The Corona Xtreme is made for the professional musician who demands quality and functionality. These accordions give the artist the ability to use different tones with their recording and performing needs. COLORS: Jet Black, Pearl Red, Pearl Gray KEY COMBINATIONS: EAD, FbEb (FBE), GCF and ADG; BbEbAb available for Corona Xtreme III V FEATURES: 34 Buttons, 3 Switch and 5 Switch, Pearloid Buttons, Upgraded Gig Bag & Upgraded Straps Included SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Xtreme III N $3350, Xtreme II $2750, Xtreme III V $3450 6
CORONA II 3500 ( HA-3500) #
The Corona II gives the professional musician the ability to own a great accordion at a more affordable price. For many years this model was made in Germany, today it is made in China using machinery from our factory In Germany. A great accordion for a reasonable price. COLORS: Pearl Red KEY COMBINATIONS: GCF, FBE FEATURES: 31 buttons, celluloid fingerboard, one strap included, case or gig bag sold separately. WEIGHT: 9 LBS. SIZE: 7.5" deep by 12" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1495 7
CORONA III ( CORONA-III) #
Hohner’s Corona III accordion is similar in appearance to the Corona II, but has a 3-voice tremolo and 4 sets of bass reeds. Best suited for Vallenato, Cumbia and Meringue styles. Padded gig bag included, optional hard shell 12X case available. COLORS: Pearl Red KEY COMBINATIONS: FBbEb, GCF, ADG, and BbEbAb FEATURES: 31 buttons, celluloid fingerboard, one strap included, case or gig bag sold separately. WEIGHT: 10 LBS. SIZE: 7.5" deep by 12" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $2495 8
PANTHER ( HA-3100) #
This accordion is ideal for the beginning student, but also used by professionals. This affordable Panther accordion shares many of the same quality features as the other 3-row Hohner accordions. Optional hard shell 12X case or padded gig bag available. COLOR: Matte Black KEY COMBINATION: GCF FEATURES: 31 buttons, double strap brackets, box and straps sold separately WEIGHT: 9 LBS. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $550 9
EL REY DEL VALLENATO
This accordion expands Hohner’s economy line to a 3-voice model crafted especially for the Vallenato musician. Featuring a handy adjustable bass strap and wide open bass grille for enhanced projection. COLORS: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet or Black; Matte Finish KEY COMBINATIONS: ADG, EAD, GCF, BbEbAb and FBbEb FEATURES: 31 buttons, celluloid fingerboard, one strap included, case or gig bag sold separately. WEIGHT: 11.5 LBS. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1150.00 10
COMPADRE
This accordion is the perfect 2-voice model for both beginning & experienced players alike! Features include an adjustable left-hand strap & redesigned wide open web grille, allowing for even greater volume while providing solid protection. COLORS: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet or Black; Matte Finish KEY COMBINATIONS: ADG, GCF, FBbEb, BEbAb and EAD FEATURES: 31 buttons, celluloid fingerboard, one strap included, case or gig bag sold separately. WEIGHT: 8.75 LBS. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $925.00 11
ERICA ( HA-3000) #
The Erica is a wonderful diatonic accordion for Cumbia, English Country Dance, Morris Dance, Sea Chanteys and American Folk music. With 2 rows of treble buttons, the Erica offers a solid wooden housing with celluloid finish. Optional hard shell 10X case available. COLORS: Pearl Red KEY COMBINATIONS: GC, AD and CF FEATURES: 21 buttons, celluloid fingerboard, one strap included, case or gig bag sold separately. Made in China WEIGHT: 6 LBS. SIZE: 6" deep by 11" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1450 12
MORGANE
The Morgane is highly regarded as the diatonic accordion of choice for both Gaelic and Breton music. COLORS: NATURAL KEY COMBINATIONS: GC, AD, DG and BC FEATURES: 21 buttons, 8 bass buttons, one strap included, case or gig bag sold separately. Made in China WEIGHT: 7.3 LBS. SIZE: 6.1" deep by 11.2" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1450
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OTHER HOHNER DIATONIC ACCORDIONS:
CORSO Polka & Traditional
HA-2815 English Country Dance & American Folk
DOUBLE-RAY Irish
HA-114 Cajun & Québécois Dance
CONCERTINA ARIETTE
Cajun & Other Folk Styles
Folk & Sea Chanteys 14
DIATONIC ACCORDION ACCESSORIES 10X and 12X Case These hard-shell black carrying cases are lined with plush black material. Red Hohner logo printed on exterior. 10X Case fits accordion models HA-1622, HA-2815 and HA-3000. 12X Case fits accordion models HA-1600, HA-3100, HA-3500, HA-3522 and the Corona III.
CGB Corona Gig Bag Made specifically to fit Hohner’s Corona and Corso accordion models, this top quality gig bag will cushion and protect your valuable instrument.
CONG Concertina Gig Bag If you own a concertina, be sure to transport it safely in this tailor-made foam padded gig bag.
Instruction Book The Art of Playing HOHNER Diatonic Accordions (40 pages) A complete course of instruction for all types of German and Vienna models of Diatonic Accordions. Includes original exercises, compositions and arrangements.
ACC3 Straps 10X INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 13" high by 11" wide by 7.5" deep 12X INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 15" high by 14" wide by 8.5" deep CGB INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 13" high by 13" wide by 8" deep CONG INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 8.5" wide by 8.5" high
Hohner’s accordion straps offer the same durability, versatility and value you’ve come to expect from one of the world’s oldest accordion makers. Designed for maximum comfort with easy adjustability, these straps fit any size piano or button accordion. Made of tough, long lasting fabric they won’t crack like ordinary vinyl straps.
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COMMONLY ASKED DIATONIC ACCORDION QUESTIONS 1. WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS KEY CONFIGURATIONS FOR BUTTON ACCORDIONS? The most common key configurations are (in no particular order): • GCF or SOL (Spanish) • EAD or MI (Spanish) • FBbEb or FA (Spanish) • ADG or LA (Spanish) 2. WHAT ACCORDION KEY SHOULD I BUY? This is a matter of personal preference. If you want to play songs just like your favorite band, buy the accordion(s) that they use. The GCF accordion is the most common in terms of availability, however the most widely used key configuration in Norteño music is FBbEb. Eventually you'll get the itch to sing the songs that you play on your accordion. You should consider what keys your voice can adapt to.
3. WHAT KEYS CAN I PLAY ON A GCF? EAD? FBbEb? ADG? Here is a list of keys that can be easily played on different key configurations: • GCF: D, G, C, F, Bb • EAD: B, E, A, D, G • FBbEb: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab • ADG: E, A, D, G, C 4. DO YOU PLAY THE BASS BUTTONS? Some music genres do use the basses. However, for Norteño/ Conjunto music, the bass buttons are generally not used. In fact, many accordionists choose to remove the bass reed blocks to reduce the weight of the accordion. The removal also provides extra air release outlets for the bellows, which in turn helps to pull or push the bellows more quickly.
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KEY OF GCF BUTTON DIAGRAM
BELLOWS OUT
BELLOWS IN
for 31-key models
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KEY OF EAD BUTTON DIAGRAM
for 31-key models
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KEY OF FBbEb BUTTON DIAGRAM
for 31-key models
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PIANO ACCORDIONS VENTURA
The Ventura is a state-of-the-art and versatile accordion which is suited to the most varied musical styles. For accordionists who are more oriented towards European music, the Ventura is also available in Musette tuning. COLORS: Black TUNING: Ventura IV 96 & Ventura IV 120 = Double Octave with Tremolo; also available with Musette tuning (Ventura IV 96 M [special order only] & Ventura IV 120 M) Made in Germany WEIGHT: Ventura IV 96 & Musette = 22.9 lbs., Ventura IV 120 & Musette = 24.3 lbs. SIZE: 7.5" deep by 16.5" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Ventura IV 96 = $6395; Ventura IV 120 & 120 M = $7195 20
AMICA
The Amica IV Series feature piano accordions with a pitch range of up to 41 treble keys with piccolo reeds, yet weighs in at less than 22 pounds. The added 4th voice allows 11 different timbre selections, making it the perfect choice for orchestral accordionists. COLORS: Black TUNING: Double Octave with Tremolo KEY FEATURES: Custom adjustable straps & hard case with attachable trolley included Made in Germany WEIGHT: Amica IV 96 = 20.1 lbs., Amica IV 120 = 21.6 lbs. SIZE: 7.3" deep by 16.25" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Amica IV 96 = $3095; Amica IV 120 = $3595 21
BRAVO
The Bravo series features rugged and musically versatile instruments offering performance features formerly exclusive to more expensive instruments. A good example is the use of the T-keyboard, enabling both outstanding playability and ease of service. Partnering with accordion teachers and students alike led the Bravo development team to build the instrument as light as possible. COLORS: Black, Blue Pearl, Red Pearl or White Pearl TUNING: Continental Tremolo (except Bravo II 48 = Tremolo) KEY FEATURES: Lightweight and tear resistant gig bag & adjustable textile straps Made in Germany WEIGHT: Bravo II 48 = 11 lbs., Bravo III 72 = 16.25 lbs., Bravo III 80 & Bravo III 96 = 19 lbs., Bravo III 120 = 20.3 lbs. SIZE: 7.3" deep by 16.25" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Bravo II 48 = $1195, Bravo III 72 = $1395, Bravo III 80 = $1695, Bravo III 96 = $1795, Bravo III 120 = $1895 22
HOHNICA
#1302 • 12 Bass Buttons • 25 Treble Keys #2352 • 48 Bass Buttons • 26 Treble Keys
#2353 • 72 Bass Buttons • 34 Treble Keys
Hohnica accordions provide playability for the budget-minded musician. Entry-level players especially enjoy making music with economical Hohnica accordions. All Hohnicas include a hardshell case & straps.
COLORS: Red Pearl TUNING: Tremolo [except Hohnica 2353 = Continental Tremolo] Made in China WEIGHT: Hohnica 1302 = 10 lbs., Hohnica 2352 = 12.5 lbs., Hohnica 2353 = 17.5 lbs. SIZE: Hohnica 1302 = 6.5" deep x 12.5" high, Hohnica 2352 = 7.3" deep x 13" high, Hohnica 2353 = 7.3" deep x 16" high SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Hohnica 1302 = $349, Hohnica 2352 = $549, Hohnica 2353 = $795
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OTHER HOHNER PIANO ACCORDIONS:
GOLA 414 $45,595 BASE PRICE
MORINO IV 120 $10,595
MORINO V 120 $11,695
MORINO IV 120 “Slavko Avsenik RETRO” $11,895
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PIANO ACCORDION ACCESSORIES Hohner is proud to provide you comfort-
Hohner’s accordion
able and safe accordion travel options. The
straps offer the same
gig bags and straps shown are perfect to
durability, versatility and
equip your existing instrument. Let Hohner
value you’ve come to
help you choose the size which best suits
expect from one of the
your needs.
world’s oldest accordion makers. Designed for
Manufactured by Warwick exclusively for
maximum comfort with
Hohner, these gig bags are available in three
easy adjustability, these
different sizes. Every Hohner bag cushions
straps fit any size piano
your valuable instrument with an inch of
or button accordion.
padding surrounding the instrument from
Made of tough, long
every angle. The black heavy-duty woven
lasting fabric they won’t
nylon gig bags can either be carried like a
crack like ordinary vinyl
backpack with the adjustable padded nylon
straps.
ACC3 Straps
shoulder straps, or like a suitcase, by the sturdy, extra-cushioned handle. The rip-resistant nylon lining cradles the accordion, while heavy straps and plastic clasps hold it in place. Dual side zippers
AGB 48 Gig Bag INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 14.5" x 14.5" x 6" FITS: Bravo II 48, Nova II 48, Hohnica 1302 and Hohnica 2352
AGB 72 Gig Bag INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 17.5" x 17.5" x 7" FITS: Bravo III 72 and Hohnica 2353
AGB 120 Gig Bag INSIDE DIMENSIONS: 20.5" x 18" x 8" FITS: Bravo III 96 and Bravo III 120
make it easy to remove the instrument and pyramid-shaped feet protect the bottom of the bag.
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PIANO ACCORDION SIZES SIZE DOES MATTER Accordions are sized according to the number of bass buttons, 12 bass, 48 bass 72 bass and 120 bass being the most common sizes. Other sizes are available but they all still follow the same pattern of bass buttons.
BASS BUTTON LAYOUT Each vertical row usually has 6 buttons laid out thus: (from top to bottom) Bass/tonic of chord, major, minor, seventh, diminished and a counter bass button which is a third above the tonic. This enables bass runs and tunes to be played without the chords.
48 BASS A 48 bass, for example, would have 8 rows each containing this pattern of chords and notes: Eb, Bb F, C, G, D, A and E. This is a perfect size to learn on, having 2 octaves on the keyboard side, and 8 rows in the bass, which gives you a decent range to begin with and is not too overfacing when starting out.
72 & 120 BASS A 72 bass provides all the sharp and flat keys in the bass and is fully chromatic with a slightly longer keyboard. Classical players will go to a 120 bass if they possibly can because of the longer 41 key keyboard, which particularly suits piano players, and repetition of some chords at the bass end which offers greater versatility. But, this large instrument is often rejected by “folky” players partly because of its lack of portability — also because there aren’t many folk tunes that require such an extensive range!
WATCH YOUR WEIGHT One problem that accordion players often have, particularly later in life, is that a 72 bass model or larger, which offers a good range, is very large and heavy, and many players find themselves moving to a 48 bass so that they can continue to play without sustaining injury, or perhaps worse, gradually falling over forwards mid-tune!
REDUCING STRAIN There are some precautions players can take to increase comfort and reduce strain. It is important to sit correctly and have the straps adjusted to suit you, and it’s worth having a lesson or two to make sure you are getting this right. A backstrap, which pulls the shoulder straps together at the back, can take some of the strain off your neck and back.
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PIANO ACCORDION FAQ CHOOSING AN ACCORDION The Piano Accordion tends to suit beginners who can already read music or play the piano, as the instrument is very logically laid out, and of course has a familiar keyboard.
HOW MANY BASSES? The size of the instrument is usually denoted by the number of basses. These basses are arranged in rows of 6 buttons for each key: counter bass, bass, then major chord, minor, seventh, and diminished. A 120 bass with 41 treble keys is the full size model, and the bass end offers a chromatic scale, and all the chords, arranged in 6 rows of 20. An 80 bass has 5 rows of 16 (omitting the diminished row), and a 37 note keyboard. A 72 bass has a 34 note keyboard, but retains the 6 row bass. The most popular size, and ideal for beginners, is the 48 bass, usually with 6 rows of 8, allowing accompaniment in the keys of Bb, F, C, G, D, & A. The treble keyboard on the 48, 32, and 12 bass models usually has 26 keys, enough for most tunes, but limiting for a pianist.
TUNINGS AND OTHER FACTORS Many players have to compromise between portability and range of notes. 48 and 72 bass are the best options for most folk musicians, but you only get the full range of notes, and variety of sound from the registers on a full size 120 bass. Most 2 voice Accordions are tuned with a moderate amount of tremolo, 3 voice have the low octave as well, and musette models have three sets of reeds tuned quite far apart in a strong tremolo, plus a low octave set.
WHAT’S A TONE CHAMBER? Also called a “cassotto,” a tone chamber is a second long wood or aluminum box inside the accordion. One or two of the reed banks are mounted inside (usually the clarinet or middle octave reeds and/or the bassoon or low reeds). The chamber takes the metallic reedy edge off the sound. Sometimes in case of the “clarinet” reeds (that often come as a pair of reed banks on larger instruments), one bank will be in the chamber and one outside so that the player has a choice. Tone chambers add to the weight and expense of an accordion.
WHAT IS A “FREE BASS” ACCORDION? Most accordions have buttons on the bass side that play pre-set chords. On a “free bass” instrument the buttons only play individual notes — the chords must be constructed like on a piano. This gives the player freedom to do chord inversions or come up with more variety of chords than can be gotten otherwise. It also allows playing of melodies in the bass. A few accordions are free bass only. Others allow for switching back and forth between free bass and standard pre-set chords.
WHAT IS “WET TUNING?” When one bank of reeds of the same octave is tuned slightly off from another, a beat or fluctuation of sound results. This gives a distinctive character to the sound and is frequently used in certain folk music. The “wetter” the tuning, the more pronounced the beating. Sometimes three reed banks are used: one stays at pitch, one is tuned slightly higher, the other slightly lower. The result is sometimes referred to as “continental musette” or “true musette.” Many older Italian accordions have a very slight de-tuning of one reed bank, creating a subtle chorus effect. Larger instruments with multiple register switches will give the player a choice whether to play “wet” or “dry.” 27
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CARE & FEEDING OF SQUEEZEBOXES ENVIRONMENT Play it regularly, a good way to avoid moths in the felt, woodworm in the ends, etc. If you would be uncomfortable in a room, so would your instrument. • It likes moderate and constant temperature and humidity. • Environmental extremes or rapid fluctuations invite trouble. There are glue joints and wax inside your squeezebox that are easily affected by temperature extremes. • Please don’t leave your instrument in the trunk of your car on a hot or cold day for more than a few minutes. If you have to travel by car in hot weather, the trunk is the worst possible place for your squeezebox to be. • Don’t leave it next to a heating or a/c duct, or in a sunny window. Don’t store it in your attic or basement. Don’t play it outside in the rain. If your instrument does get wet, get it to a dry place and leave it to air-dry with the bellows open. Dust and other particles are the enemy. • Keep your instrument away from workbenches and any sanding, sawing, painting or refinishing work. • Keep it in its case when not in use. If your keys or buttons stick and you have been keeping your squeezebox in the case on the floor, put it on a top shelf. High humidity often causes sticking. If you must play your instrument outdoors: • Before storing each time, wipe the case carefully so dust cannot find its way to the reeds. • Keep dust and dirt out of the bellows gussets and folds by cleaning them from time to time with a soft brush. The following exchange took place on the squeezebox newsgroup in May 1996: Does anyone know of a good source or know of maintenance techniques for one’s piano accordion? The best preventative maintenance for an accordion is to keep it out of the hot direct sun, out of moist humid conditions, NEVER take it to the ocean (salt air will rust the reeds quickly), and avoid conditions that cause moisture condensation. 29
CARE & FEEDING continued TRAVEL When traveling with an accordion, store the instrument upside down, bass buttons down. If the accordion is bumped, it can “swallow” the bass mechanism. • Yes, accordion buttons were designed to be depressed, but when all of the buttons are moved at the same time due to gravity working on the whole bass mechanism, the apparatus most likely will dive under the board that locates the buttons. This is likely to happen even under considerably less severe bumps such as those suffered during a plane landing, car hitting a bump or the thump when a baggage handler ignores your HANDLE WITH CARE signs. How to prevent this • If you will have the accordion with you, store it upside down in vehicles and planes, with plenty of padding under it. Or on the side with the bass side facing down. • For airplane cargo holds or shipping where you don’t have control over the orientation of the instrument, it is best to remove the bass mechanics cover under the wrist strap and insert a strip of cardboard as a “stopper” on the button stop rail to prevent excess movement of the mechanism. This is common for accordions shipped by the manufacturers. Make sure you have it fully insured! • Best solution is to get a form-fitting padded nylon or cordura carrying case and remove the shoulder straps. Then you can take your accordion on an airplane as carry-on luggage.
PLAYING Don’t play the instrument while it is colder than the surrounding air. This will condense moisture on the reeds, which will lead to rusting. Give the instrument time to acclimatize before playing. Never smoke when you play the accordion. The cellulose nitrate outside coating is extremely flammable. Don’t play close to fires, or lighted candles. If you rest an accordion on your knee to play, make sure you rest the wooden end, not the bellows. If you allow a beginner/child to hold your instrument, remember to ask them to always press a key before moving the bellows. Don’t play an accordion with worn and fragile shoulder straps. If a strap breaks while you’re playing or carrying an old accordion, it could be disastrous. 30
CARE & FEEDING continued CLEANING Avoid using oils or commercial leather preparations on the bellows — they will attract dust. If the bellows start to dry and crack, try using a humidifier in the room and in the carrying case. If you must, use saddle soap or mink oil sparingly to condition the leather. This can safely used on the leather straps as well. The plastic parts of your instrument may be dissolved or marred by harsh cleaners or solvents, such as denatured alcohol. Clean with a damp rag dipped in mild soapy water (Murphy’s Oil Soap is safe), or with an instrument-safe cleaner such as Dr. Duck’s Ax Wax. Avoid applying oil to sticking metal parts. It attracts dust and can foul your reeds. Most instruments don’t need lubrication if they are kept clean, dry and dust-free. • If they really need lubrication, use a silicone liquid such as locksmiths use. It evaporates, leaving behind the lubricant. WD-40 can be used very sparingly to free sticking keys and bass mechanisms, but be sure to wipe off any excess, and under no circumstances spray anywhere near the reeds. • You may also use watch oil sparingly. It is formulated not to creep. CARRYING AND STORAGE Don’t carry the instrument with the weight of one end dangling from the bellows. Always fasten the bellows straps. Don’t store your accordion on its side, so that the reed valves inside are parallel to the floor. The leathers on the bottom will eventually become permanently curled open. Store your accordion in the same position that it is played in, relative to the floor. Some people might think of this as on the side of the case. People most commonly store an accordion in its case with the handle facing up. This is fine if the accordion does not have a tone chamber, but if it does, this will put some of the skins parallel to the floor. The simplest general rule is to store it with the handle of the case not on top, but on one side. If your accordion case has an unreliable locking mechanism, carry the case so that if it pops open, the lid will hit your leg instead of opening all the way and dumping the accordion on the sidewalk.
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