Frequently asked questions

It depends above all on how it's used and where the instrument lives. An accordion played regularly is worth checking every two or three years. One left unplayed for a long time, or stored in a damp room, deserves a look before you take it up again. And at the slightest doubt, buzzing notes, a vibrato gone uneven, come and show it to me: I assess the state of the tuning and tell you exactly what the instrument needs, or doesn't need.

There's no way to give a serious price without having seen the accordion: it all depends on the instrument, its condition and the work to be done. That's why the quote is free and comes with no obligation. Describe your instrument through the quote form, attach some photos, and I'll get back to you with a clear estimate.

Chromatics and diatonics, every make and every era, from the student instrument to the Italian top of the range. I also work now and then on other free-reed instruments, bandoneons or concertinas, depending on the case. Send me a few photos and I'll confirm whether I can take it on.

You describe your accordion through the quote form: make, model, photos if you can, and the problem you're having. I reply with a first diagnosis and an estimate. If you decide to go ahead, we meet at the workshop, and the final quote is confirmed once the instrument has been examined. Nothing is committed before that.

Yes, by appointment only. It's not for the sake of formality: it lets me give you a real slice of time, open the instrument with you, talk it over, and have you try out accordions if you're looking to buy. A phone call or an email and we'll fix a slot.

Always in its case, bellows closed and straps fastened, shielded from knocks and heat. The worst thing you can do to an accordion is a car boot in the middle of summer. If you can't make it all the way to Uzerche, write to me: shipping by courier works fine, and we'll work out the best solution together.

Honestly, it depends. Some old instruments have real musical value and deserve a full restoration; for others, the cost of the work would outstrip the value of the accordion, and I'd rather tell you than do work for the sake of work. That's exactly the role of the appraisal: identifying the instrument's origin, estimating its value and the cost of putting it back in order. Then you decide. Sentimental value counts too, and that one belongs to you alone.

Yes, a selection of second-hand accordions that have been fully through the workshop: checked, adjusted, tuned, ready to play. Each listing sets out the instrument and its condition, and you come and try them on site, by appointment.

Yes to both. I can take your instrument in part-exchange, particularly if you're buying another, or take it on consignment after a valuation at the workshop. The details are on the buying, selling and consignment page.

Three habits cover most of it. Keep it in its case, standing on its feet, bellows closed. Spare it damp, cold and strong heat: no attic, no cellar, no car in summer. And play it! An accordion that's alive fares better than one that sleeps, it keeps the reeds and valves moving. For the rest, a preventive service now and then stops small niggles from turning into big repairs.

Every symptom has its cause: a buzzing note is often reeds out of tune or clogged up; a sound that lingers, a tired valve; noisy keys, a mechanism out of adjustment; air leaking out, a porous bellows. Above all, don't push on if a note stays stuck. Describe the symptom to me through the quote form, a short video helps enormously, and I'll point you to the right repair.

Yes, I give chromatic accordion lessons in Uzerche, for children and adults, beginners and experienced players alike. Learning with someone who spends his days deep in the guts of the instrument has an upside: you also come to understand how it works, and how to look after it.

Yes, I fit internal or external microphone systems, Harmonik in particular, for the stage, the studio or the dance floor, without harming the instrument. The full range of solutions is on the sound and amplification page.

The workshop is in the old town of Uzerche, in Corrèze, about 30 minutes from Brive and Tulle, 45 minutes from Limoges, 1h15 from Périgueux. But in truth, the instruments come from much further afield: from all across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and beyond, brought in or shipped. An accordion travels well, and careful work is worth the trip.

The workshop is in the old town of Uzerche, in Corrèze, about 30 minutes from Brive and Tulle, 45 minutes from Limoges, 1h15 from Périgueux. But in truth, the instruments come from much further afield: from all across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and beyond, brought in or shipped. An accordion travels well, and careful work is worth the trip.