Used Squeezebox Info

Concerned about Buying Used Stuff on the Internet?

You probably have several questions:

Dear Squeezebox Enthusiast:
We know that it is risky to buy anything over the Internet from someone you don't know, but especially for used musical instruments. More so in the case of squeezeboxes, due to the fact that they tend to hide their defects on casual inspection. You can get taken buying an accordion or concertina at an internet auction. When you buy from an individual, you have no idea what you're going to get. Even reputable general instrument dealers are not very knowledgeable about accordions, especially used ones. We are one of the few exceptions.

 

We've been in business since 1972, shipping instruments all over the globe;

we've had the same accordion & concertina specialist on board since 1982, and

we've been selling instruments, new and used, over the Internet since early 1995.

 

We'd like to make it as easy as possible for you to make an informed decision about purchasing any of our instruments. If you have any concerns which are not addressed by following the links directly above, please send email to accordions@hmtrad.com.
Thanks for your patronage.

Wendy Morrison, Squeezebox Department Manager

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Condition of Used Instruments

• Unless otherwise noted, there are no major fixer-uppers: used instruments listed are in decent playing condition, essential repairs have been made.
  • Exc. condition means all the mechanical parts are in proper working order, it is in good tune, it is cosmetically clean, the keyboard is level, the bellows are tight and show little if any signs of wear, the keys are not noisy.
  • VGC (very good condition) means all the mechanical parts are in proper working order, it is in acceptable tune and plays well, but there may be some minor cosmetic wear, chips, or scratches, or some slight wear on the bellows, some key noise or a few keys very slightly out of level but not affecting playability.
  • More serious flaws are spelled out specifically for each instrument.
  • We do not leave out defects that we are aware of - if we notice any problem with an instrument when it is received, that is indicated in the description, and we try to be as thorough as possible about checking them. Please be assured that we are representing these instruments to the best of our ability in the condition they are in when they arrive. That being said, it needs to be understood that old accordions that just sit on a shelf without being played regularly are prone to develop problems. Therefore it would be advisable for you to inquire about the current condition of a specific accordion before you purchase it.
    
• Ladies or spinet sized PA's listed are equipped with approx. 5/8" or 11/16" keys, narrower than the standard full size 3/4" keys. At the full complement of 41 keys, this would be a keyboard of around 17". A 16" or 16.5" keyboard with 41 keys indicates very narrow keys, around 9/16", which is a size suitable for young students but somewhat awkward for adults with larger fingers. Please check key size before ordering.
• All PA's come with case and straps unless otherwise noted.
• Items preceded by a 5-digit number are used instruments on consignment.
  In most cases, price on consigned items is non-negotiable, and consignments are not returnable.
  
• About Used Accordions: repairs & maintenance, advice on purchasing, how to check out the condition of a used accordion.
• Warranty & return policy on accordions
• For more detailed advice on identifying, selecting, purchasing, and maintaining used accordions, see "The Pretty Complete Guide to Squeezeboxes".