What a little gem.
Long story short, I liked the idea of playing the accordion and someone kindly gave me one in need of repair. Well, where else to go but the Accordion Centre, tucked in slightly scary backstreets it's a breath of fresh air as a lovely whitewashed and shuttered house.
But we're here for accordions. And there are many.
On one side, the workshop is bursting with accordions waiting for repair, and the advice I was given was very practical and cautionary- it's likely to cost more to repair than it's worth, but I'm expecting a series of quotes so I can choose just how much work is done and to what effect.
Then there's the accordion for sale room. Lovely second hand accordions and squeeze boxes everywhere and I want them all. It's a bit magic.
Again, lots of very good advice- these guys really know their stuff and are very friendly.
Looks like they also do band recording or rehearsals there as there's a little stage setup with drums etc and a beer fridge. Unless music shops just generally sell beer these days...
Anyway. It's a bit out of town, but so worth a peep, whether or not you have a battered accordion. read more