Accordion Repairs Scotland.
Iain Buchanan
Welcome to my website. Be sure to check out my shop section for a range accesories for your accordion. Click "Items" above.
Also available - New accordions at very keen prices. If there's an accordion you are interestd in, give me a call and see if I can get it for you cheaper.
A bit about my background
I started playing the accordion thirty eight years ago at the age of six, making my first public performance at eleven. In that time I have played many different types of accordion such as Hohner, Scandalli, Guerrini, Borsini, Excelsior, Vignoni and Crucianelli to name just a few.
In 2001 I made my first of many visits to Castelfidardo and was fortunate to be allowed a tour around one of the many accordion factories. It was then that I became interested in the repair and tuning of these versatile and intriguing instruments. I began to learn the art of accordion repair under the guidance of one of Scotland's most respected accordionists and repairers, Archie Duncan. In 2004 I was able to return to Castelfidardo to work in the Suoni factory, manufacturers of Scandalli and Paolo Soprani amongst others. During my time in Italy I learned all the aspects of accordion manufacture and spent time with one of the premier local tuners to many of the factories.
In 2005 I gave up my career as a police officer and became a professional musician. By day I repair and tune accordions and by night I run my own ceilidh band and work as a freelance professional accordionist. I try to visit Castelfidardo at least once a year and In 2008 I was able to spend time with Claudio Sabatini at Musictech learning how to install their midi systems and microphone products. As well as repairing accordions for my own customers, I also carry out repairs for well known accordion retailers all over Scotland and in England.
My Latest Project
This is a Crucianelli FC45 from the 70's. It started life as an electronic accordion with the coloured tabs. Most of these accordions are 3 voice musette and one of the defining features of the Crucianelli was the quality of the reeds. However, this example was a rare 4 voice with double cassotto chamber and hand made reeds. Unfortunately the previous owner's wife took a hammer to the grille after he left with a younger model. I've completely refurbished the accordion, fitted a new magnetic midi system and retuned it as necessary. To complete the restoration i've had a new grille made and fitted a new cuplar system to suit. Now it's as good and in my opinion, better than most of the new accordions available today. An expensive refurbishment, but well worth every penny.
