u/ADhomin_em — reddlx

I know I'm probably about the millionth person to buy a $20 accordion at a thrift store and came here to ask - "is this worth attempting a DIY overhaul?"

Just picked this up today. No name on it other than "Stradello", which I've come to understand is a location in Italy known for it's accordion production, so I don't imagine that label narrows it down when identifying this particular accordion.

When I picked it up, it had the dreaded rattling clanging coming from inside, but all the keys on the board were sounding...somehow. at $20 and looking pretty nice on the outside, I figured I have the space, and I'm fairly handy with repairs and restoration, so why not give it a go?

I understand I may be coming off as a bit naive thinking I might just try dabbling in accordion repair, but I just couldn't help myself.

Well, I just pulled the pins and popped it open and this is where I'm at. I'm pretty sure all the reeds and parts are here, but it's dawning on me how daunting of a task this will be to take on.

So a few questions:

Is there any way to narrow down identification of this particular model?

Other than a pet project/labor of love, would attempting this be worth my time and effort? I have always wanted an accordion of my own.

Any tips or advice any of you would like to offer?

The bellows looks and feels nice and sealed from the outside but looks little rough inside. Is this enough to sink the project?

By any odd miracle, do any of you know anything about this specific model in particular?

And finally - kind of a funny one - if the wax on these reeds get brittle with age and it costs so much to have the reeds reset/rewaxed, how is this considered a sustainable instrument? Lol

I'll just be here feeling completely in over my head waiting for any help any of you kind souls are willing to offer. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: I know I already thanked in advance, but I wanted to stop back and say another big THANK YOU to all who left such insightful and helpful comments. This has only further cemented a notion I've held for some time: Accordion people are good people.