Accordion Bellows Maintenance: A Complete Guide

Accordion bellows maintenance is the single most important step for keeping your instrument healthy. The bellows act as the lungs of your accordion, pushing air to create sound. Without proper care, they can dry out, crack, or leak.

This guide will teach you everything about accordion bellows care. You will learn why the common idea of “oiling” bellows is a myth, how to properly inspect and clean them, and what simple habits will prevent expensive repairs down the line.

What Exactly Are Accordion Bellows?

The bellows are the folded, flexible part in the middle of your accordion that connects the treble (keyboard) side to the bass (button) side. When you push and pull the bellows, you move air across the internal reeds, which vibrate to create sound. Think of them as the engine that powers your music. Without healthy bellows, your accordion can’t “breathe” properly.

Bellows are made from several layers of different materials that work together:

• Cardboard: The main structure of each fold, or pleat, is made from a special, durable cardboard. This gives the bellows their shape and strength.
• Cloth and Leather: The inside and outside corners of the folds are reinforced with thin leather (often goat or sheepskin) and cloth. This allows them to bend thousands of times without breaking.
• Bellows Tape: A decorative and protective cloth tape runs along the outside of every fold, protecting the edges from scuffs.
• Metal Corners: Shiny metal caps protect the four corners of the bellows from bumps and wear.

Because bellows are made of these organic materials, they are sensitive to humidity, temperature, and physical stress. That’s why proper care is not just a suggestion, it’s essential.

Why Bellows Care is So Important

Taking care of your bellows isn’t just about looks. It directly affects the sound, playability, and overall lifespan of your instrument.

Keeping the Sound Pure

The most important job of the bellows is to be airtight. No air should leak from the sides, corners, or seams. If you have a bellows leak, you must work harder to get enough air to the reeds. This can make your music sound weak and wheezy. Good compression (the ability to hold air) is the sign of a healthy bellows.

Extending Your Accordion’s Life

Bellows are delicate. Without proper care, the materials can become old and brittle. Moisture can soften the cardboard, and the leather corners can crack. If mold or mildew grows due to dampness, it can ruin the bellows completely. Good care prevents these problems and saves you from expensive repairs.

Preventing Common Problems

Regular maintenance helps you spot small problems before they become big ones. You might notice:

• Peeling bellows tape.
• A small scuff on a leather corner.
• A feeling of stiffness in the folds.

Catching these issues early means you can get them fixed easily. Ignoring them can lead to major air leaks and damage. The bellows gaskets, which are the seals where the bellows connect to the accordion’s body, can also wear out and need checking.

The Great Oiling Debate: Should You Oil Your Bellows?

Here we get to the main question: how often should you oil accordion bellows? The answer for almost every accordion made in the last 70 years is simple: you don’t.

This is the biggest myth in accordion care. Oiling modern bellows, which are made with treated papers, cloths, and leatherettes, can cause serious damage. The oil will soak into the materials, attract dust, and can even dissolve the glues holding everything together. This makes the bellows gummy, heavy, and can lead to them falling apart.

The idea of oiling comes from very old, antique accordions that sometimes used untreated leather for the corner folds. Back then, a special oil was sometimes used by professional technicians to keep the leather from cracking. This does not apply to modern instruments and was never a job for the player to do.

Instead of oiling, you should focus on keeping the materials clean and dry.

Bellows Oiling: Myth vs. Reality

A Step by Step Guide to Accordion Bellows Maintenance

You don’t need to be a professional to keep your bellows in great shape. Follow these simple steps for a routine maintenance check.

Step 1: The Visual Inspection

Lay your accordion across your lap in a well lit room. Open the bellows slightly and slowly rotate the instrument, looking closely at every part.

• Check the Folds (Pleats): Look for any signs of wear, discoloration, or fuzzy-looking mold.
• Check the Corners: Examine the leather on the corners of the folds. Is it cracked or peeling?
• Check the Bellows Tape: Make sure the decorative tape is secure and not lifting away from the cardboard.
• Check the Metal Corners: Are they dented or loose? A hard knock can sometimes create a leak.

Step 2: Gentle Cleaning

Never use household sprays, polishes, or harsh chemicals. All you need is a soft cloth.

• For Dust: A dry microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping away dust from the surface and in between the folds.
• For Smudges: If you have a sticky spot, barely dampen a small part of your cloth with water. Gently rub the spot and immediately dry it with a dry part of the cloth. Never let water soak into the bellows.

Step 3: How to Perform a Leak Test (The Bellows Compression Test)

This is the best way to find out if your accordion is losing air.

1. Close the Bellows: Without pressing any keys, buttons, or the air valve, push the bellows completely shut.
2. Release the Air: Press and hold the air release button (the small button on the bass side that lets you move the bellows silently). Squeeze out any remaining air.
3. Seal the System: Let go of the air release button. Now the bellows should be airtight.
4. Let Gravity Do the Work: Hold the accordion by its straps so the bass side is hanging down. The weight of the bass machine will naturally try to pull the bellows open.
5. Time the Opening: Start counting.
   • Excellent: The bellows stay closed for 30 seconds or more.
   • Good: The bellows open slowly over 20-30 seconds.
   • Leak Detected: The bellows pop open in less than 15-20 seconds. The faster they open, the bigger the leak.

If your bellows open quickly, the leak could be in the bellows themselves or a bad gasket.

Step 4: Proper Storage and Handling

How you store your accordion is a huge part of bellows care.

• Always Use the Bellows Straps: When you’re not playing, keep the bellows closed with the straps. Leaving them hanging open puts stress on the folds.
• Store It In Its Case: A hard case protects the bellows from bumps, dust, and accidents.
• Store It on Its Feet: Always store the case upright, with the accordion resting on its “feet” (the small studs on the bottom of the bass side). Never lay it flat.

Avoid Extreme Environments: Never leave your accordion in a hot car, a damp basement, or a cold garage. Extreme temperatures and humidity can warp the cardboard and cause the glue to fail.

Knowing When to Call an Accordion Technician

Some jobs are best left to experts. Trying to fix complex problems yourself can cause more damage. You should see a professional repair technician if you notice:

• A major bellows leak that you can’t find.
• Stiff or “crunchy” sounding bellows.
• Any holes in the cardboard or cloth.
• The bellows pins that connect the bellows to the frame are loose or broken.
• You need new bellows gaskets.
• The bellows seem crooked or misaligned.

A good technician has the right tools, glues, and parts to do the job right. Famous accordion brands like Hohner or Scandalli often have certified technicians who can help.

DIY Care vs. Professional Repair

Final Thoughts: Healthy Bellows for a Happy Accordion

Your accordion’s bellows are the heart of its sound. Learning about accordion bellows maintenance is one of the best things you can do as a player. 

Remember that gentle, regular care is far more effective than any quick fix. Never use oil, keep them clean and dry, and store your instrument properly.

Take five minutes after your next practice session to give your bellows a quick inspection. By making these simple checks a habit, you’ll ensure your accordion breathes freely and makes beautiful music for years to come.

FAQs: Accordion Bellows Maintenance