Keeping Your Alacran or SofiaMari Accordion in Peak Condition

An accordion is half instrument, half heirloom. Follow these quick maintenance habits and your Alacran or SofiaMari will sing for decades.

Daily Bellows Care

• After every session, compress the bellows gently while holding the air valve—this vents residual moisture.

• Wipe exterior folds with a lint-free cloth; cloth bellows on Alacran models are durable, but grime still dulls response over time.guitarcenter.com

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Monthly Button CheckLarge pearl buttons on SofiaMari and Italian-style buttons on Alacran are engineered for noise-free action, but dust can creep in. Lightly brush each row with a soft makeup brush, then play chromatic runs to verify smooth travel.gulfmusicsales.comguitarcenter.com

Seasonal Storage

• Keep humidity between 40–60 %. If you tour in humid climates, add silica packs to the case.

• Never store in a car trunk—summer temps warp reeds.

• For long rests, secure bellows straps (Alacran’s tuck-away snaps, SofiaMari’s snap straps) to prevent flaring.amazon.comgulfmusicsales.com

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Annual Tune-UpReeds drift about two cents a year if you gig hard. Schedule a pro tuning each winter; it’s cheaper than emergency repairs mid-festival and guards resale value.

Fast Fixes on the Road

• Sticking bass strap? Alacran’s adjustable bass side strap can be tightened with a standard jeweler’s screwdriver.amazon.com

• Scuffed bellows corners? Apply clear nail polish as a temporary seal until a tech replaces the tape.

  
  

Remember: consistent TLC means zero surprises when you step on stage. Treat your accordion like the musical athlete it is, and it will repay you with concert-grade tone show after show.