Was wondering what people use or have used for bellows frame tape in the past (pre inlay accordions). Any ideas?

For a long time I think they used black electrical tape, sometimes with a small stripe of gold mylar tape.

For just colored tape, I got some at a hardware store, it was a type of duct tape, but was smooth like electrical tape and stuck much better. Might want to try the pinstriping at craft stores too.

Only buy China made tape keep them going

Jim, you should call Leland Colligan. He's been restoring a bunch of old Globe, Sterling and Monarchs. He even has some of the original unused trimmings. Some looked to be made of a leather textured tape with white tape trim and others a sort of paper material. He's got all kinds of cool stuff from these old accordions. Original reeds, bellows, even the old segmented bellows, blocks, frames, etc. He even let me play on his own personal Sterling (D) accordion that's fully original. That was a very cool experience! Shoot me an email if you want his number.

Cheers everyone, thanks for the tips...

Jon, I definitely would like to contact Leland, I sent you a message on the facebook.