Is it ok to pick up an accordion by the stops? I saw a prominent player do it once- could it be a bad thing to do too often?
Thanks
Dave from Albuquerque

I was told by the guy that built my accordion not to pick it up by the stop because thru time it can put a strain on the holes the pushrod slides thru!! Another word wallow out the holes and the slides my not stay up!! You would have to do alot of picking up before this would happen I am sure!!

I just pick up mine with my hands on the base and trebile side!!

I agree. I've seen several builders pick them up this way, in fact most builders that I've seen pick them up this way. But to me, since the stops are not in a balanced position, it always puts force on the side of the stop rod holes. May never hurt hardwood, but it sure isn't good, and a soft wood, I just don't see how it can't enlarge the hole over time.

I pick mine up by the bass strap, never the stops.

Maybe we need a small strap on the base side that would actually work as a handle on 'top' of the accordion so that when it is closed, it would not put stress on anything, except maybe the aesthetics of the original design.

I'll try to be very careful when I pick up my accordion, but sometimes I get it at all the places where it's possible. Also the stops and the straps.
There's nothing broken in all those years.
The best way is to pick it up with two hands.
I also have seen players that were not so careful with their accordions, they realy use it during a gig.

Stop rod goes thru a wooden block that is glued to the actual stop. I have broken that glue joint by picking up the accodion by the stops so I try not to do that. If it breaks in the open position its Ok and you can finish the gig, but if the stop slips down then you may note flat or sharp and it is a problem.

Funny you should mention this I had a lesson yesterday from Drew Simon of the Pine Leaf Boys and he picked up my brand new accordion by the stops. I told him that I thought that would be a great way to mess up the purpose of the stops and that in the future could he please use the straps to pick up the accordion. He didnt know whether it would hurt the box or not but I think over time it would.

Where is the sarcastic and un-informed Randy? Who is the Randy here who is offering good quality advise?! Did the Saints win the superbowl or something! Is the devil wearing snow boots?!Thanks for helping us out !!

FWIW, I've been picking mine up by the stops for 18 years and have not had any problems with hole enlargement or slide weakening but, that doesn't mean that it's not stressing the facing frame either. I'd rather grab it at the stops than on the fingerboard, doesn't take much to flex the finger board which will in turn give you air leaks.

Must of been another Drew Simon??!!

It's possible. Ya think???? Ok so it was just my thought at the time give me a break

I use the "D" ring and the Bass Strap. If the "D" ring can hold the accordion with the strap attached with no ill effect picking up the instrument by using the top one should likewise do no harm. MTCW

Ways to pick up an accordion:

"Hey baby, you come here often?"

"You must be a Parking Ticket ..
because you got "fine" written all over you!"

Seriously though, I'd suggest by the shoulder strap
or upper ring or one hand underneath and one on top.

I'd guess that most players pickup the instrument by the
stops but I'd guess that to be risky ..

--bn

OMG, Nick, we must think alike - you poor fellow!

Keep a strap on it and use it.
Le Piquant

i just grab whatever is handy
stops
shoulder strap
left hand strap
edge of fingerboard
nothing seems to bother them really

another way to pick up an accordion
"hey baby do you live around here often?"
mine have all heard this before though
they don;t fall for it, usually


wle

or: "what's a nice box like you doing in a place like this?"