Smythe’s Accordion Center

I’m a musician and went to the shop to check out accordions as a possible new instrument, post-​finger surgery. The owner was SO helpful. I got a full-​on brain dump that lasted 30 minutes, that answered all my questions, as well as helpful hints on things I hadn’t considered.
He went through all his accordions, explaining the pros and cons of each, articulating the keys, how he could customize a box for me, how people play them, all kinds of stuff. His knowledge was stunning and broad-​based. He was a real help – and all for a guy who clearly had no intention of buying that day.
If I do decide to go to an accordion, he’s the guy I’ll buy it from, no doubt.

I have a high-​quality Italian melodeon but it was in appalling condition, having been professionally abused for years, then overheated to more than 120 degrees and then exposed to water and then abandoned for a year or ten for good measure. The result of this was that half the reed plates had fallen out, the end of the keyboard had fallen off, there was rust in the crannies, bellows tape was shot, you name it.
Kimric restored the box not just to playable condition but tuned it to sound far better than it had done when it was new nearly 20 years ago. The proof of the work is in the playing, and so far the box sounds great. I can’t say better than that, can I?
There are so few remaining accordion repairers and tuners around that you can’t afford to take a chance on the quality of the work, and you can’t always judge that in advance by looking at the price. In this case having spoken with Kimric in person beforehand, it was plain that he knew his stuff and I had no concerns about leaving the box with him. I’m very glad I did. I might even play the thing again, now!

After careful consideration to choose an accordion repair person, I went with Smythe’s Accordion Center. I have an Excelsior and wanted it overhauled and brought to top condition. I was absolutely surprised when I got it back, it played like new! During my visit to pick up the Excelsior, I bought a Sonola that has quickly become my favorite instrument. It’s full size and yet under 20lbs — what a great buy! Kimric has gain my trust to recommend his services to other fellow accordionist that I’ve known for many many years…

Very very helpful! We came down from S. Oregon, partly to pick up a Weltmeister model we couldn’t find anywhere else, and he gave us a great deal, plus changed out some (imo) tacky fabric in the grill while we waited. He’s accomodating, interesting, and extremely knowledgeable! Bravo Kimric!

If you are looking to buy a good accordion or have one repaired, Kimric’s shop is the place to go. As others have noted, Kimric is an intriguing fellow, though you’ll need to be prepared to spend a lot of time taking in the stories if you visit the shop. No quick ins and outs here, which can be challenging if you have time limits of any kind. There is no doubt that Kimric knows his accordions, and will do proper repairs at a reasonable cost — though you need to be able to let go of the need for a specific time frame on repairs, as he cannot be more specific than «it might take a few weeks or a few months» and «you’ll just need to leave it here until I get to it.» Be sure you’ve got a back-​up instrument, then check in frequently to see if work has begun and you’ll be fine.
Many have informed me that Kimric is the most skilled accordion repair person in the Bay Area. Also, he stands behind his work, and gets downright peeved at others who sell accordions without regard for the shape they might be in. You can be sure of quality if you deal via Smythe’s.

More accordions and sheet music then you’re likely to see in one spot in the Bay Area. Kimric gives a warranty on all the instruments he sells and is also one of the most fascinating proprietors you’re likely to meet and can discuss everything from roses to robots (and accordions of course). Vinnie and Renee also work out of the shop and are quite friendly and knowlegeable. If you’re looking for an accordion, you’ve got to pay this place a visit.

Kimric has always been helpful with repairing one of my accordions. He’s been very helpful in pointing out good accordions, and being able to give advice on finding the right sound.
However, I do find him to be a bit rude at times when expressing his opinion on brands of accordions. He seems to favor his Weltmeister’s and other local brands as opposed to Italian branded accordions. He often put down my accordion because accordion to him it was «machine made» and not hand-​made like his precious Weltmeister’s.
Other than that, I think he’s an honest salesman and a good repairman.

I’ve brought a friend’s cheap-​ass concertina here multiple times, and Kimric’s always been awesome about making it work again. (And he’s never made any snide remarks about the lameness of super cheap concertinas.) Plus Kimric’s a hugely interesting guy, which is good, because a lot of times he hasn’t gotten to it when you come back for it, so he does it while you wait. And sometimes, if it’s nothing major and you have time to wait, he’ll just fix it when you first bring it in.
I only wish I had another concertina-​playing friend so I’d have an excuse to drop by, hang out, and listen to the conversation.

He just moved to:
416 25^th St.
Oakland, CA 94 612
Have an accordion? Want an accordion? If you go anywhere else for your accordion needs, well, there won’t be Kimric there, and you would miss out on a very important part of the accordion world.