Expert Accordion Repair & Tuning in Southern England — Meet Rachel and Jonathan Causebrook
Squeezebox Marketplace Blog | Accordion Care & Aftercare | Repairs & Tuning
Every squeezebox deserves to be heard at its best. Whether your piano accordion has developed a strange noise, your melodeon is leaking air, or a reed has gone out of tune, getting the right hands on it makes all the difference. If you're still searching for the perfect instrument, check out our Everything you wanted to know about accordions-but weren't sure who to ask guide to ensure you choose one that's built to last. At Squeezebox Marketplace's Hungerford branch, we're proud to have Rachel and Jonathan Causebrook on hand to give your instrument the expert care it deserves.
Trained at the Home of the Accordion
Rachel and Jonathan aren't just enthusiastic — they're formally qualified. Both have completed the prestigious Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses at the Accordion Craft Academy in Castelfidardo, Italy, the town widely regarded as the global heartland of accordion manufacture. For over 150 years, Castelfidardo has been the place where the world's finest accordion makers have plied their trade, and it's where the definitive standards for accordion craft and repair have been set.
Earning certification at that level means Rachel and Jonathan have been trained to the highest benchmark in the industry. That's not something you'll find around every corner in the UK.
Qualified, Experienced and Still Learning Every Day
Beyond their formal training, Rachel and Jonathan have spent several years building hands-on experience across a wide variety of instruments. Every box that comes to the bench teaches them something — different makes, different ages, different problems, different solutions. Whether it's a vintage Italian piano accordion, a well-loved German melodeon, or a button accordion, they bring the same methodical care and trained eye to every job.
They work across all brands and instrument types equally, which means you don't need to wonder whether your particular box is "their sort of thing." It is.
What Can They Help You With?
Squeezeboxes are remarkably robust instruments, but they do need looking after — especially older ones. Years of playing, temperature changes, humidity, and the occasional bump can all take their toll. Here's a taste of what Rachel and Jonathan can tackle:
Tuning — The most common request. Whether your instrument has drifted slightly sharp or flat, or you need it set to a specific pitch to match other musicians, precise tuning is something they take seriously.
Re-waxing reeds — Over time, the wax that holds reeds to the reed plate can dry out and crack, causing notes to fail or sound weak. Re-waxing restores the seal and brings the reed back to full voice.
Replacing reed valves and springs
Worn or damaged valves affect response and tone. Fresh valves can transform a sluggish instrument. Worn or damaged valves affect response and tone. Fresh valves can transform a sluggish instrument. Not sure what reed valves are? Our Jargon Busting Guide
can help you understand these terms in simple language.
Replacing bellows gaskets
A leaking bellows gasket is one of the most common causes of reduced playability. Air escaping where it shouldn't makes everything harder work.
Re-facing pallets with felt and leather
Pallet pads take a lot of punishment over time. Replacing the felt and leather facing creates a better seal and a more responsive action.
Bushing buttons
Worn button bushings lead to rattle and imprecise feel. New bushings bring back the crisp, positive action your instrument was designed to have.
'De-clacking' noisy keys
That annoying mechanical clatter that develops on older instruments can often be eliminated with careful adjustment and treatment.
Restricting button movement
Particularly relevant for Hohner Pokerwork and Erica models, where excessive button travel can become a real frustration.
Exterior repairs
Dings, chips, and cosmetic damage can also be addressed, helping your instrument look as good as it sounds.
The Process
No Surprises
Rachel and Jonathan will always give your instrument a thorough check-over before any work begins. They'll talk you through exactly what they've found and what they recommend, along with a clear price. Nothing happens without your go-ahead. That's the kind of straightforward, transparent service that makes getting your instrument repaired feel reassuring rather than stressful.
Typical turnaround time is one to two weeks, though Rachel and Jonathan often turn things around sooner than that. Being musicians themselves, they understand all too well the frustration of not having your instrument fully working — and they'll always do their best to get you back playing as quickly as possible.
Can't Get to Hungerford? No Problem
We know that Hungerford in Berkshire isn't on everyone's doorstep. The good news is that Rachel and Jonathan are happy to accept instruments sent by post or courier. Plenty of players across the south of England -and further afield - send their boxes in for attention. If you're thinking of doing this, just give them a call first so they can advise on the best way to pack and send your instrument safely.
Northern England and Scotland? Gordon Has You Covered
If you're based further north, don't worry — Squeezebox Marketplace has you covered there too. Our colleague Gordon Pattullo looks after repairs, tuning and set-ups for customers across the north of England and Scotland. Between Gordon in the north and Rachel and Jonathan in the south, we've got the whole country within reach.
Get in Touch
Rachel and Jonathan are the friendly, knowledgeable people you want looking after your instrument. Whether you have a specific problem, a vague concern, or just want some advice on whether your box needs attention, they're happy to have a chat.
📞 Call Rachel on 07985 039372
📞 Call Jonathan on 07748 238020
Or visit us at our Hungerford branch where Rachel and Jonathan are based.
At Squeezebox Marketplace, we believe that buying a great instrument is just the beginning. Keeping it in perfect playing condition is what turns a good instrument into a lifelong companion. Rachel and Jonathan are here to make sure yours stays that way.