Nathan Longo :: The Free Reed
153 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
Phone: 802.793.2382
Email: Nathan@TheFreeReed.com
Hugo Martinez Cazón of Burlington, VT:
"Nathan Longo of Montpelier, VT repaired my 1899 Wilhelm Dolling, Klingenthal DE Bandonion!
After inheriting this magnificent antique instrument from a dear musician friend, I began a long and slow journey of looking for who I could trust its repairs to. Some very knowledgeable and thoughtful repair professionals declined, correctly saying they focused on concertinas. Others found the bandonion outside their range as they focused on accordions.
Finding Nathan was a joy. My friend in New Orleans encouraged me to reach out to Nathan, and I found a really thoughtful and professional repair person, willing to investigate and learn gently, before undertaking the repair work. The bandonion is unlike either the accordeon or the family of concertinas. The buttons are arranged in a haphazard manner and the mechanism is dissimilar to either related family members of the free reed instruments.
The result is that I am now able to PLAY my 1899 Bandonion. Nathan was able to figure out the fingering and the action, to the point that my old instrument is enjoyable both to myself and to those that hear it.
Nathan patched up leaks, retuned some reeds, and corrected past mistakes effected by previous ill fated attempts by others. He was very thoughtful and heard all of my concerns with the care of a person open mindedly figureing out a puzzle. I am very satisfied with his work."
Hanna Howard of Burlington, VT – Accordionist:
"I brought my accordion to Nathan for repairs because he was highly recommended by a friend of mine. He had it back to me quickly for a very reasonable rate. Nathan is very good at what he does and clearly is passionate about music and the accordion."
David Symons of New Orleans, LA – Professional Accordionist, Composer, Actor:
"Nathan has mastered the nearly lost art of accordion repair, and has creative solutions for even the most vexing of accordion problems. He is also one of the world's nicest people, and is generous with his knowledge, teaching you about how your accordion works in addition to making it work better."
Elena Frimerman of Piermont, NH:
"I was looking to buy an accordion as a gift for my husband and was lucky to find Nathan, one of very few specialists in the area.
Nathan was super helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. He spent a few hours answering a multitude of questions, giving us tips and suggestions, and playing the instruments.
We gained a friend, and it was great to see, hear and try out various accordions before purchasing one!"