He answered all of my questions and concerns about buying a secondhand instrument without being able to try it out first and with the knowledge that I could send it back with a full refund within 14 days prompted me to buy it. It arrived a couple of days later, it was well packaged surrounded in polystyrene in a box, the bass section had been stabilised with 2 strips of cardboard inside. I was really impressed with the care that had been taken. Not a mark on it, it looked like a brand new accordion and plays like one. I’m so pleased with it and can’t praise the service enough. Many thanks

I told him what I wanted and he gave me exactly what I asked for. The accordion is a joy to play with a rich full musette and a slick fast keyboard to match. He is a gentleman to deal with. And has a wealth of experience and knowledge. All I can say is if you are in the market for a new accordion give Robert a call. Highly recommended.

Since then I have bought several Manfrini instruments all beautifully made and tuned to suit my own preferences. Nothing was too much trouble for Robert and with great patience he listened to what I wanted and offered advice and recommendations where possible. Robert is a truly excellent instrument technician for any repairs and tuning on all types of accordion. I have seen Patrick at work on the reed blocks and it is a such a pleasure to watch; such care and attention to detail is part of what puts Manfrini accordions at the top. Manfrini is where I will always go for anything accordion related. Robert and Patrick are real gentlemen who take time out to hear what you have to say and offer solid advice while making the best accordions. The coffee is always good too.

including when people used to be able to smoke in venues so you can only imagine what it must have been like inside. It’s been around the block a few times! They removed all the reeds from the blocks - treble and bass, cleaned them, re-valved, re-waxed them in and re-tuned the whole accordion. There were some minor repairs done to other parts too. I really do have to say that it's like a new box. The difference is amazing and it’s never sounded better. I’ve known Robert for many years and bought several accordions from him and every time he’s gone the extra mile to make sure I was happy with them and were just what I wanted. Nothing was too much trouble. He’s always been a pleasure to deal with and his knowledge of accordions must surely be difficult to match. I can say categorically that the quality of Robert and Patrick's work is absolutely first class and I highly recommend them for any work needing done to your accordion. Thanks again!!

My eldest son, Clelland started accordion at 8 years of age and when he was asked to do a school project on accordion and how they were made there was only one person in mind, Robert Rolston.Robert had previously sold myself accordions in the past and I always found his knowledge of the instrument second to none and most importantly for me I always found his advice to be genuine. When I contacted Robert to ask if it would be ok to bring Clelland along to his workshop so he could get some information for his school project he simply said "Yes Off Course". It was when we visited his showroom/workshop that I got my first introduction to Manfrini Accordions and I could see straight away that they were built to a high standard. It is worth noting at this point that Robert manages the manufacturing process of the Manfrini Accordions and the accordion shell, keyboard etc are all made in Italy by craftsmen selected by Robert. He then finishes off the process in his own workshop in Tillicoultry with Patrick installing the Reeds and Robert himself carrying out the final checks and Tuning. Forward a few years and Clelland now age 11was looking for a new accordion and his teacher had advised probably best to find a nice double cassotto, it was at this point that I contacted Robert to speak to him in detail about the possibility of making an Instrument for Clelland. I can honestly say from that first discussion that nothing was too much bother, we had a choice of colours, fittings, bellows, couplers, reeds etc however I will admit i was guided by Robert on certain aspects like the Reeds. We decided to go for a 34 key,96 bass Artisan with two sets of Reeds in the Tone Chamber. I asked him to put the writing cassotto next to Artisan just to distinguish between the non and cassotto model, again it was no problem. From place of order it took approximately 4 months for the accordion to arrive however in between times we received pictures from Robert of how the instrument was progressing over in Italy. When it arrived the first thing that struck me was the sound. This model is 4-voice on right hand and it was bright and very powerful. Robert put a nice tuning on it that was good for Scottish traditional music however also worked well for Continental and other types of music. I don't play the piano key very well however I couldn't resist picking it up and the keyboard also impressed me as it was fast and very quiet. I have played many top quality instruments over the years but this model with Binci hand made Reeds is right up there for me. The Left hand has 5 couplers and again the bass end sounds great and has a good choice of light or heavier bass sounds. Clelland loves his instrument and although at some point may benefit from going to a 37 key he has already mentioned that he will never want to part with his 34 key! Pictures show Clelland on the right hand side with his 4-Voice Double Cassotto Artisan and his younger Brother Inver with his 3-voice 96 Bass Artisan. A review of Inver's Accordion will follow shortly.

Robert was very helpful and after a bit of a wait the modification was done and I am delighted with how it has absolutely transformed my Pigini. It is so much more powerful, responsive, easier to play, uses less air, and has a great musette sound (I may get Robert to ease the offset on the higher notes, which he is happy to do). I got a bass mic fitted at the same time and it is as good an amplified accordion sound as I have heard from any box. The price was commensurate with the excellent quality of work done and service provided. All told an excellent outcome, and well worth the few months’ wait.