New member from Cleveland OH

[beeRad]

Hi everyone! I am so happy I found this forum before purchasing my first CBA. A little background on me. I've played musical instruments since age 10, mostly fretted instruments and self-taught Cajun accordion. For the past 8 years I've been focused on gypsy jazz guitar. I've always loved the sound and versatility of the accordion, especially the classic French melodies. My goal is to become accomplished enough to add a few simple French songs to the band's repertoire. Most of my novice questions have been answered reading through the Forum but I'm still struggling with ..

1) System and Registers - C vs B system? There's lots of players in Cleveland but either PA (Cleveland polka after all) and Irish DBA but no CBA players or instructors that I know of so the availability of instructional materials may be a factor in deciding the griff (I have good ears so I hope to learn that way but I don't underestimate the importance of starting off with good habits). I'm exploring online instruction and may come back later for guidance on that one. The other dilemma is registers. I know they'll add weight and I'm not convinced they'd be useful at my stage. I’m leaning toward LMM 62/72.

2) New vs Used - I've seen what appear to be good values on Ebay but as a first time buyer my gut says buy from a brick and mortar shop - new or used. Liberty Bellows has a new E. Soprani Circus (13lbs, no registers). Italian reeds, Chinese assembly. Anyone have experience or own one? I welcome other suggestions for models and dealers.

Cheers!
Brad

 

[Pipemajor]

Hi everyone! I am so happy I found this forum before purchasing my first CBA. A little background on me. I've played musical instruments since age 10, mostly fretted instruments and self-taught Cajun accordion. For the past 8 years I've been focused on gypsy jazz guitar. I've always loved the sound and versatility of the accordion, especially the classic French melodies. My goal is to become accomplished enough to add a few simple French songs to the band's repertoire. Most of my novice questions have been answered reading through the Forum but I'm still struggling with ..

1) System and Registers - C vs B system? There's lots of players in Cleveland but either PA (Cleveland polka after all) and Irish DBA but no CBA players or instructors that I know of so the availability of instructional materials may be a factor in deciding the griff (I have good ears so I hope to learn that way but I don't underestimate the importance of starting off with good habits). I'm exploring online instruction and may come back later for guidance on that one. The other dilemma is registers. I know they'll add weight and I'm not convinced they'd be useful at my stage.

2) New vs Used - I've seen what appear to be good values on Ebay but as a first time buyer my gut says buy from a brick and mortar shop - new or used. Liberty Bellows has a new E. Soprani Circus (13lbs, no registers). Italian reeds, Chinese assembly. Anyone have experience or own one? I welcome other suggestions for models and dealers.

Cheers!
Brad

Hi Brad and welcome to the forum. I'me sure someone more knowledgeable than me will be along shortly to give sound advice.

 

[godgi]

My suggestion would be c system a small 2 voice there are many good second hand brands. If u want to play jazz then a bassoon reed beneficial. I have slightly drifted towards the French accordion look with registers behind but all are equally good. Perhaps more opportunities for learning with c.
If perhaps you feel good enough for russian classical repertoire b would be better then. You have to make a decision don't dilly dally each system has benefits which cancel eachother out overall. There is oceans of material out there to work on.
PM me at anytime.
Godgi

 

[godgi]

I had a look at the liberty bellows e soprani new cba. Looks good at nice price point.
Personally I would not not buy anything out of China in terms of an accordion.
It is however a personal opinion. An equivalent new out of France and Italy are more expensive.
Fisitalia appear a good brand who sell direct over the web.
I don't think their prices too excessive.
I like Maugein but there prices are high unfortunately. I have an antique looking 2 voice fratelli crosio beautifully tonality they are on e bay or leboncoin in France for say 700 euro. godgi

 

[dunlustin]

Not buying Chinese is usual advice - usually for good reason.
Also most boxes labelled 'Soprani' and not P or Paolo are riding on the P Soprani brand reputation - one of the first major makers in Italy.
That said, Liberty Bellows have an excellent reputation inc support/repairs etc.. Maybe ask LB about trade up policy. I see they do rentals.
LMM will give plenty of fexibility. You may want to find out about the amount of tremolo if you choose MM - big variations/personal taste
Lots more Learning materials for C system - that said once you've cracked RH fingering anything with Stradella LH should do.
Weltmeister have been making reasonable instruments since re-unification of Germany.
72 bass fine unless you're planning on playing in Db or F#

 

[John M]

Hi Brad,

Welcome to the forum. I live in Litchfield, a small town southwest of Cleveland. I don't know much about the answers to your questions, but I do know that you can't go wrong with Liberty Bellows. I bought two accordions from them. They were exactly as described. They also have good service with folks on staff that tune accordions. I find their prices very reasonable. You can probably find a lower price for the same model, but you are taking a chance on what your getting. Their packaging/shipping is excellent, no damage to the accordion.

John M.

 

[Chickers]

HELLO BRAD
Also hello to John M.
I'm from Seven Hills, Ohio.
Sorry I can't provide much information and / or recommendations as I am a "newbie" myself, and a PA wanabe.
But wanted to make sure we somehow communicate since we are neighbors.
CHICKERS