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Paolo Soprano MIDI upper bass register dumb?

Gunnar

Newbie
Joined
Jul 16, 2022
Messages
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Location
Norway
Hi! This is a Professionale IV MIDI. I was told by someone that these MIDI accordions often were delivered with this register dumb? Is this correct?
 
Hi! This is a Professionale IV MIDI. I was told by someone that these MIDI accordions often were delivered with this register dumb? Is this correct?
They often come with a "mute" register (so it plays nothing). Maybe that's what you mean by "dumb"?
Both the treble and bass side can benefit from a mute register so that the acoustic part of the accordion doesn't play while you can still play midi sounds. It may look a bit odd because the bellows then doesn't open and close.
 
They often come with a "mute" register (so it plays nothing). Maybe that's what you mean by "dumb"?
Both the treble and bass side can benefit from a mute register so that the acoustic part of the accordion doesn't play while you can still play midi sounds. It may look a bit odd because the bellows then doesn't open and close.
Yes, I mean mute. The reason for asking is that I wanted to sell this accordion for my father, and know nothing about accordions. The buyer ment that something must be wrong with this register, since there is no sound. The knob moves with the same feel as the other knobs.
 
I would like to get in contact with Paolo Soprani to verify that this model was delivered with a muted register, but I struggle to find an email-address, or contact form to contact them. Anyone know?
 
Muted bass or treble registers are not uncommon, my Elkavox 83 has them both, its there to offer the option of being "electric only" on one or both sides, if you want.
 
gunnar, they may feel that is a question with an obvious answer

first of all, it is almost certain the builder of that specific paolo, at that time,
adjusted the mute shift as standard for any Factory Midi shipped accordion

the material to change a normal shift to a mute was available at most factories

3rd party installers in other countries for private owners who add MIDI did
not have those alternative parts available to them, and would have to
figure out and craft their own

and finally, are the people who currently have marketing rights to the Paolo Soprani
brand name even the same people or organization who built that specific accordion
way back when ?

more importantly, you should research locally with your father for information
about when and where he purchased this accordion, and for how much

then you need to determine if the MIDI is in fact still functional
and
do the installed Microphones still work

this will determine the value

the man who got you worried by claiming something must be wrong with this mute shift
is either an idiot, or a deliberate liar trying to get you to lower your price

ignore him

ciao

Ventura
 
gunnar, they may feel that is a question with an obvious answer

first of all, it is almost certain the builder of that specific paolo, at that time,
adjusted the mute shift as standard for any Factory Midi shipped accordion

the material to change a normal shift to a mute was available at most factories

3rd party installers in other countries for private owners who add MIDI did
not have those alternative parts available to them, and would have to
figure out and craft their own

and finally, are the people who currently have marketing rights to the Paolo Soprani
brand name even the same people or organization who built that specific accordion
way back when ?

more importantly, you should research locally with your father for information
about when and where he purchased this accordion, and for how much

then you need to determine if the MIDI is in fact still functional
and
do the installed Microphones still work

this will determine the value

the man who got you worried by claiming something must be wrong with this mute shift
is either an idiot, or a deliberate liar trying to get you to lower your price

ignore him

ciao

Ventura
Thanks for your thorough answer! The buyer talked to the Norwegian dealer, who he claims told him that the register probably is defective. From what you all tell me I find it strange that the dealer don't know that registers may be muted. Unfortunately I trusted him and lowered the price to cover the repair. We wrote a receipt, where it is stated that the register needs repair. I'll try to find out what the dealer told the buyer. My father is old and don't remember. He have not used the accordion for some years.
 
The buyer accepted that the accordion is built this way, and I get some money back. Still, the instrument needs some service. Suddenly one of the white keys gives no sound. Is this usually an easy or difficult issue to correct? The agreed price is now about €1500 including an Metarbo 75W amp, and a Technics MIDI Orchestra module. The amp is maybe worth €200? Except that the volume pots causes crackling noise, so despite almost no use I think it needs new pots. So value probably zero. MIDI orchestra value maybe €100?
 
actually, the technics module is quite rare, and had perhaps the best soundset
of it's time, rivaling the Ketron in tonal quality

it also has amazing autoplay functionality that can be chordally triggered by the right hand
as well as the left

unfortunately it is dated and would take time to find an appreciative buyer

it really would be a great addition to any MIDI accordionists studio, and
if you were in the USA i would offer you a nice price for it myself

i would advise any of our Euro MIDI members to consider it before it is gone...
 
actually, the technics module is quite rare, and had perhaps the best soundset
of it's time, rivaling the Ketron in tonal quality

it also has amazing autoplay functionality that can be chordally triggered by the right hand
as well as the left

unfortunately it is dated and would take time to find an appreciative buyer

it really would be a great addition to any MIDI accordionists studio, and
if you were in the USA i would offer you a nice price for it myself

i would advise any of our Euro MIDI members to consider it before it is gone...
I have seen several of these modules locally for about €100, but I'll forward the information to the buyer😀 Technics was a great brand, I have recently restored a SP10 turntable from around 1980. Changed all electrolytic caps (about 30..), powder coated, and adjusted everything to spec.
 
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