Accordion arrival - an SSS

[embers]

Pleasant way to spend a Saturday. Last evening my Sano Stereo Sixty was delivered. I've unpacked it and played it for the first time today.

After 1/2 hour, I would say that this accordion will stay out of its case most of the time. Too much daily enjoyment ahead. I really like the RH keys' action. It is almost identical to the other Sano Zon-Rio I studied with, and played a lot of gigs on, too.

I am not a top-notch accordionist, but do like to play. This accordion "fits" and sings under my fingers, and is most enjoyable to hear the many voices. It has transported me back to the best days of accordion playing I had on my Sano Zon-Rio model. Those days are here again, I have no doubt. Ah, but my poor Beltuna Tyrolean. Although a very nice-sounding accordion, it has taken over as the second-chair woodwind instrument starting today!!

I'll probably not be taking many photos of this box. I found it at The Accordion Gallery in NJ. The pictures and description tell the story well.
https://accordiongallery.com/sano-stereo-sixty-cassotto.htm

Shortly I will pick up the Sixty again. Still plenty of time for another music session today!
Enjoy the photos. ~Bob

 

[Eddy Yates]

Congratulations, Bob! It really is a beauty. Glad it sounds as good as it looks. A new/used instrument really moves us along the road sometimes.
All the best!
Is the "musette" sound tuned wet or American?

 

[Dingo40]

Congratulations on your new acquisition and many hours of enjoyable playing!??

 

[embers]

Congratulations, Bob! It really is a beauty. Glad it sounds as good as it looks. A new/used instrument really moves us along the road sometimes.
All the best!
Is the "musette" sound tuned wet or American?

I don't know the difference in the musette sounds you asked about, or how to tell. I looked up images of accordion reed switches, and found a switch that matches the musette switch photo shown within the description of the Sixty. However, that same image is named violin with the sound described as "A shimmering or wavering "tremolo" or "chorus effect" from detuned reeds, analogous to the Voix céleste organ stop." Nothing about tuned American. Possibly I'm looking at an incorrect switch image or description. Still have things to learn, or if I knew, to remember.

 

[Tom]

Glad to hear it Bob!

 

[debra]

You certainly have a top notch accordion there! I looked at the pictures from that site. Absolutely gorgeous!
I also like the mechanism inside to add some pressure to the reed blocks in cassotto, about half way in. I wonder if that is still something you can buy today (ready made) as some accordions do seem to lack a bit of pressure there.
Enjoy!

 

[embers]

You certainly have a top notch accordion there! I looked at the pictures from that site. Absolutely gorgeous!
I also like the mechanism inside to add some pressure to the reed blocks in cassotto, about half way in. I wonder if that is still something you can buy today (ready made) as some accordions do seem to lack a bit of pressure there.
Enjoy!

Thanks, Paul. You have provided the opportunity for me to learn more re. the "mechanism inside." I have done little "inside the box," and ask if you can point out the mechanism to me? Either by an overlay arrow, or by using the specific picture in the file I posted, describing what you see?

If I had any wish about what is "inside the box," it would be to see an exploded schematic of this accordion. And I'd think to create one would be quite the task. For other equipment I have, either a diagram showing the relationship of the parts to each other, or an assembly/dis-assembly procedure are most helpful. I've wondered if such diagrams are available for accordions? ~Bob

 

[debra]

Thanks, Paul. You have provided the opportunity for me to learn more re. the "mechanism inside." I have done little "inside the box," and ask if you can point out the mechanism to me? Either by an overlay arrow, or by using the specific picture in the file I posted, describing what you see?

It's more like a bracket than mechanism. (The mechanism part relates to how to mount and unmount it.) In the picture of the inside of the treble you see a bracket about in the middle of the cassotto. This bracket puts a bit of pressure on the reed blocks, pushing them more firmly down, so no air can escape under the reed block. On long reed blocks this is sometimes an issue. You increase the pressure by adjusting the left and right end but risk pushing down on the base so much that the registers slides can no longer move smoothly. The bracket in the middle helps to ensure a good seal without too much pressure.

 

[nagant27]

Very nice accordion indeed. Hard to beat that accordion and I’m sure it’s all tweaked and restored like the day it was made. Probably sounds even better with its age. I’m sure you’ll enjoy!

 

[JIM D.]

Congratulations;
A lucky find as they were the finest 4 reed Cassotto 41/120 pro accordions made in their day.
And if in good shape will outperform most other new makes made today ( and at triple the price).
That stereo 60 is not the model but the number of crystal mic's installed at the factory.
The same model accordion was offered in a stereo 30, stereo 40, 50 and stereo 60. The numbers indicated the 3, 4, 5 or 6 mic's installed by
a factory order. The model name should be stamped on the back of the bass machine close to the bellows
Your accordion should be Dry Tuned as were most accordions shipped to the US in the 50's to 70's era. Wet tuning was a special order.
The Model you find should be "Concert Master". Here are Concert Master's with different mic's installed. ---

Sano Stereo Thirty Black W/Case, cable and strap | Reverb

For sale from Merle's Music is a super cool and rare Italian made Sano Stereo Thirty Accordion with its original case and a proprietary cable. This thing has tons of funky vintage vibe and looks awesome. It is in super condition with no major blemishes or defects. Most of the vents on the front a...

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2341 - Black Sano Stereo Forty Piano Accordion LMM 42 120

Type: Piano Accordion Reeds: 3/5 LMM Treble: 41 Keys, 20(50cm) Key to Key, 8+M Registers Bass: 120 Bass Buttons, 5 Registers Weight: 24bs / 11kg Features: Double Tone Chamber, Mute, Sano Mics Includes: Used Straps and Case, 6 Month Store Warranty

www.libertybellows.com

 

[embers]

Interesting to learn about the crystal mics. I haven't purchased an amp yet and look forward to hearing how the mics sound. In the accordion description the model name was listed as "Stereo Sixty." Thanks also for noting the stamp on the bass machine.

 

[JIM D.]

Again, the model is "Concert Master"
The number of mic's installed is often mistaken for a model. Stereo 30, 40, 50 and 50 are mic's installed NOT A MODEL NAME.
When one was sold without mic's installed the name "Concert Master" appeared instead.