Cassotto or not?

[Brock B]

Hi all, quick question...
I play a lovely Hohner  Verdi V CB, which in Hohner catalogues German and English, is described as cassotto in bass. However,  I can't see any sign of anything unusual inside..(pic)
Any thoughts? 
Brock

 

[debra]

What they mean with "cassotto in bass" is an "Umleitstimmstock". When you remove the largest bass block you should notice that looking through the holes for the largest reeds they are not placed where you expect them and you cannot see the reeds and valves through the holes. That's because the "channel" that carries the sound isn't "straight out" but the sound travels through a tube, creating a 180 degree angle in the channel. This causes the bass to be amplified, creating the impression (illusion) of a deeper sound by amplifying the deepest sounding reeds.
Some accordions have a "Winkelbaß" which is the same idea but the channel and largest reed block in a 90 degree angle.

 

[Brock B]

What they mean with "cassotto in bass" is an "Umleitstimmstock". When you remove the largest bass block you should notice that looking through the holes for the largest reeds they are not placed where you expect them and you cannot see the reeds and valves through the holes. That's because the "channel" that carries the sound isn't "straight out" but the sound travels through a tube, creating a 180 degree angle in the channel. This causes the bass to be amplified, creating the impression (illusion) of a deeper sound by amplifying the deepest sounding reeds.
Some accordions have a "Winkelbaß" which is the same idea but the channel and largest reed block in a 90 degree angle.

---

Thanks Paul, great information, thank you for enlightening me .. The lh basses do sound beautiful on this one
Brock

 

[nagant27]

Just curious. Are these reed blocks painted white or is it plastic? I’ve never seen them look like that. Is this a black and white photo? I’m looking on a small phone right now.

 

[debra]

Just curious.  Are these reed blocks painted white or is it plastic?   I’ve never seen them look like that.  Is this a black and white photo?   I’m looking on a small phone right now.

This accordion predates the use of plastic reed blocks. The photo is black and white.