Cavagnolo Zenith 1

[Alan Sharkis]

I signed up for the Cavagnolo newsletters while back. They come in French, of course, but Google Translate makes it easy to get not only the gist, but often a pretty good full translation.

The Cavagnolo Newsletter I received today is devoted to a new arranger module, designated Zenith 1. It has some features that one would expect from a modern arranger -- bluetooth to and from the accordion, multiple accordion sounds and the entire GM set, a 10.5" display, a wide range of styles with 16-bar cycles and the promise of more styles in packs, etc., etc.

One feature caught my eye, and I wonder if it's unique to this module. It seems that the arranger can become an expander as well, even from within its arranger mode. In other words, it can change the sound of the accordion, assuming the accordion is one of Cavagnolo's digitals, to a sound that the arranger produces -- on the fly.

Of course, you've also heard me lament about the lack of distribution for Cavagnolo products in the USA and elsewhere, their insistence on using only French in their manuals and other documents, and their prices. This particular module sells for something in excess of 2300 Euros.

Is it worth a look?

 

[JerryPH]

Pretty much any recent arranger has an integrated sound module where you could modify the sounds.

Now can that arranger change the sounds integrated in the accordion? Not many could and I believe that the one from Cavagnolo cannot either, it's likely sounds integrated in the arranger. A good way to test... turn off and unplug the arranger, does the accordion even play a sound?

 

[KeysFla]

Amazing, how a brand name makes the difference. With Roland, Korg or a Yamaha brand you can not compete. Even Ketron is getting in the ranks. This Zenith been out well before the Ketron EVM. Think this is an upgrade from the original? I think a simpler module is the Zenith. Plays most of the styles accordion players use in social dances. As far as a touch screen, it should be used to setup a song/style list. The rest should interface with a songbook app and pedals.
My ideal setup with a touch screen is have it available in the background on an iPad. One swipe up, it comes up. In all my performances, I rely on SongbookPlus that selects the next song style. Every selection sends the programs needed on the arranger and even a setting on a digital accordion for that song. We need to focus our eyes on the audience, not an interface.

 

[JerryPH]

I was thinking... in the early 70's the audio world was all about combining. At one point it was popular to integrate radios, record players and TVs would even come with integrated 8-track players, which was all great until one of the components broke, then when needing g to send it put, you lost more than an 8-track.

The concept of an integrated arranger and accordion may look nice.. until something breaks and then no accordion and arranger.

For me, having things split in to 3 sections seems about perfect. If something breaks we can still manage and by being separate, internal size restrictions are a non-issue and upgrades are easily possible.

 

[Giovanni]

I was thinking... in the early 70's the audio world was all about combining. At one point it was popular to integrate radios, record players and TVs would even come with integrated 8-track players, which was all great until one of the components broke, then when needing g to send it put, you lost more than an 8-track.

The concept of an integrated arranger and accordion may look nice.. until something breaks and then no accordion and arranger.

For me, having things split in to 3 sections seems about perfect. If something breaks we can still manage and by being separate, internal size restrictions are a non-issue and upgrades are easily possible.

Jerry, you are spot on in your advice. .I totally agree with you ..

 

[KeysFla]

I was thinking... in the early 70's the audio world was all about combining. At one point it was popular to integrate radios, record players and TVs would even come with integrated 8-track players, which was all great until one of the components broke, then when needing g to send it put, you lost more than an 8-track.

The concept of an integrated arranger and accordion may look nice.. until something breaks and then no accordion and arranger.

For me, having things split in to 3 sections seems about perfect. If something breaks we can still manage and by being separate, internal size restrictions are a non-issue and upgrades are easily possible.

The reason I need a keyboard arranger on stage. If one breaks, play the other.