dream accordion

[nagant27]

Hello everyone. I am new to these boards, but have been reading for a while, and was wondering what brand and model of accordion, if money was no object, you would buy.(a newly made one) I prefer a dry, buttery, mellow, tone chamber sound, and presently play an older excelsior that has been great.
I have been fortunate to be able to try a new Borsini, a new Bugari, new Scandalli, and a new Piermaria. I still would like to try a Victoria and a Petosa. Also anyone ever try a new Pigini or a new Excelsior? I don't think I would be buying anything any time soon but just like to dream. Curious what everyone thinks?...

nagant27

 

[donn]

I don't know so much what I'd want to end up with, but I'd also want to try models by Beltuna and Alessandrini.

 

[JIM D.]

What's the age and model of your Excelsior ??

 

[fjsys]

What I am saving for is a Victoria Poeta A420VP Dry tuned.
http://www.accordions.it/?page=products&idx=4&lang=EN

I really like the red wooden exterior even if it may be scratched more easily.
Ben

 

[nagant27]

Yes a Beltuna is something I've wanted to try- just haven't had the chance. Also I still like the black celluloid accordion look as opposed to the wood. I'm sure if I had the wood it would get all scratched. Is there anything to the idea that this changes the sound?? The inside is wood on all accordions anyway right? As a side note Ive seen tone chambers made of wood and metal- this would make a difference I would think. Anyone have comments on this?
Jim- My excelsior has 2 bassoon reeds- one in chamber one out. Its a van Damme model. Its in perfect tune and working order, and overall has been a great accordion. With the chambered bassoon and closed mute chamber its really smooth and mellow. I love it. I'm not sure if you remember me- we talked on the phone a year or so ago about my revalving a 2 reedl giulietti that I was working on. You were great to talk with and helped me with the problem I was having. You introduced me to this site at the time. Thanks again.

nagant27

 

[JIM D.]

Yes, now I remember our conversation. As you know I Rebuild and Refurbish Classic Accordions. Your Model 940 rebuilt both mechanically and cosmetically will perform and sometimes outperform pro models of currently made accordions that sell for up to 15,000.00 to 20,000.00 USD today. Two months ago a recommended customer came to me with an accordion he had acquired from a late friend. Three years previous he had purchased a new Serenelli for 9,000.00 USD and simply loved it. The accordion he acquired was a classic Sano Stereo 50 from the 60's and was in good condition. Well he decided to refurbish the Sano to original condition and after 2 weeks of playing the now rebuilt Sano, he now loves it and calls it his "Main Squeeze". He now has the Serenelli up for sale.

 

[Anyanka]

I've tried a number of friends' accordions, all sorts of makes, and a few new ones in shops. Fortunately, I still like the Piginis most of all, and if money were no object, I would want to explore their top of the range CBAs. The only other thing I would really like to try out would be the Castagnari CBA, which I only recently heard on a CD by Marc Berthoumieux.

 

[nagant27]

Are piginis and excelsiors made at the same place now days?

Jim,
I have always played older accordions (and have tried a little repair here and there) and often I thought when they were making the "golden age" accordions they really were better and more of a work of art and unique. I have 2 excelsior 00 model rocker accordions that sound totally different that I also enjoy playing. They They feel totally different too.
Never tried a sano, although I have tried a smaller zon rio which I think is made by them. Sounded really nice and had reeds in it marked Bugari in it. And very light- only 2 reed blocks and a mute with smaller keyboard. I was wondering about the sound quality of the newer ones... For what its worth I've never played a classic Scandalli Super6 but played a newer scandalli and wasn't that impressed.

 

[Sarah]

I love all vintage boxes

Vintage Hohner Organola - Brise Napolitaine (video)

 

[nagant27]

sarah,
this video is really a vintage accordion. That curved keyboard never caught on I guess. It does look cool though!!

 

[barkis]

I love all vintage boxes

Vintage Hohner Organola - Brise Napolitaine (video)

Hes got a 7 row bass.

 

[Sarah]

Yes, it's 140 bass (20 x 7 rows)

Keyboard range is also bigger then in typical accordion (that's why it's curved).

 

[nagant27]

is last row augmented?

 

[Sarah]

There are 140 bass accordions with augmented row or with one more of counter basses row (minor counter bass row).
I think the player on this video is using 3 row as fundamental, so there's probably one more of counter basses.

 

[JIM D.]

The C on this one has a counterbass of E and a outer counterbass of Eb . the chord rows are Mag, Min, 7th, and Dim. A costly accordion to restore for sentimental value but still is a monster to perform with. This one comes from the 30's when Hohner first started making quality PA's to compete with US made PA's.

 

[nagant27]

Do these accordions use the little springs on each key, or do they have the bent wire spring under each key? I've never taken apart a hohner. Is there a rod (spindle) that is also curved somehow or are the keys just different lengths?

 

[nagant27]

Oh as for the bass row I only mentioned the augmented because I've seen that on an older Dallape. (that someday I hope I can restore too) I don't think it would be very useful. The second counter bass row actually would be better I think anyway. I think that could really come in handy with certain bass patterns. Cool.

 

[Guernseyman]

My cooperativa is my dream accordion. Beautiful bespoke hand made instrument. There is nothing to beat it!