EXCELSIOR MODELS

[Chickers]

I'm trying to get an understanding of the Excelsior Accordion manufacturer, who I understand is now owned
by Paginni.
Anyhow, I have vintage accordions named;
Excelsior Model AC
Excelsiola Model 612-M
Accordiana Model 606
All the above show they were made by Excelsior Accordion. I understand they were all sold as Excelsior accordions.
Where do these various brand names differ ?
I also understand that Excelsior manufactured several private label accordions in addition as well.
I also understand the obvious difference in the top of the line as compared to the lower price-point models,
but there seems to be a lot of cross-over between the names, and their offerings of features.
Thank you for any insight you can share.
CHICKERS

 

[Scuromondo]

I know that Accordiana was their “student” line, because that was my first accordion. It was quite a good instrument for a beginner—certainly much much better than today’s Hohner Bravo line.

I believe Excelsiola were their intermediate instruments, and Excelsior was their “top of the line” selection.

 

[NickC]

I've seen multiple books about Fender guitars, Rickenbacker, Ampeg, vintage tube guitar amps, etc. I really wish there was more accordion history literature available. I'm following along on this thread because it is a fascinating subject.

 

[JIM D.]

There is a rule of thumb for grading 1940 to 1970 Excelsior models made in New York, NY.
Excelsior -- Professional line
Excelsiola -- Semi Pro line
Accordiana - Student model line
The Excelsior models featured hand made reeds & the Excelsiola's had the same body but machine made reeds.
For the models you have -

The AC models were the last NY Pro model made 1960 to 1970
The Excelsior models were made from 1940 to 1960
The Excelsiola models were made from 1940 to 1970
The Accordiana models were made from 1940 to 1970
All these models after 1950 had a combo of Italian & American made parts

After 1970 the Excelsior name was sold and are now made by a subsidiary of Pigini in Italy.

There were exceptions to this model list which I'll take up in a new post -- "Vintage Excelsior model confusion"
I'll have it up shortly.

 

[Chickers]

I wish to add to my query regarding various Excelsior accordions.
I purchased all my accordion on the used market. E-bay, private owner, dealer.
For each accordion I contacted Excelsior to try to ascertain year of manufacture.
They were quite vague, but indicated they "thought" the Excelsior AC (marked-made in Italy) was made late 1980's. ??
The Excelsiola (marked-made in Italy) made sometime in the 1960's. ??
The Accordiana possibly made in NY 1950's ?? The Accordiana is not marked with place of manufacture.
I certainly like all three, and especially the Excelsiola, plays well, fits well; even though it's "dry-tuned"
Fun accordions
Thank you,
CHICKERS

 

[JIM D.]

Your Excelsior AC was made until the early 70's before the NY Excelsior closed & sold the name.

All excelsior's imported to the US were Dry Tuned unless special ordered.

 

[DanSig]

There is a rule of thumb for grading 1940 to 1970 Excelsior models made in New York, NY.
Excelsior -- Professional line
Excelsiola -- Semi Pro line
Accordiana - Student model line
The Excelsior models featured hand made reeds & the Excelsiola's had the same body but machine made reeds.
For the models you have -

The AC models were the last NY Pro model made 1960 to 1970
The Excelsior models were made from 1940 to 1960
The Excelsiola models were made from 1940 to 1970
The Accordiana models were made from 1940 to 1970
All these models after 1950 had a combo of Italian & American made parts

After 1970 the Excelsior name was sold and are now made by a subsidiary of Pigini in Italy.

There were exceptions to this model list which I'll take up in a new post -- "Vintage Excelsior model confusion"
I'll have it up shortly.

Very interesting information. I've bought this summer a model 20 built in Italy and was wondering how old it was. If I understood correctly, it must be after 1970. Any idea of the period when model 20 was produced?

Have a good evening.

There is a rule of thumb for grading 1940 to 1970 Excelsior models made in New York, NY.
Excelsior -- Professional line
Excelsiola -- Semi Pro line
Accordiana - Student model line
The Excelsior models featured hand made reeds & the Excelsiola's had the same body but machine made reeds.
For the models you have -

The AC models were the last NY Pro model made 1960 to 1970
The Excelsior models were made from 1940 to 1960
The Excelsiola models were made from 1940 to 1970
The Accordiana models were made from 1940 to 1970
All these models after 1950 had a combo of Italian & American made parts

After 1970 the Excelsior name was sold and are now made by a subsidiary of Pigini in Italy.

There were exceptions to this model list which I'll take up in a new post -- "Vintage Excelsior model confusion"
I'll have it up shortly.