Alan Polivka
Active member
I suspect the seller just accidentally omitted the word "Grand" when they listed it as a "Symphony 140" rather than a "Symphony Grand 140". I say that because Excelsior had both a Symphony model (4/5) and a Symphony Grand model (4/6), and the main difference was the number of bass shifts and number of bass reeds. The one pictured here has the greater number of bass shifts and presumably 6 sets of bass reeds, making it a "Grand". The "140" is simply the number of bass buttons, being different than the standard 120. I believe those early Symphony Grands only came in one standard model - they were just "Symphony Grand" - unless you ordered a customized version, like yours. The later Symphony Grands, with the same shift design as yours but square sound holes, had some variants, like "Citation", optional tone chamber, optional mute, etc. Based on the SN, I can tell you that your SG was made in 1950 (or a slight chance it was made in 1949 at the earliest). As you probably know, having 2 sets of bassoon reeds was generally considered a jazz feature. It's quite possible that your accordion has a wood foundation plate rather than the more common metal plate. I and probably some others in this forum would be interested to know if that is the case. I personally love the extra set of bass reeds because when I'm doing a strolling gig in a large restaurant, for example, the basses on most 4/5 accordions are a bit too weak.
), on Facebook marketplace, it's in Toronto Ontario. Looks like the newer model with the gold touches (like Victor Wang on YouTube plays). They're asking $4500CA but is willing to negotiate. That's roughly $3150US. Offer the guy $3000-$3200US and I bet he would jump on it. Obviously if someone is interested they would be wise to call, hear it in action and of course get pics of the reed blocks, etc. if they are interested.
