Galanti pa's

[larus]

Hi all,
I've seen a couple of renovated 34 key, 2 voice Galanti pa's advertised. To be truthful I've never heard of them. They seem affordable and are being offered by good dealers. Are they any good or would I be buying future problems. I'm not specifically asking about the accordions currently being advertised but the quality and longevity of Galanti in particular.
Thanks

 

[james_from_stoke]

They seem a pretty reputable make to me. The old higher models still sell for several thousand pounds. Have a listen, or ask a dealer. Have a look on here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/bunelik/videos
He plays all the accordions that he sells, and there are quite a lot of Galanti models of all sizes and ages. This should give you a good idea.

 

[JIM D.]

You're asking a very broad question here. The Galanti badge appeared on mediocre made accordions from more than one Italian firm. Pic's will be necessary.

 

[larus]

They seem a pretty reputable make to me. The old higher models still sell for several thousand pounds. Have a listen, or ask a dealer. Have a look on here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/bunelik/videos
He plays all the accordions that he sells, and there are quite a lot of Galanti models of all sizes and ages. This should give you a good idea.

Thanks for the link.
Youre right there are quite a few to watch. He seems a good player as well.....the hats are a little odd though
Larus

 

[larus]

Youre asking a very broad question here. The Galanti badge appeared on mediocre made accordions from more than one Italian firm. Pics will be necessary.

Thats interesting. When you say mediocre are you implying that Galanti accordions are all mediocre compared to well known italian accordions, or just some of their range?

 

[JIM D.]

Some of their range. Most of the Galanti badged accordions imported to the US in the 50's and early 60's were of mediocre student models. The Galanti factory in Mondiano, Italy closed in 1974. From 1920 to 1974 their was a Galanti brand, a Galanti Bros. brand, and a Galanti Egidio brand during the so called "Golden Age Of Accordion. Large pro model Galanti's are rare.

 

[larus]

Some of their range. Most of the Galanti badged accordions imported to the US in the 50s and early 60s were of mediocre student models.

Thanks Jim D.
I tried to download a couple of photos but the site wouldnt accept them. Perhaps as dealers their images are subject to copyright?
The models were both 34 key, 2 voice. One was 72 bass, the other was 80 bass. Both fully overhauled.
Id guess they are both student models and the going price is roughly around 600 GBP each.
I suppose (as a relative beginner) the question is; are they worth buying or should I stick with my 48 bass, save and buy better?
Another question completely I know, but Id appreciate an experienced opinion.
Larus

 

[Soulsaver]

You could post a link? And welcome to the forum.

 

[JIM D.]

Can you spot one here -- https://www.google.com/search?q=gal...=nWMeVaS4JYa-ggS0l4T4DQ&ved=0CD0QsAQ&dpr=1.26

 

[larus]

You could post a link? And welcome to the forum.

http://www.accordions.co.uk/secpicsviewdocs.htm/Galant72.htm


Thanks Soulsaver,
Hopefully this will work. This is more or less the type of accordionI was looking at.

Thanks for the link Jim D. I couldnt see the one I was referring to.
Generally though is an accordion like this worth buying or is saving for better the way to go. A factor is that I have little disposable income, so this would be a long term plan.

 

[dunlustin]

Many of us make do with the mediocre.
Remember the price includes a number of hours worked.
Do you currently miss the features you would get with the new "box"?
I seem to remember that before accordions became unfashionable Galanti was a common "economy" brand in the UK.
Definitely worth having a chat with the man from Accordions SW - I'm sure he'll give good advice.

 

[JIM D.]

I you intend to keep this new purchase for an extended time period, I would suggest saving for a better quality box. There are very many better quality accordions that have been stored since the 60's such as Excelsior,Titano,Sano and Guilietti to name a few and they pop up for sale on craigslist and ebay every day.

 

[larus]

Hi dunlustin,
thanks for the advice. I don't feel the need for a top of the range. I would like an accordion that had a low g as it's missing on my current 26 key Hohner Student. These Galanti 2 voice accordions seems to fit my level of expertise and also my pocket. Hence my original question about their overall quality.
Larus

 

[larus]

I you intend to keep this new purchase for an extended time period, I would suggest saving for a better quality box. There are very many better quality accordions that have been stored since the 60s such as Excelsior,Titano,Sano and Guilietti to name a few and they pop up for sale on craigslist and ebay every day.

Thanks Jim D.
As always its about finding something (for me at least) that is affordable and good value for money.
At least I have sounded out experienced hands as to my quandary.
Larus

 

[Soulsaver]

The make is virtually unimportant, depends on the individual instrument, its condition and the price. You may feel you want Italian, but all things being equal (needing little work, in tune, all switches working, bellows tight, useable straps etc) a medium Italian instrument is technically better than a medium Hohner, but it isn't MUCH better... and, in UK, it will often take longer to find and cost quite a lot more.

 

[ChrisH]

I tried one of the small Galantis and was put off by the fact that the keys are narrower than the standard size. This may be significant if you have large fingers or play more than one accordion.

Chris

 

[larus]

I tried one of the small Galantis and was put off by the fact that the keys are narrower than the standard size. This may be significant if you have large fingers or play more than one accordion.

Chris

The accordion I play is a Hohner Student 48 bass. This has narrow keys ( which is all I know) so this could be an advantage to me.
I think I will visit a few sellers over the next few months. If nothing else I can get some comparisons about size and weight. I have to say though I love playing my Student- its just a few low notes short.

 

[Soulsaver]

Student 48 usually (if not always) has full size 20mm accordion keys. There are compact or 'lady' model accordions that have even narrower keys, to which I think ChrisH is referring. Many accordion manufacturers make them, not just Galanti. Men with anything but small hands may have difficulty playing between the black keys.

 

[larus]

Student 48 usually (if not always) has full size 20mm accordion keys. There are compact or lady model accordions that have even narrower keys, to which I think ChrisH is referring. Many accordion manufacturers make them, not just Galanti. Men with anything but small hands may have difficulty playing between the black keys.

Thanks for putting me right Soulsaver. Ive just measured them and they are indeed 20mm.
Also thank you to ChrisH for alerting me to another thing to be taken into consideration.
Larus