Identifying my Soprani piano accordion

[Julian H]

Hi there. I've just bought a "Soprani" accordion on ebay. It seems fairly new, plays well and is decorated beautifully. But I'm confused as to its origin. On most Soprani accordions, the badge identifies the factory - either "Paolo Soprani" "E. Soprani" or "Settimio Soprani". Mine just says "Soprani". So who made it?

 

[Julian H]

Seems to have been originally sold by Musik-Zölch of Wondreb in Germany.

 

[Ben-jammin]

Any pictures of the inside? The outside looks pretty generic to me.

 

[Ben-jammin]

“Soprani” is on the list for Chinese branded accordions. I don’t think it means for sure this is one, but I would be cautious.

 

[Julian H]

So, here are photos of the inside. Can't see any maker's, or "Made in..." marks. There's a date stamp, and some numbers here and there, in Roman alphabet.

I don't think I've ever seen a fully rhinestone decorated Chinese box like this one? But Italian boxes do normally say "Made in Italy"

 

[Julian H]

A couple more. The first one shows a date stamp.

 

[Tom]

I am not an expert on this. I wonder if there were any accordions made in Italy in 2022 with the “Soprani” brand???? (“Soprani” itself, not “Settimo“ or “E” or “Paolo”). Anyone know who can help out Julian here?

 

[Ventura]

it looks to be Italian on the inside, it is still possible that the body
was imported (bare bones) for finishing in Italy but it could be all Italian.

it is not an expensive build, but they did not cut all corners.. it looks decent..
definitely recent (this century) the plastics the man made materials (ventilli)

a simple, basic, 4/5 reed straight box nicely built

it is entirely possible that Musik-Zölch simply quietly ordered these
privately from any of a number of builders and labeled it just
"Soprani" to avoid litigation, while enjoying the implied fame because
of their market area and store history

the biggest question would be reeds, as the physical box looks
worth playing and should give good service. you will need to
hear it play it to determine if it has worthwhile reeds or not

what is your level of skill ? do you generally play full throated or
do you want a subtle sound as well ?

 

[Ventura]

Startseite

www.musikhaus-zoelch.de

might just ask them

and i will ad that it really doesn't matter who in Italy supplied this specific accordion,
it really does not matter much at this build and price level.. one builder is as good as the other

 

[Julian H]

I'm reasonably skilled, but not virtuoso (I play Monti's Czardas, but not quite as fast as I'd like to!) I'm an actor, and play accordion a lot in shows. I'm asked to play lots of different musical styles. So I use a variety of reed combinations. And I play a lot of English folk, for which I like quite a dry sound. Thanks for your help in trying to pin this one down.

 

[Julian H]

"Just ask them". Why didn't I think of that!

 

[Ventura]

this box is probably a good one for you then.. not too big or boxy
and lighter weight than a fancy one, but still a full sound

enjoy !