Buckeye
Newbie
Hello to all! I have just re-introduced myself to my companion of 30 years; no, not my wife, but an accordion that I purchased from a store owner who was part of music history. In The Golden Age of the Accordion, a hard and paperback edition published in 1990 that was an indispensable source of history and experiences of well-known accordionists. On the lower right hand of the book cover is listed the Buday Accordion Shop. John Buday who opened his shop in the early 1950's has a chapter within the book entitled -- John Buday - Cleveland's Accordionist Extraordinaire.
Now only withering memories exist of the shop in a row of aging storefronts near the old Cleveland West Side Market that has been in operation for more than 100 years. I remember walking into his shop and seeing accordions of different sizes and conditions stacked on shelves and countertops. A back room looked like an operating room with the parts and pieces waiting to be assembled and brought back to life.
I never played an accordion, but not to be discouraged or overwhelmed by its outward complexity, I was going to buy one. Amid rows of shining black accordions, a bright cherry red one caught my attention and interest. I totally relied on the experience and integrity of John Buday that the accordion was in excellent playing condition and could handle my musical interest in polkas, waltzes and old tunes. I took tutored lessons but eventually job, career and relocations postponed future development. I still consider myself at the level of a beginner (P-H Book 2A).
Amazing how time flies. Now I'm retired, living about 20 miles south of Raleigh, NC, and ready to continue learning how to play the accordion. I am so glad finding The Accordionists Forum with its many enthusiasts sharing their interest and information. I would like some informational help from the Forum members about my "cherry red" accordion. It is a Paramount accordion made in Italy by E. E. Busilacchio that were active 1946 -1982. I purchased the accordion and case in 1991 for $1,200. The accordion is in excellent condition, no scratches, no discolorations, no wear marks and definitely no smells. The bellows are tight and all the keys and buttons are aligned and play the notes. In fact, when pressing the high notes on the Piccolo switch setting, my dog leaves the room. Actually he leaves the room when I open the accordion case. I'm not familiar with the internal design so I have attached photos that probably show more information that can be gleaned about the innards. The keyboard is 18.5 inches end to end.
In checking accordions for sales, I have yet to see another Paramount Continental accordion. Is that because they are not popular or primarily sold overseas? Another thing, although it weighs 23 lbs., is this accordion made for a female player because it has a Ballerina icon/emblem on it? Is that a typical icon for a Paramount Continental accordion?
Now only withering memories exist of the shop in a row of aging storefronts near the old Cleveland West Side Market that has been in operation for more than 100 years. I remember walking into his shop and seeing accordions of different sizes and conditions stacked on shelves and countertops. A back room looked like an operating room with the parts and pieces waiting to be assembled and brought back to life.
I never played an accordion, but not to be discouraged or overwhelmed by its outward complexity, I was going to buy one. Amid rows of shining black accordions, a bright cherry red one caught my attention and interest. I totally relied on the experience and integrity of John Buday that the accordion was in excellent playing condition and could handle my musical interest in polkas, waltzes and old tunes. I took tutored lessons but eventually job, career and relocations postponed future development. I still consider myself at the level of a beginner (P-H Book 2A).
Amazing how time flies. Now I'm retired, living about 20 miles south of Raleigh, NC, and ready to continue learning how to play the accordion. I am so glad finding The Accordionists Forum with its many enthusiasts sharing their interest and information. I would like some informational help from the Forum members about my "cherry red" accordion. It is a Paramount accordion made in Italy by E. E. Busilacchio that were active 1946 -1982. I purchased the accordion and case in 1991 for $1,200. The accordion is in excellent condition, no scratches, no discolorations, no wear marks and definitely no smells. The bellows are tight and all the keys and buttons are aligned and play the notes. In fact, when pressing the high notes on the Piccolo switch setting, my dog leaves the room. Actually he leaves the room when I open the accordion case. I'm not familiar with the internal design so I have attached photos that probably show more information that can be gleaned about the innards. The keyboard is 18.5 inches end to end.
In checking accordions for sales, I have yet to see another Paramount Continental accordion. Is that because they are not popular or primarily sold overseas? Another thing, although it weighs 23 lbs., is this accordion made for a female player because it has a Ballerina icon/emblem on it? Is that a typical icon for a Paramount Continental accordion?
