Maugein accordions

[flatstanley]

Hi, Does anyone have any experience of Maugein accordions and if so would they recommend them? I have been told there may be one becoming available locally at a reasonable price but I haven't been able to find out much about them other than that they're French and appeal to Arsenal footballers. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go and try it for a few weeks. The one in question is an 80 bass 2 treble reed CBA C griff, but that's all I know. Are they suitable for Irish and Breton folk, or used mainly for French musette style? I'd be grateful for any information about them.

 

[landro]

Maugein Bros., a French/Belgium make . I`ve seen and played one from the 50-60`s , offered to buy it but the owner would not sell it.
The reeds are held in place with nails only onto a soft leather like gasket. No wax. Had wonderful musette tuned reeds.
That`s all I know about them.

 

[donn]

I wouldn't have a clue about Irish and Breton folk, but from the recordings I've heard, Maugein's tend to come in the most quintessential French musette. You'd have to go and hear it, but be prepared to be disappointed - likely a great accordion, but maybe not right for your situation.

The French buy accordions with nailed reeds. Even Italian companies make them that way, for the French (and Portuguese) market. Which is great, because it's a better idea. Who could imagine that in the 21st century, accordions could leave the factory cemented with beeswax?

 

[Geoff de Limousin]

Maugein Frères have been making accordéons in Tulle, Limousin, France for a long time and they make many different models. You could take a look at their website at
http://www.accordeons-maugein.com . I have had a couple of them and they are very nice too. They do tend to tune their instruments to a diapason of 442hz. which may not suit for playing Irish or Breton musics where the Diatonic accordeon is popular having, usually, a diapason of 440hz.

 

[Anyanka]

I tried out all the smallish CBAs at the luthiers festival near St Chartiers last year, and Maugein was one of my LEAST favourites. They just didn't sound anywhere near as expensive as the hefty price tag or the gaudy design suggested. The price is obviously a different issue with a second-hand instrument.

 

[dunlustin]

Arsenal: I seem to remember Koscielny, a native of Tulle, was persuaded to invest in Maugein the last time they were in difficulties.
They were the least well-thought of maker in France in the 70s and 80s but since then have made a number of attempts to relaunch the company - and have at least survived.
This has included Diatonics for which it was not known 40 years ago, a new super compact for children and cooperation with Cava's digital stuff.
Personally I don't feel they have managed to modernise effectively. For example the trend towards CBAs for trad alongside more popular diatonics and a drier sound seems to be led by other (smaller) outfits.
That said they are considered as quality and I'd certainly take a look.

 

[flatstanley]

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I'm fairly sure now that its not what I'm looking for to play Irish folk, but hope to be back in Brittany next week so should be able to give it a try.