R. Hansen's Scandalli?

[rauschmeier]

Anyone recognize this Pre-War Scandalli or know of an R. Hansen accordionist?

The customization appears to have been done at the factory as it is actually inlaid in the celluloid (not on top).

It's a beautiful accordion that I'm restoring on my own and would just love to know some history. I found it at a salvage shop in Sacramento, CA.

 

[boxplayer4000]

There's loads of information on this player online. Google accordion r hansen.

 

[rauschmeier]

There's loads of information on this player online. Google accordion r hansen.

Thanks BP! I found info on a Roy Hansens accordion player...but my google doesn't turn up anything on any Hansen accordion player. I know google is location specific so maybe I'm just getting bad results!?!

 

[Ventura]

you sure it is scandalli ?

doesn't look like one of theirs to me at all.. looks like a typical
New York built model, which many were customized with a
pro customers name

(easily done when they laid on the cellulose covering)

custom naming of italian models was more common in rhinestones or
lettering or engraving at the point of sale..

 

[rauschmeier]

you sure it is scandalli ?

doesn't look like one of theirs to me at all.. looks like a typical
New York built model, which many were customized with a
pro customers name

(easily done when they laid on the cellulose covering)

custom naming of italian models was more common in rhinestones or
lettering or engraving at the point of sale..

You may be right, partially, Ventura. I was curious too b/c all that's written is "Made in Italy" on the back. The design of the grill made me think Scandalli...but upon closer comparison the design is similar...but not exact. So, it is likely you're right that it isn't Scandalli.

However, the craftmanship is really good. I think the reeds have the typical pre-war tuning (lower than 440) but there is a sweetness to them that I usually think of as European.

 

[Ventura]

i like them too.. that one looks clean and it is easy to want
to fix one up and make it a keeper.. especially if it's still
sounding good enough to make you fall for it..

it must have been a really exciting time back in the 30's
for the accordion world..so many great shops here in the USA
so much innovation and New York was driving the industry,
though there were some amazing builders getting started
in San Fran and Chicago too. I would think some of the Italian
factories that had little chance to compete in the hot overseas
marketplace would offer bare-bones accordions to the smaller
shops and brands..

enjoy

 

[rauschmeier]

Totally agree, Ventura.

And check out this beauty: NY Muse Accordion

Shame it hasn't restored...not quite sure how workable it is. Getting a wrecked bass mechanism always scares me.

 

[Dingo40]

Where are they now....sigh

 

[boxplayer4000]

Rauschmeier: Is this the same R. Hansen? https://www.accordionists.info/threads/the-great-roy-hansen-jazz-accordionist-videos.14401/

 

[Ventura]

oh my yes.. the chubby Italian lady goddess's were
a popular decoration at one time.. i remember Galeazzi
accordions of that period and style often sported them..
that was a bit earlier i think, and the grillework was
often made of metal in that period too

since you are west coast you might spot one locally,
as that was one of the San Fran builders/companies

D

Thread 'Giovanni Galleazzi and San Francisco accordions'

Jul 2, 2015

Is there any detailed information on the Galleazzi accordion makers family in the USA?

Giovanni Galleazzi , born Biandrate, Italy? By 1894-1899.. living in San Francisco, US ?
(see blog about Attilios Polychromatic Piano Accordion)

During his long career he patented no less than thirteen inventions for accordions, and today still derives a large part of his income from the royalties on these inventions.

Lots of accordion patents by the Galleazzi family dating from 1894 to ... can be found.
His 1894 patent showing a C-system layout in figure 9...

• Deleted member 48
• Replies: 14
• Forum: Accordion Chat

i had one that was crumbling, and did an autopsy on it but saved
the ladies in question and they are still hanging on the ceiling out
in the Barn leading to the Studio.. the 120 bass buttons were actually
made of bone or ivory (not an expert.. but they are a natural material)
still have the reeds too

 

[rauschmeier]

Rauschmeier: Is this the same R. Hansen? https://www.accordionists.info/threads/the-great-roy-hansen-jazz-accordionist-videos.14401/

I don't believe so...although the post is titled Roy Hansen...everywhere else on the internet (including all his recordings) identify him as Roy Hansens.

 

[boxplayer4000]

rauschmeier: What your saying suggests that the accordion you have might not be his as there's no 'S' on the end of the name title.
(Sorry if I'm missing some simple point).

 

[Ventura]

let's do the math

his "Stardust" video is from the year 2020

this accordion is from the year 1930 or so

he looks kinda young in the video

= nope

 

[boxplayer4000]

Good point Ventura! It seems like those Hansens might well have 'gone forth and multiplied.'