Scandalli ladies' size accordion worthy?

[Acon]

I'm having a chance to buy a ladies' size accordion here in Australia.

The reason I chose a ladies' size one is I want to try piano accordion in addition to my main interest in chromatic button accordion but I got tiny hands.

This accordion is made by Scandalli and the quality sounds good according to the owner's description, but honestly I have no idea of this type of accordion. So is there anyone having experience with ladies' size ones? How are they made and how's the sound? Are the reeds in the same size? How's the reputation of Scandalli in this kind of instrument?

Really want it to expand my accordion experience but this instrument is sold ~ AUD $1,000 so I want to know if it's worthy of this price.

Thanks.

 

[Soulsaver]

Hi Acon - Yep, the reeds are smaller but not a lot, you won't find it an unacceptable difference. I have a 1950s ladies Hohner in my collection and it sounds really great, lovely tone. It's not my main, but it might be, depending on neck/shoilder issues.

Some may say with smaller size you may have to work the bellows a bit more, I haven't noticed it with mine

This model is 1950's to 60's - but def before the 1970's Scandalli models that involved an alleged dalliance with
China manufacture and Farfisa's takeover.

It appears to be 3 voice LMM as you prob know.

You don't have opportunity to try it first, which would be the usual advice?

In the UK this would be cheaper than aud$1k converts to currently, £580, but that is possibly more to do with the weakness of the ££s than the vendors asking price, and note the risks in shipping.

If it's in good tune, everything works and survives shipping, you'll be really pleasantly surprised by how little difference size makes.. in this instance

 

[landro]

I`m not sure about accordion prices down under but $1000 Aud sounds high , even though the Scandalli name plate can command a bit more. However this one is pretty old (60+ yrs) and you have to assume the wax and valves are dried out with a good possibility that the accordion could be soon due for some costly refurbishing even though it appears to be playable.
Being it`s a ladies size it normally would sell for less here in the states , but it could be a perfect size for someone with smaller narrow fingers.

 

[Soulsaver]

I`m not sure about accordion prices down under but $1000 Aud sounds high , even though the Scandalli name plate can command a bit more. However this one is pretty old (60+ yrs) and you have to assume the wax and valves are dried out with a good possibility that the accordion could be soon due for some costly refurbishing even though it appears to be playable.
Being it`s a ladies size it normally would sell for less here in the states , but it could be a perfect size for someone with smaller narrow fingers.

Yep, same UK - 3 voice name Italian lady size in OK condition £300 - Scandalli from a good year with confident positive history could add maybe £200 or more on a good day for a seller... Its price is top end but if it needs nowt its not far out.

Id maybe want a bit of head room for sorting niggles in transit, hence my comment regarding shipping risk.
If sold as in good condition, brittle wax & tossed reeds would be returned for a full refund, which is why you should try it first.

 

[landro]

"I'd maybe want a bit of head room for sorting niggles in transit, hence my comment regarding shipping risk.
If sold as in good condition, brittle wax & tossed reeds would be returned for a full refund, which is why you should try it first."

Yes! Good point. When shipping a vintage accordion with aged/brittle wax there comes a good chance of reeds falling off and this needs to be given some thought. .
When purchasing an accordion for myself or simply for repair and resale I always give the most consideration and price my bid relative to the age and probable condition of the wax and reed valves since they are almost always of the same age and usually the most costly /time consuming repair. . Needless to say , any accordion of 40 yrs or more is going to have some degree of dried wax and (leather) valves.
Of course my opinion is from a refurbisher`s point of view / someone who can restore an instrument for the costs of material only . A buyer who would have to rely on a professional repair person certainly would need to be even more careful and frugal when spending his hard earned cash for a vintage instrument.

 

[Acon]

Thank you guys all. I'll keep these in mind when I make the decision.

Fortunately I might be able to meet the lady and check the accordion by driving 1.5 hr to Gold Coast. She said she would be happy to let me open it to check inside. Some sellers are not comfortable with this but obviously she is because she said this accordion has been done a service on by another skilled person.

So Soulsaver you mean his accordion might be made in China? The owner didn't know when and where it was made, but I definitely trust Italian craft skill at that time more.

Maybe I'll meet her next weekend. Finger crossed.

Thanks again.

 

[Soulsaver]

So Soulsaver you mean his accordion might be made in China? The owner didnt know when and where it was made, but I definitely trust Italian craft skill at that time more.

Thanks again.

Eh? Im saying this accordion is definitely NOT made in China. Indeed maybe no Scandalli has been made in China, but I have heard some say that they think some later (1970s) models may have been.

I believe yours is too early for that.

I think Ido the drive for that value and avoid the hassle of returns.. & the risk of bad handling in shipping.

Good luck
PS If its a hot day dont leave it in the car while you have a break...

 

[Acon]

Hi Soulsaver,

Sorry about my misreading :lol: .

The lady confirmed with me that this Scandalli came from Castelfidardo in 70' so you are right!
I'll meet her on this Sunday and see how it goes!

Cheers.

 

[Soulsaver]

It may have come from Castelfidardo in the 70s but it's manufacture is definitely 20+ years earlier.
Let us know how you get on. Good luck.

 

[JIM D.]

Yes late 40's - made with 3/5 reed -18" keyboards (ladies') & 4/5 reed 19" keyboards (Man's) . Your Pic' is of a 18' ladies .
Now the larger models were and still called a 'Brevetto" or some models "Proliofinco' if you can find one and both unique because of the paddle's used for a Sordina affect.
Internally a well made box for the time but, original parts have been obsolete for some 50+ years now and have to be fitted by a repair shop.

Now what is extremely unique is that with the 4/5 "Brevetto" Italian make the Chinese, made a copy of this by "Parrot" in the 60's and never sold in the USA.

 

[Acon]

I got this accordion from the previous owner last weekend. Open the box and checked on site. Generally the condition is ok. MML model wet tuning. Ladies' size fits me.

The reeds inside are indeed smaller and some of them are rusty (anyone knows how to clean the rust? I don't think it's possible to buy any new reeds of this kind now). Many leathers are not flat but not too bad actually. I can fix them with new materials.

If it comes from the late 40's, I would say it's a nice piece of the collection. What I need now is a tuning table.