Settimio Soprani Ampliphonic

[Dingo40]

Here's something different. There are several different models of it on the web, but I couldn't secure the link of some of them.
Intriguing sound quality and the arrangement of the internals?

Here's another showing the unusual arrangement of the reed blocks:

Settimio Soprani "Ampliphonic Lido" 1960's | Reverb Australia

This beautiful Settimio Soprani "Ampliphonic Lido", from the 1960s, it is one of a kind accordion. Its internal reed blocks configuration was an innovation past then, and the unique "round button" shape of the treble and bass registers, make this accordion a "rare" specimen among the accordi...

reverb.com

 

[nagant27]

I remember seeing a YouTube clip with the famous Charles nunzio says this design was better because the longer reed blocks we all now know could warp. It might have been his idea, I can’t remember.
I think he was responsible for the registers being how they are today as well on the grill.
Pretty innovative ideas, snd cool development in the evolution of the accordion.

The grill mute reminds me of scandalli ones with the silver metal discs that open snd close.

 

[96Bass]

Thanks for showing us this Dingo. I’ve never known of reed blocks in this orientation before. Very fascinating.

Quarter sawn wood is much more stable and less prone to warping.
Maybe reed blocks should be made from quarter sawn wood if they don’t already do so.

 

[Dingo40]

Nagant,
The grill mute reminds me of scandalli ones with the silver metal discs that open snd close.

This is actually better because the platiing on the billy lids invariably deteriorates.?

 

[bluesette]

Hi,

Among several CBA's, I do have one of those Ampliphonic PA box : the smaller model *Coletta" (probably made in the 50'-60').
I got it as a second hand bargain just because I was curious about the inside disposal of the reed blocs.
The sound is quite different compared to any other box I do have (close to the harmonica sound while in the M register switch).

My (black) Settimio Soprani Ampliphonic Coletta has :
RH : 41 key (Lady) size, 3 voices (LMH), 4 automatic switches plus master switch under the palm (sideboard) : total 5 registers.
LH: 120 stradella basses, 4 voices, 2 switches providing 3 different registers (toggling on one switch produce 1 register pluis master and toggling on second switch also provide 1 different register plus master : total 3 distinct registers).

A lever located in the middle of the RH grid allows to open / close the mute (4 flappers are moving up / down).
Inside mecanic of hight quality : almost every part like rods and levers are made of brass (no rust but cleanable verdigris).
No bellows strap : a sophisticated inside open/close bellows latch mecanism is activated by a rotating knob located on top of the LH box.
Bass mecanism is also quite different compared to any other italian made box I have seen and is typical for Settimio Soprani & Scandalli.

I guess manufacturing of the many shorter (more rigid) reed blocs was too expensive compared to the advantage of (little) more sound level, and the concept was soon discontinued.

The first Soprani "accordion" generation included 4 brothers : Paolo, Nicola, Pasquale and Settimio. Paolo and Settimio didn't work well together.
Settimio was the first to leave the brotherhood, then eventually jointventured with Scandalli. The merger later became the famous Farfisa company. https://www.maximsgroup.it/settimio-soprani-past/

 

[bluesette]

Some pictures now to illustrate the text above :

Looks like "Settimio Soprani* received a patent for their Ampliphonic design : the reed blocs were rotated by 90° and a small individual tone chamber was located between the 2 reeds sidefaces. of each reed bloc. (Some more pictures will follow soon to illustrate the principle).

 

[JerryPH]

There are advantages and disadvantages to the Amplifonic design. Done properly, these accordions can easily rival the sound volume output of the best Bayan accordion with ease. The disadvantage is there is no way possible to get the smoothness of Cassotto with this design. I've played one and it was surprising, so much volume with so little effort!

 

[bluesette]

Yes, no cassotto allowed.
but
the 4 mute flappers do not only reduce the output volume but also contribute to mellow the tone quite a lot.