What are some small CBAs to look out for?

[lordzedd]

Hi folks,

I am researching small CBAs to potentially use while standing and doing singing solo and with friends.
My current preferences are:

• 34-40 tones
• Any number of treble rows
• 2 voices (MM) or 3 voices (LMM) with tremolo
• Register switch to allow clarinet (M) only
• No Chinese reeds
• Full range bass (12 x 4,5,6)
• Under 7kg/15lbs, probably closer to 5kg/11lbs
• Available for under 1000 USD

The list of models that potentially meet some of these characteristics currently is:

• Hohner Amati III (base, B, or M)
• Hohner Amati IV
• Hohner Cornelia
• Hohner Lucia
• Hohner Pirol
• Hohner Concerto 342 K
• Weltmeister Fionetta (37 or 42 tone)
• Weltmeister 602
• Moreschi 472C
• Beltuna Studio II K
• Black Diamond CBA
• Delicia Sonorex 60/1237
• Verini CBA (Weltmeister wearing a beret)
• Pigini Skywalker
• Maugein Dauphin

I've found a couple instances of most of these listed overseas but very few in B-Griff in the US. The list is dominated by German models because I excluded Russian models for dryness and I don't know Italian or French brands very well. Some brands like Saltarelle and Bonifassi don't seem to depreciate much when used.

Can you suggest other models worth considering, especially not-brand-new Italian or French boxes? It doesn't have to be something currently for sale or necessarily meet all my preferences; I just want to know what might be out there.

Thanks,
Zach

 

[Brassodemolish]

I have my eyes on the Bugari Nano, only 31 keys though. There's two versions standard and free bass. As for the pigini Skywalker I've heard the bodies are made of plastic and the treble doesn't have a full two octaves.

 

[Ric46]

 

[Ric46]

Hi folks,

I am researching small CBAs to potentially use while standing and doing singing solo and with friends.
My current preferences are:

• 34-40 tones

40

• Any number of treble rows

4

• 2 voices (MM) or 3 voices (LMM) with tremolo

2 voices

• Register switch to allow clarinet (M) only

• No Chinese reeds

It's a Stocco made in Stradella

• Full range bass (12 x 4,5,6)

72

• Under 7kg/15lbs, probably closer to 5kg/11lbs

I'm not sure about this but it's a light accordion

• Available for under 1000 USD

 

[Ffingers]

Availble in B griff and at what cost, Ric?

 

[Chrisrayner]

I have a Castagnari which meets all your criteria bar cost. I urge you to reflect on the Rolls Royce motto: The quality remains long after the price has been forgotten.

 

[Ric46]

Availble in B griff and at what cost, Ric?

Cost I think around 1000 Euro (this is the 2018 price) but I missed the B griff part? I don't think they made it B griff. Sorry

 

[lordzedd]

Thanks for the great replies so far, everyone. I didn't emphasize the b-griff bit, as I wouldn't want to have someone not reply just because something wasn't typically made in that layout. Special orders exist, and 3 rows can be swapped. Cost is a starting point, and I suppose patience would benefit budget in the long run.

 

[JerryPH]

I have a Castagnari which meets all your criteria bar cost. I urge you to reflect on the Rolls Royce motto: The quality remains long after the price has been forgotten.

I like that saying!

 

[NickC]

I don't think they made it B griff. Sorry

I just looked at their site and scrolled through their Facebook posts and didn't see a B system...which, actually isn't overly shocking based on their artist list. But, if it checks all the other boxes, it might be worth a call to see if it is possible.

 

[Valski]

I have a Castagnari which meets all your criteria bar cost. I urge you to reflect on the Rolls Royce motto: The quality remains long after the price has been forgotten.

Yes, in retrospect we tend to regret that we didn't spend that little bit more.

 

[Ffingers]

I have a Castagnari which meets all your criteria bar cost. I urge you to reflect on the Rolls Royce motto: The quality remains long after the price has been forgotten.

I already have a "Rolls Royce" but, like lordzedd sed, I need something more "sporty" ;-)

 

[Dingo40]

You have a Silver Ghost, now you need an AC Cobra!?
See here:

Google Search

 

[Ric46]

Availble in B griff and at what cost, Ric?

I asked Stocco and they say they can make it (B griff) on demand

 

[Waldo]

And now the bad news. At what cost? Doubtless, a ways from a grand.

 

[Walker]

Availble in B griff and at what cost, Ric?

I asked Stocco and they say they can make it (B griff) on demand

I think a little Stocco button accordion could be really nice. And with Rick and Nick you have people who have experience with this company. I have not bought from them but I have visited their workshop in Stradella twice in the past, and I like them.

When I was having my Scandalli Super VI restored in Vercelli by Cooperfisa some years ago, the tuning work was done at the Stocco workshop in Stradella. Perhaps there is a link between Cooperfisa and Stocco. I remember speaking to a young man there, I think his name was Stefano. He was really nice and showed me the work area at the back of the shop where the reed work was carried out.

 

[lordzedd]

Update for posterity, as of November 2022, Liberty Bellows is carrying/has small 34/60 CBAs from Serenellini: https://www.libertybellows.com/shop...tic-Button-Accordion-B-MM-34-60-x66560394.htm

 

[saundersbp]

I'd caution against 3 row CBAs, too complicated for fluent fingering

 

[godgi]

Loads of 2 voice crosios in leboncoin second hand. I have one. Very sweet tonality. A lovely base sound. Very light with soft keyboard. No noise. Nice musette on 2 voice. They may be around in b system. As there are some around in France second hand. Expect to pay say 500 to 700 euros for a private sale.
godgi

 

[lordzedd]

Loads of 2 voice crosios in leboncoin second hand. I have one. Very sweet tonality. A lovely base sound. Very light with soft keyboard. No noise. Nice musette on 2 voice. They may be around in b system. As there are some around in France second hand. Expect to pay say 500 to 700 euros for a private sale.
godgi

With the combination of new prices and scarcity of used boxes in the US, flying to France and buying used to bring home could be among the more economical options.