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Discussions => Instrument Makes and Models => Topic started by: Schnorbitz on July 30, 2019, 03:02:52 PM

Title: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Schnorbitz on July 30, 2019, 03:02:52 PM
I've been looking at the options available for updating my G/C 2 and a half row Loffet to a three row. My D/G/Acc box is a Handry 12 which I love. I've thought about the Handry 18 for the G/C but I just would like to step away from the increase in weight that I would get from going to the 18. My Handry 12 is Heim on the third row and that is what I would look to get on the G/C three row. If I look at what I use predominantly on the Handry (and on my G/C Loffet) then the main ticking points for a 2 voice on the right hand are Bandoneon tuned with a register to enable playing LM, L and M. For the left hand I either need a register to remove thirds or no thirds at all. Having spent a few weeks looking at the options I seem to have made a 'rough' shortlist of the following. The Castagnari Evo, Castagnari Mas or Mark Serafini's C3PO (I'm not clear what the registers are on the RH on the C3PO though or how to fit Heim into the RH - just a slightly different layout which fits Milleret Pignol but the buttons are all there so would hopefully be doable). I've not played any of these but I do like the sound of Castagnari's. I have been impressed with the Serafini's that I have played in the past (and was very glad to see that he was back producing again). Any views on any of these three would be great. Or maybe I have missed a box by another manufacturer  (:)

As always, thank you in advance.
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Roger Howard on July 30, 2019, 03:19:31 PM
So far as I am aware, there’s just the one register on the C3PO - to switch off one of the two voices - and Marc offers both Heim1 and Heim2 layouts, as well as the Milleret-Pignol. My C3PO is a few years old, MM with no registers, M-P right hand, and offset basses. I can’t speak too highly of M. Serafini and his boxes - he was a pleasure to deal with, and the box is a pleasure to play.

Roger (:)
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Schnorbitz on July 30, 2019, 03:46:41 PM
Thanks Roger

That would work. On a G/C all I am really looking for in reality is to be able to isolate the M reed (switch off the L).Do you have a register to remove thirds on the left hand of your C3PO?

I think Serafini is based in Toulouse? If that is the case I am kind of kicking myself as I passed through Toulouse two months ago for work and could have made a trip to see him if I had thought of it before.
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Roger Howard on July 30, 2019, 05:16:29 PM
No. The basses are thirdless - which I think is standard for the C3P0. And, yes, Marc is on the outskirts of Toulouse, I believe.

For what it’s worth, it was easy to get in touch with him, and his English is good.

Hope you get sorted with something you like and enjoy.

Roger
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Schnorbitz on July 30, 2019, 05:34:40 PM
Thanks Roger, that is good to know. I didn't want to bother him until I was more sure I was going that way. I know he is busy. One last question, is your C3PO solid wood or laminate? They look like solid.
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Roger Howard on July 30, 2019, 07:28:09 PM
It’s solid (“bois massif”), but very light and well balanced. The workmanship is very neat and clean.  (:)

Roger
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Schnorbitz on July 30, 2019, 07:58:05 PM
Thanks Roger, I would never doubt the quality of the workmanship.  (:)
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Ray on July 30, 2019, 11:04:07 PM
I'd recommend the Mas, just got one in G/C from Pete @ Acorn. Lovely thing and not too heavy. If you find yourself in Sheffield you'd be more than welcome to pop in and try it. Also at Sidmouth, Shrewsbury and Bromyard, happy to bring it along to those if you're there!
Title: Re: 2 Voice 3 Row 18 bass - Castagnari and Serafini
Post by: Schnorbitz on July 31, 2019, 09:33:12 AM
Quote
I'd recommend the Mas, just got one in G/C from Pete @ Acorn. Lovely thing and not too heavy. If you find yourself in Sheffield you'd be more than welcome to pop in and try it. Also at Sidmouth, Shrewsbury and Bromyard, happy to bring it along to those if you're there!

Thanks Ray, work dictates a festival free summer for me but I really appreciate the offer.

A couple of quick questions on the Mas if you would be so kind.

How do you find the basses on the left? My Handry has a lovely deep tone to it. It looks like the Mas has one less bass reed so I'm not clear on the effect on tone. I'm presuming that the 2 registers on the left remove thirds and also take out one of the bass reeds.

As for the registers on the right, on an LM would they be capable of giving - M, L and LM?

Overall the Mas looks like a better configuration than the Evo. They only minor thing for me is the flat keyboard. Which to be honest, the more I think about it is not a problem.
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