Melodeon.net Forums
Discussions => Other Free Reed Instruments => Topic started by: Chris Rayner on November 19, 2019, 06:18:51 PM
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I have bought many many musical instruments in my time. Guitars, ukeleles, a mandolin, several mouth organs, penny whistles etc. The smaller cheaper instruments I have often bought new, apart from anything else there is something slightly revolting about using a whistle or mouth organ whose previous owner(s) is/are unknown. I have bought three guitars new, in 1969, 1986, and 1988. All my free reeds were in good(ish) used condition until last weekend in Witney.
I was not using my G/C/Acc Benny, as I had abandoned my attempts to get to grips with the Heim layout in favour of the C system CBA. So I decided to investigate the possibility of trading it in part-exchange for a smaller CBA. The prospect of carting my 120 bass four reed behemoth about the country to sessions and so on did not appeal. So at Witney I made enquires. There were several options. There were some attractive Pigini instruments for sale, but Acorn were displaying two four row accordions. A two voice K2 with 60 basses, and a three voice K3 with identical bass side.
I tried both. They simply knock spots off most of the competition. They are light (as these things go) responsive and beautifully made. The K2 is very similar in sound to a perfectly set up two voice melodeon, sweet and with just enough tremolo to please without being too wet. The K3, on the other hand, offers a choice of treble sound. A plaintive single reed, two reeds similar to the K2, and a bandoneon. Then you can have all three, and you’ve got your own dance band. The left hand side is full sounding without being overpowering. The K3 is 125% of the price of the K2, but in my opinion is 300% of the instrument. Shrouds have no pockets, much less accordion cases, so I did the deal.
I was a little anxious that the difference between the Castagnari and my Paolo Soprani might make it hard to transfer between them, but there is no such problem. And I can get up and walk about playing it.
Deep joy
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I hope you stick around here, and it would be great to hear how you get on. Best of luck.
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Hi Chris
I am really glad that the Castagnari K3 chromatic accordion is proving to do what you want,Im sure you will have many years of enjoyment from it.
The Castagnari Piano box is also just as impressive,Simon Dumpleton has one and really enjoys it
Thank you for trusting Acorn Instruments once again
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If you're up for doing a short video reviewing the Castagnari I'd love to see it. I almost bought one but didn't like the very square edge by my left wrist just before it passed through the bass strap. Ended up with a Saltarelle Bourroche instead. Now seriously thinking of buying an accordina (I'll probably create a separate thread for that in a mo...)
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If you're up for doing a short video reviewing the Castagnari I'd love to see it. I almost bought one but didn't like the very square edge by my left wrist just before it passed through the bass strap. Ended up with a Saltarelle Bourroche instead. Now seriously thinking of buying an accordina (I'll probably create a separate thread for that in a mo...)
Ooooooh! Only been playing a short while, and I’m shy. Not really up to performing in public. I don’t find the shape uncomfortable on the left. I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece and to Melodeons in Wensleydale if you want to encounter it in the Wood/metal/cardboard/whatevs.
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I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece
I'd watch out for the melodeon police if you do
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I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece
I'd watch out for the melodeon police if you do
I shall employ diversionary tactics with me ukulele. Might even unleash the banjo if it escalates.😉
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I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece
I'd watch out for the melodeon police if you do
I shall employ diversionary tactics with me ukulele. Might even unleash the banjo if it escalates.😉
The Eviction Elf will be present for such eventualities
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I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece
I'd watch out for the melodeon police if you do
I shall employ diversionary tactics with me ukulele. Might even unleash the banjo if it escalates.😉
The Eviction Elf will be present for such eventualities
I might have to deploy the twelve string in that case.😳
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8) Do bear in mind that the Fleece has more than one open fireplace. 8) Be a shame if your hand slipped (nudge, nudge). 8)
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If you're up for doing a short video reviewing the Castagnari I'd love to see it. I almost bought one but didn't like the very square edge by my left wrist just before it passed through the bass strap. Ended up with a Saltarelle Bourroche instead. Now seriously thinking of buying an accordina (I'll probably create a separate thread for that in a mo...)
Ooooooh! Only been playing a short while, and I’m shy. Not really up to performing in public. I don’t find the shape uncomfortable on the left. I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece and to Melodeons in Wensleydale if you want to encounter it in the Wood/metal/cardboard/whatevs.
If not a playing video, then an "unboxing" video just showing off. I am pretty excited on your behalf!
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If not a playing video, then an "unboxing" video just showing off. I am pretty excited on your behalf!
Oh, OK. I’ll try to do one in the next couple of days. No promises.
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If not a playing video, then an "unboxing" video just showing off. I am pretty excited on your behalf!
Oh, OK. I’ll try to do one in the next couple of days. No promises.
Thanks, didn't mean for my enthusiasm to be quite so demanding! But I appreciate it.
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8) Do bear in mind that the Fleece has more than one open fireplace. 8) Be a shame if your hand slipped (nudge, nudge). 8)
>:E
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I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece
I'd watch out for the melodeon police if you do
I shall employ diversionary tactics with me ukulele. Might even unleash the banjo if it escalates.😉
The Eviction Elf will be present for such eventualities
Well do I remember the last banjo player who infiltrated the Fleece sessions, actually come to think of it it was the one before last:
"There's 37 melodeons in this bar and all I can hear is that sodding banjo"
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I’ll probably fetch it along to the playgroup in The Fleece
I'd watch out for the melodeon police if you do
I shall employ diversionary tactics with me ukulele. Might even unleash the banjo if it escalates.😉
The Eviction Elf will be present for such eventualities
Well do I remember the last banjo player who infiltrated the Fleece sessions, actually come to think of it it was the one before last:
"There's 37 melodeons in this bar and all I can hear is that sodding banjo"
Some people don’t really get the idea of ensemble playing. I do try to fit in. I hope it’s noticeable, even welcome sometimes.
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As promised to Gary, here is a video of me demonstrating my new Castagnari CBA.
https://youtu.be/tisy3poeNEU (https://youtu.be/tisy3poeNEU)
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Although I dont play one Chris, that’s one hell of a machine.
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Whilst on the subject of CBAs here is one that I've recently been working on. A very compact single voice Mengascini (the M has gone missing), no bigger than a melodeon really, with freebass. I just wish I could actually play it. *sigh*
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As promised to Gary, here is a video of me demonstrating my new Castagnari CBA.
https://youtu.be/tisy3poeNEU (https://youtu.be/tisy3poeNEU)
Thank you so much! That there is a thing of beauty. I will follow your career with considerable interest!
I am envious.
G
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Whilst on the subject of CBAs here is one that I've recently been working on. A very compact single voice Mengascini (the M has gone missing), no bigger than a melodeon really, with freebass. I just wish I could actually play it. *sigh*
Ah. That there is a b-griff CBA, aka a bayan. No doubt highly desirable to those who play such things. For various reasons I prefer the c-griff.