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Discussions => Instrument Makes and Models => Topic started by: arty on December 28, 2019, 08:42:01 PM

Title: Castagnari Sonu
Post by: arty on December 28, 2019, 08:42:01 PM
A few months ago, I bought a Beltuna Sara 3 A/D from Mike Rowbotham and I am very much taken with the full sound of the 3 voices. Mostly, I play a Castagnari Laura G/C, which is a 2 voice - don't get me wrong, I love this instrument and the longer I have it, the better it seems to sound, so, I won't be selling it any time soon. But, I do like that full 3 voice sound...

I have just discovered the Castagnari Sonu and wondered if anyone had any experience of this model - 2 row, 3 voice - it sounds rather fine, I think. I would be interested if anyone has any views???
 
https://youtu.be/RjjDqm_CA1Q

Title: Re: Castagnari Sonu
Post by: Microbot on December 29, 2019, 11:28:36 AM
Hi Arty!

...after your post, above, I looked up the Castagnari Sonu. I also was very impressed... Just listen to Darren Roche playing this Sonu ...stunning depth to the tone, although it's a lot drier than the box in the recording on your link.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dcco18utUvo

I'd be Interested to know how popular the Sonu is amongst Irish players, because that's a great sound for an Irish box... Though it's only a 21 button instrument.

There's another thread way back on Melnet, where the Sonu is discussed briefly. I seem to recall the name 'Sonu' means sound in Sardinian, and that the box was designed with music from Sardinia in mind. The link you give above is to Masimmiliano Soru ...wonder where he hales from?

Glad you love the Beltuna still!

Mike
Title: Re: Castagnari Sonu
Post by: arty on December 29, 2019, 12:02:08 PM
Hi Mike

Yes I am enjoying the Beltuna very much, especially with the 3 voices sounding. At times, it can sound like a church organ. Amazing! It is allowing me to revisit some old tunes, which seemed very ordinary, and to re-learn them in a different way. I shall make a recording for you, when I have the time.

I am very tempted by the Sonu, simply because of it's wonderful depth of sound and was wondering if anyone had one or had played one. I certainly wouldn't buy un-tried, as I have been caught like that before, with a Dony. I thought having an extra half row and 12 basses was the way to go but I couldn't get on with it at all and, I was really disappointed with the sound that came out of the thing. Really thin and a bit sharp, it began to grate on me. I was lucky to sell it for what I had paid for it! Anyway, one positive for me, was that I learned that I am a 2 row player and I no longer look at larger boxes with envy!!!

Castagnari Sonu anybody? What's it like?
Title: Re: Castagnari Sonu
Post by: tom f on December 29, 2019, 04:14:18 PM
Loved the playing on the first clip.  Isn't you tube a wonderful resource.
Title: Re: Castagnari Sonu
Post by: Gary P Chapin on January 14, 2020, 04:03:36 AM
What a clinic in cultural preferences, the drier Irish sound vs. the wet Italian sound. That is some amazing stuff.
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