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Author Topic: Tommy types  (Read 1748 times)

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NigelC

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Tommy types
« on: December 07, 2016, 09:41:14 AM »

Here are three Castagnari Tommys with different styles. The first two may be identical apart from the Castagnari name label which is in capitals on the second. The third looks more modern, but is it?
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Clive Williams

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2016, 10:10:55 AM »

Working from the style of badge alone, 2 would be oldest, then 1, then 3 which seems fairly recent. 3, and indeed other recent Castagnari models are noticeably different in that there's a lot more detail gone into the detail of the wood cutouts (around the top of the grill, for example). I expect the bass end which we can't see is similarly ornate. I expect the change comes down to Castagnari using an automated wood cutting machine which allows them to do things they couldn't otherwise justify the time on if doing it all by hand.

Guy

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2016, 10:17:02 AM »

I'd agree with Clive. Also, the angled edge at he front of the treble end replaced the earlier curved shape (which I personally prefer), and the Castagnari symbol on the treble button is a more recent addition....

Cheers,
Guy
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Guy, in South Wales

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Theo

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2016, 10:33:23 AM »

The curved grill is made from aluminium veneered with wood. It's weakness is that with quite minor rough handling the veneer can start to break away.  The angled grill is built up from pieces of solid timber.  Most Castagnari models have gone through similar evolutionary changes.
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Theo Gibb - Gateshead UK

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Thrupenny Bit

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2016, 10:44:34 AM »

I have one such as in picture 1, 'square' lettering and aluminium veneered grill.
Inside the grill it is dated '1998'.

I think the latest design ( pic 3 ) also has improved the response from the bass end, doing away with the shared reed system?
Others here might be able to confirm the internal differences.
cheers
Q
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Thrupenny Bit

I think I'm starting to get most of the notes in roughly the right order...... sometimes!

Guy

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2016, 10:49:11 AM »

The curved grill is made from aluminium veneered with wood. It's weakness is that with quite minor rough handling the veneer can start to break away.  The angled grill is built up from pieces of solid timber.  Most Castagnari models have gone through similar evolutionary changes.

Thanks Theo-I hadn't realised that. It explains why mine looked so tatty until you tidied it up!

Cheers,
Guy
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Guy, in South Wales

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boxer

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2016, 04:50:36 PM »

my Tommy's dated 2001 and looks like #1
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NigelC

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2016, 06:36:54 PM »

Thanks for the info. So, referring to the pictures in the original post, if 2 is the oldest (capital letter nameplate and curved grille), when was that model first introduced? and when were 1 (lower case name plate and curved grille) and 3 (joined up script nameplate and angled grille) introduced? And can anyone shed more light on what changes were made to the insides between the later two models (1 and 3)?
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rees

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2016, 10:16:49 AM »

#2 - introduced early 1980s
#1 - early 1990s
#3 - 2005 ish.
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Rees Wesson (accordion builder and mechanic)
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Thrupenny Bit

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #9 on: December 11, 2016, 01:36:28 PM »

Update:
Just taken off the grill and got into the reed blocks to relieve a stuck reed.
My memory was playing tricks.
My square lettered model as pic 3 has 'Dic 2004' hand written inside the grill and stamped on the reed block, not 1998 as I previous stated.

Rees or Theo:
The reed blocks have a brass strap screwed across them. On the strap is a number in permanent marker.
Having taken the Hascy apart yesterday for another sticking reed, ( must be contagious!) it too has a number written across this strap.
Could this number be a serial number?
If so I think I need to make a note for my records for identification purposes in case of theft.
Q
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Thrupenny Bit

I think I'm starting to get most of the notes in roughly the right order...... sometimes!

Theo

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2016, 03:48:21 PM »

It's a batch number, not a serial number. You should find the same number on other parts of the same box.  It is used to identify the parts belonging to one instrument when a batch of the same model are being manufactured.
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Theo Gibb - Gateshead UK

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Thrupenny Bit

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Re: Tommy types
« Reply #11 on: December 11, 2016, 04:21:31 PM »

Ah right - thanks.
I'll make a note of it as it all helps to build up information about the instrument should ever I need to identify it.
Q
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Thrupenny Bit

I think I'm starting to get most of the notes in roughly the right order...... sometimes!
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