Discussions > Other Free Reed Instruments
Brand spanking new!
Chris Rayner:
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
playandteach:
I hope you stick around here, and it would be great to hear how you get on. Best of luck.
pete /acorn:
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
mudchutney:
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...)
Chris Rayner:
--- Quote from: mudchutney on January 03, 2020, 09:59:40 AM ---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...)
--- End quote ---
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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