Bugari Armando or Elka

[Mjvari]

Hello there,
I've owned a Piano Accordion for several years and now looking to get, and start learning, a Chromatic Button Accordion.
In general, between two that I found, what would be a better choice?:

1) Bugari Armando
Artist Cassotto 508 or

2) Elka Super Cassatto Special

Prices on both CBAs are close to same
And they're both used instruments

 

[debra]

I cannot really comment on the Elka (it is likely made by SEM, which is fine), but the Bugari 508 is an absolutely fabulous accordion.
Such accordions are good for starting on CBA because they have fairly large buttons (and that makes it easier to learn to hit the right button, compared to accordions with much smaller buttons, like French models and bayans).
I played a Bugari 505 for a few years (that's the 5-voice version of the 508 which is 4 voice) and I only sold it because I wanted to get an accordion with melody bass.

 

[Mjvari]

I cannot really comment on the Elka (it is likely made by SEM, which is fine), but the Bugari 508 is an absolutely fabulous accordion.
Such accordions are good for starting on CBA because they have fairly large buttons (and that makes it easier to learn to hit the right button, compared to accordions with much smaller buttons, like French models and bayans).
I played a Bugari 505 for a few years (that's the 5-voice version of the 508 which is 4 voice) and I only sold it because I wanted to get an accordion with melody bass.

Thank you for the input Debra!

 

[losthobos]

I recently purchased an Elka Super Cassotto Special...
It's my favorite accordion to date...very soft purring bass...lovely action and as Paul says huge buttons..
However I'd advise you listen to the tone ...mine is straight tuned LMH with LM in Cassotto and I'd describe as more organ like than accordion like..
Suits me...but then I'm searching for that gospel church organ sound...
I owned a Bugari too once... lovely build quality and sounded more traditional to me...
Both quality for sure...but different creatures...

 

[godgi]

I might have been looking at that elkA was it at Fair deal".I liked the idea of 1 reed in cossoto I think it was an LMH.

 

[losthobos]

I might have been looking at that elkA was it at Fair deal".I liked the idea of 1 reed in cossoto I think it was an LMH.

My Elka super cassotto has not L and M in cassotto....H outside....great organ type tone

 

[crescendo]

I have ab Elka Midi accordion bought in 1987
Keyboard is very very quick.
The reeds are fast -speaking distinct sound
A very good accordion!!