GingerAle
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I’m looking for a 96 bass, 37 keys, 4 reeds piano accordion, I’m hesitant between Bugari 151/CH vs. Scandalli Polifonico ix. Can anyone share any insights?
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Bugari 151/CH vs Scandalli Polifonico ix
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If you care about reed grade, there could be a difference on that front. I'm not sure how substantial a difference one will experience between well-produced, well-installed and voiced Super Durall reeds versus tipo a mano (AKA TAM aka "hand-finished"), versus a mano/handmade reeds. But that matters to some purchasers, especially given prices these days. And it is true there can be a difference. You'd just want to have the dealer/seller make it clear in a written spec description what reeds the instrument had. Or, if it's a private seller, have someone with expertise take a look.
The "CH" in the Bugari model name stands for "Championfisa," the term they use for the next level up from the folk/student Juniorfisa line. Supposedly the "CH" line is basically the same, but with upgraded TAM/hand-finished/tipo a mano reeds. I would get that in writing from the dealer or seller, though, as the specs on Bugari's own site don't give the reed grade. I see a couple of the small indie Bugari dealers in the US do list "hand-finished reeds" with the 151. That should be a fine 37/96.
The Scandalli seems not to have premium reeds as standard. The listings I see either don't note special reeds, or state Super Durall. I do see one sole example listed, saying something like "upgraded hand reeds." Also, the Scandalli site lists the reeds as SD. So Super Durall seems to be the stock spec. Sometimes dealers do special orders with an upgrade. Again, I would want a written representation of the reed type so it is very clear when you're deciding. I've played a Scandalli 96-bass with Super Durall reeds, and liked it. Very warm, rich sound, and easy response. This too should be a fine 37/96.
The "CH" in the Bugari model name stands for "Championfisa," the term they use for the next level up from the folk/student Juniorfisa line. Supposedly the "CH" line is basically the same, but with upgraded TAM/hand-finished/tipo a mano reeds. I would get that in writing from the dealer or seller, though, as the specs on Bugari's own site don't give the reed grade. I see a couple of the small indie Bugari dealers in the US do list "hand-finished reeds" with the 151. That should be a fine 37/96.
The Scandalli seems not to have premium reeds as standard. The listings I see either don't note special reeds, or state Super Durall. I do see one sole example listed, saying something like "upgraded hand reeds." Also, the Scandalli site lists the reeds as SD. So Super Durall seems to be the stock spec. Sometimes dealers do special orders with an upgrade. Again, I would want a written representation of the reed type so it is very clear when you're deciding. I've played a Scandalli 96-bass with Super Durall reeds, and liked it. Very warm, rich sound, and easy response. This too should be a fine 37/96.
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Ventura
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37.45-TC - Fisitalia Accordions made in Italy
Accordion produced by Fisitalia, a high quality instrument. Chromatic or piano keyboard
www.fisitalia.com
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GingerAle
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Thank you so much for your detailed explanation!
GingerAle
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Can you please help me to understand more why this one is better? Thanks!37.45-TC - Fisitalia Accordions made in Italy
Accordion produced by Fisitalia, a high quality instrument. Chromatic or piano keyboard
The two pictures show that this Bugari is LMMH and the Scandalli is LMMM. Other than that it's hard to compare the instruments without personal experience and a good look inside.
Ventura
Been here for ages!
because you only pay for the accordion, not the brand name..
so it may not be unequivically better, just a better value
among the higher quality accordions of the size you prefer
GingerAle
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I've noticed that listings for some of the more known-label 4-voice accordions in the 72-bass or 96-bass sizes will note it's an option to choose LMMM or LMMH. Of course, one might be in stock and the other would be an order. But sometimes one can have either one in a 4. Beltuna does an LMMH 37/96 too (just avoid one with a design spray-painted onto the outer bellows edges). I see at LB what appears to be one with a normal-looking, not-painted bellows.
GingerAle
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how can you tell just by photo…
yes we can choose LMMM or LMMH. Thank you for mentioning the paint!
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Most of the outer bellows designs I've encountered are created with multicolored strips of tape like bellows tape. I would check for and avoid paint.
I've spent time with both, but it was a few years ago. I owned the Bugari for a few years and didn't have any complaints. (I only sold it so that I could purchase a CBA). The Scandalli had super dural reeds and the Bugari had handmade reeds, so it is hard to compare. Both were LMMM. For me, personally, I understand the pricing structure, but it's hard to justify spending that much on an instrument with dural reeds...unless that is the sound you are looking for or the feel of the instrument is absolutely perfect. I don't know what the price difference is, but I know there are a number of manufacturers who will make modifications like reed type.
If it were me buying a new instrument I'd get the make that is likely to be in business ten years from now when you want servicing and tuning etc.
GingerAle
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I got the quote for both Fisitalia 37.45 TC and Bugari 151 CH, Fisitalia is $390 more than Bugari, if the reeds have to be hand made, then Fisitalia is $140 more than Bugari 151 CH with hand made reeds.
96Bass
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Another thing you should check is keyboard size. A Full Size 96 bass with 37 piano keys is 17.75" (19mm keys).
I have found that a lot of the 96 bass accordions at LB have shorter scale keyboards.
Both of these accordions in your photos are F-F keyboards. I have seen G-G and also 96 bass with less that 37 keys.
I would always go for the F-F keyboard. As suggested, you should also consider the Beltuna brand.
When buying an accordion, buy once - cry once. Buy the instrument best suited for you, not what you think is the best deal.
I have found that a lot of the 96 bass accordions at LB have shorter scale keyboards.
Both of these accordions in your photos are F-F keyboards. I have seen G-G and also 96 bass with less that 37 keys.
I would always go for the F-F keyboard. As suggested, you should also consider the Beltuna brand.
When buying an accordion, buy once - cry once. Buy the instrument best suited for you, not what you think is the best deal.
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