Bugari owners

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hello Paul,

There was a natural presumption (given that Jozz was seriously considering the purchase) that he had the funds available to complete the transaction. I also assumed that he was smitten with the Bugari, and the only concern he had was around its sound quality.

My suggestion that he should go ahead with the purchase was predicated on him liking the instrument, and having the funds to buy it. The particular line to which you refer was written with a smile, and intended only as a light-hearted quip.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[jozz]

There was a natural presumption (given that Jozz was seriously considering the purchase) that he had the funds available to complete the transaction. I also assumed that he was smitten with the Bugari, and the only concern he had was around its sound quality.

You are correct :tup:

Next week I hope to have a lot more time with the instrument, to better judge. And especially have some small audience judge. We hope to do some slow melodic songs with vocals, guitar and piano.

 

[debra]

...
How come that the 300 euro per year is too much for the instrument but 300 is not too much for playing it?

Exactly :!:

I was counting on its rhinestones, but now I will show these valid arguments to my better half who still needs some persuading...

Careful: this may also backfire: you are spending that much per year just to go out and play it? Cant you find a cheaper hobby... ;-)
But seriously, my biggest expense on a yearly basis regarding accordion as a (serious) hobby is on gas to drive wherever we have activities. And whereas the instrument is tangible the gas is nothing: at the end of the year you have essentially nothing to show for (well, I do have pictures and recordings of some).

 

[Geronimo]

But yes, I have often spoken in a bit of a similar way, to people in my accordion orchestras: if you buy an accordion for say 9.000 euro (thats enough for a very decent one) and you use it for 30 years, the accordion effectively costs 300 euro per year. Compare that to the cost of driving to a weekly rehearsal, having 2 drinks there... you quickly spend also 300 euro per year on that. How come that the 300 euro per year is too much for the instrument but 300 is not too much for playing it?

Buying an accordion for €9000 and planning on not having it tuned for 30 years (or have any other maintenance expenses) sounds somewhat optimistic.

 

[jozz]

Careful: this may also backfire: you are spending that much per year just to go out and play it? Cant you find a cheaper hobby... ;-)
But seriously, my biggest expense on a yearly basis regarding accordion as a (serious) hobby is on gas to drive wherever we have activities. And whereas the instrument is tangible the gas is nothing: at the end of the year you have essentially nothing to show for (well, I do have pictures and recordings of some).

So far I was able to play even with a performance fee based on expenses and some pocket money (and drinks on the house). The pocket money should suffice for the purchase of a used but capable instrument every 5 years or so. But of course I am very careful with my material, so by not having to buy new accordions often, I have earned the Bugari.

I find this sound logic, well see how it goes at the kitchen table :b

 

[Geronimo]

"So which of the others are you going to sell?" You know what the prophet says. Not more than four, and you have to pay them equal respect.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Jozz,

Persuading your Wife appears to be your biggest problem. Have you tried the "little boy lost" face yet? That is a sure-fire way to tug at her heart strings.

Forget all about logical arguments .......... they will get you nowhere. Appeal instead to her nurturing side, as this will be your best chance.

It works with my Wife. (but don't tell her I said so)

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[jozz]

So which of the others are you going to sell? You know what the prophet says. Not more than four, and you have to pay them equal respect.

Hmm. Thats okay, however it sort of depressing how much selling one of them will gain me. I mean a Weltmeister Achat...

But jest aside, the Concerto will go once the Bugari comes in. Its the perfect replacement/upgrade.

Persuading your Wife appears to be your biggest problem. Have you tried the little boy lost face yet? That is a sure-fire way to tug at her heart strings.

Will I get away with that, even though Im much taller? BTW, the first lines I laid on her were: Can you accompany me next week? I would like to get your opinion on the sound if this instrument. I know you are a good judge of that.

The wheels are in motion :!:

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Jozz,

You have started your campaign well, Jozz. Involving your Wife in the process is a stroke of genius, especially when you ask for her opinion. Well done!

Your height does not matter when it comes to the "little boy lost" face. I am 6ft 4ins and over 18 stone, but have no difficulty in projecting a vulnerable façade.

I must enter a little caveat here ...... I would never do anything to deliberately upset or mislead my Wife (and she knows it) but we can play little games. I guess it is simply about recognising what is important to each other, and compromising on those things. Anyway, it works for us.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Anyanka]

Speaking as A Wife, I would recommend bribery over emotional blackmail. For example, I have in the past fully supported Husband's purchase of a quality mandolin (added bonus being that I get to hear it being played) because I knew that he would then feel obliged to encourage my next set of bagpipes. Jozz's wife may want something slightly more practical and less noisy, possibly connected with home furnishings or clothing.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Kirsten,

I am not persuaded that material blackmail is any more appropriate than emotional blackmail, viewing them as a distinction without a difference. Anyway, Brenda knows exactly what I am doing when I use my "little boy lost" face, which never fails to amuse her.

Only in exceptional circumstances do I ever question Brenda's judgement or expenditure, and I really can't remember the last time I did that. We trust each other completely, neither of us ever having given the other cause for doubt.

Any gift I present to my Wife is out of love .... not the expectation of reciprocal advantages. My play acting is not intended to deceive, merely to amuse. Our home is filled with love and laughter, and neither of us would ever compromise that by clumsy avarice. Still, I do like to play tricks on her, and am constantly thinking of new ones.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[jozz]

Not looking especially forward to the prospect of bribery, once the Bugari arrives the pockets will be more or less empty.

I recently got Judith some earrings, she seemed mildly appreciative.

As you can see our clothing is top of the line :!: so that leaves home furnishing. I must find something on par with the Bugari.

 

[Geronimo]

So which of the others are you going to sell? You know what the prophet says. Not more than four, and you have to pay them equal respect.

Hmm. Thats okay, however it sort of depressing how much selling one of them will gain me. I mean a Weltmeister Achat...

But jest aside, the Concerto will go once the Bugari comes in. Its the perfect replacement/upgrade.

Until you want to busk in mediocre weather...

Will I get away with that, even though Im much taller? BTW, the first lines I laid on her were: Can you accompany me next week? I would like to get your opinion on the sound if this instrument. I know you are a good judge of that.

Excellent angle. She may notice too late that you would not like to get her opinion on the price of this instrument.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Jozz,

I always leave home furnishing and décor to Brenda, though I do occasionally chip in with an opinion. Some decisions are largely in my domain, but I avoid clothing shops like the plague.

Experience has taught me that clothes shopping with women is, for us men, a no-win situation, and is therefore best avoided.

Flowers????

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[jozz]

I don't know what happened but she is babbling about getting an electric-acoustic ukelele for herself, although she has a perfectly capable uke already.

This opens up new strategies :idea:

 

[debra]

I dont know what happened but she is babbling about getting an electric-acoustic ukelele for herself, although she has a perfectly capable uke already.

This opens up new strategies :idea:

This certainly opens up room for negotiation. The only thing my wife ever asked for (in terms of music) was to start learning melody bass (i.e. convertor). One thing led to another: it first of all cost us a new accordion, but then it turned out to be too big to handle, so then it cost a change from PA to CBA, and then we both started on CBA so in the end while we both benefitted greatly from that one wish it turned out to be a very expensive wish...

 

[Geronimo]

I dont know what happened but she is babbling about getting an electric-acoustic ukelele for herself, although she has a perfectly capable uke already.

This opens up new strategies :idea:

Well, you have perfectly capable accordions already, too.

At any rate, skipping two vacations because of one instrument for each is a better sell than one because of one for one.

 

[Geronimo]

The only thing my wife ever asked for (in terms of music) was to start learning melody bass (i.e. convertor). One thing led to another: it first of all cost us a new accordion, but then it turned out to be too big to handle, so then it cost a change from PA to CBA, and then we both started on CBA so in the end while we both benefitted greatly from that one wish it turned out to be a very expensive wish...

Invest the same amount in traveling, and you get a world cruise. Its over after several months and you are back to where you started from. Your musical journey continues and is still taking you places.

Its premature to call it expensive if it is still paying you back...

 

[jozz]

The only thing my wife ever asked for (in terms of music) was to start learning melody bass (i.e. convertor). One thing led to another: it first of all cost us a new accordion, but then it turned out to be too big to handle, so then it cost a change from PA to CBA, and then we both started on CBA so in the end while we both benefitted greatly from that one wish it turned out to be a very expensive wish...

About the change to converter, how did that go?

The Bugari in question, also has a custom bass side with 3 rows of free bass (slightly more elevated) next to regular stradella rows, leaving out the dim7 chords row. I dont know whats normal 4 rows free bass? Is one row a duplicate or something?

 

[Geronimo]

The only thing my wife ever asked for (in terms of music) was to start learning melody bass (i.e. convertor). One thing led to another: it first of all cost us a new accordion, but then it turned out to be too big to handle, so then it cost a change from PA to CBA, and then we both started on CBA so in the end while we both benefitted greatly from that one wish it turned out to be a very expensive wish...

About the change to converter, how did that go?

The Bugari in question, also has a custom bass side with 3 rows of free bass (slightly more elevated) next to regular stradella rows, leaving out the dim7 chords row. I dont know whats normal 4 rows free bass? Is one row a duplicate or something?

Seriously? That seems quite weird for what sounded to be supposed to be a small instrument. Incidentally, thats not what is called a converter. This is an additional free bass. Converters use a 2+4 system for standard bass and the 4 chord rows can be converted into a 4-row CBA. 4 rows are friendlier for chord play than 3 rows, and the outside rows are nicer to work with than additionally inner rows.

Though I like playing the free bass on my additional free bass instrument better than on a Roland accordion in converter mode.

If you get hooked too much on the abilities of a converter, you might desire them in your right hand as well. That way lies starting over on CBA, like Paul confided.

Beware.