Choose of 2 and half row

[evelyneneuman]

Dear,

I want to buy a new serious melodeon: 2 and a half row.

I doubt between : Saltarelle Gaia, Castganari Mory Beltuna Alex and Stelvio Ouessant.

My teacher tells me:

Saltarelle is not a top brand -> Is this correct ?
Castagnari and Beltuna are the top.
Stelvio boxes are good but very heavy.

Please advise what is the best choice. The difference in price is not an issue.

Kind regards,
Evelyne

 

[Corinto]

If price no issue I would go for CASTAGNARI, ...
or have my dream instrument made by Tania Rutkowski www.tr-accordeons.com ...
ymmv

 

[Tom]

Welcome Evelyne! Are you able to try them out and see which one sounds and plays best for you?

 

[Gonk]

Price is not an issue? Consider Briggs, Gaillard, Pariselle, Loffet, as well...

I hope you have an opportunity to try the instrument/s first. It's worth it. Everyone has different tastes, both for tone and button action, and for some the "lower class" Saltarelle sound, which often has a bit of punch, is preferable to the "posh" woody sound of the Castagnari. And some people love the Beltuna action, while others prefer an old Hohner.

Saltarelle is not a maker but a branding scheme. They commission instruments from Italy and put a French name on them. The actual builders vary over the years but tend to be Dino Baffetti and Serenellini. Neither are poor makers. But Saltarelle has always shopped around for the lowest bidder to produce their intermediate boxes, and it has had a predictably negative impact on their image.