Not exactly accordion related, but I recently purchased and am restoring a Clavietta, a high-quality, Italian-made 1960's answer to Hohner's melodica. As fate would have it, in the middle of this project, a Borel Accordina was sent to my shop for repair. These instruments were clearly made by the same people, as the materials and design are nearly identical, except that one has a piano keyboard and the other a chromatic button keyboard. Even the cases are identical, except for the shape. The only real other difference seems to be that the Clavietta has steel reeds, whereas the Accordina's reeds are gold colored and would appear to be brass. My question is - the Clavietta says "Made in Italy", whereas the Accordina purports to be French, yet are obviously made by the same company. My guess would be that the Accordina was made in Italy for a French company, but perhaps someone has more information.
Another question, in case anyone out there knows. The Accordina has leather valves on the outside of the lowest reeds, like an accordion. What possible purpose could these serve, since the air only flows one way?
Another question, in case anyone out there knows. The Accordina has leather valves on the outside of the lowest reeds, like an accordion. What possible purpose could these serve, since the air only flows one way?
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