Date of Hohner manufacture move?

[Stephen Hawkins]

Dear Tom & Tony,

You both make excellent points, and I am always pleased to read your contributions.

What we all need to remember (including me) is that we represent only our own views, and that the needs and aspirations of others may diverge sharply from our own.

I speak a couple of languages (though not Italian) and don't like to be misled in any of them. My Hohner Arietta 120/41 was made in either Switzerland or the Czech Republic, as it was common practice, even in the fifties, for Hohner to farm out its production.

Though I don't play it very often these days, my Chinese made Chanson has played all over the country. It has gone with me to Folk Clubs, Open Mic Nights and a great many Old Folks Homes and Charity Events. It isn't a Bugari, I will grant you that, but it has never let me down.

The Chanson is not the best sounding instrument I possess, but the venues I play don't really require a top flight instrument. Isn't fun and happiness enough?

My retirement present to myself was a supercharged Mercedes E Class, so you can see that I do appreciate quality. However, I am a far better driver than I am an accordionist. Horses for courses.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Tom]

You're right, Stephen, I should probably write "imho" in my signature! I don't mean to diss anyone's opinion or choice of accordion. Certainly there are tons of people making much better music than me on much worse instruments, and it is the fun and the passion that matter. Like you with your car, I m very passionate about my instruments, but certainly not to the disparagement of anyone else. Thanks, Tom

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hello Tom,

Please believe me, I wasn't taking you to task over any of your comments. On the contrary, I found your contribution wholly relevant to the conversation.

My only intention was to state my opinion that Chinese instruments are far better than some people give them credit for. As for their suitability, they are fine in folk clubs and old folks homes, and for the outdoor playing in which I engage.

I don't mind spending money (though Brenda is far better at it than I am) but I always try to justify any large purchase I make. The Mercedes was purchased to mark the occasion of my retirement, and I felt wholly justified in spending a very considerable amount of money on a luxury car. Brenda got a Renault at the same time, which she was delighted with.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Tom]

Thanks Stephen!

I agree that the Chinese accordions are not ALL bad and the Italian accordions ALL good. Just like guitars, mandolins, violins, etc. they will get their foot in the door with the cheap, and cheaply made instruments and soon move on to better and better manufacturing quality until they can compete with everyone on price AND quality. I'm not saying this a bad thing, just my prediction, imho.

And wow! You get those fancy cars and I get a new accordion for retirement! I've obviously been working in the wrong field! Jk, congratulations!!!! Tom

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hello Tom,

Brenda & I have both worked very hard for all that we have. We also made reasonable provision for our dotage, the benefits of which we can now enjoy.

My Grandma used to say: "there are no pockets in shrouds", the implications of which are obvious. Our kids have done very nicely for themselves, all pursuing their own professions and careers. When we kick the bucket, they can have whatever is left.

Buying accordions is something I leave mostly to chance. During the summer months, I play in a local park. The number of people who approach me and mention the fact that they have an old accordion in storage is staggering, so I can take my pick of whatever is on offer.

My 120/41 Arietta was given to me by a lady who just wanted her late Father's accordion to have a second life. She was thrilled that someone would breathe life into this old instrument again.

SERENDIPITY !!!!

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Tom]

Hi Stephen,
Same here. I get many inquiries through my accordion club facebook page. I have to be careful not to accept all that come my way. I have restored a few of them but have to restrain myself if I can. I'm not good enough yet to make them sound as good as my new ones so they kind of build up. I'd like to take that Accordion Craft Academy course some day.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Tom,

I'm afraid that the internal bits of the accordion remain a mystery to me. Well, I do have an idea of the principle parts, but nothing much beyond that.

Having spent a couple of years building up from a 12 Bass to a 120 Bass, I have slammed into reverse gear and gone back to playing the 12 Bass again. It felt weird at first, but I really started to enjoy it after a few minutes. Of course, I will continue to play the 120 at the folk club and at nursing homes, but I think I may play the little 12 Bass at home. Such fun !!!

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[debra]

Hi Stephen,
Same here. I get many inquiries through my accordion club facebook page. I have to be careful not to accept all that come my way. I have restored a few of them but have to restrain myself if I can. Im not good enough yet to make them sound as good as my new ones so they kind of build up. Id like to take that Accordion Craft Academy course some day.

One of the first and most important things they teach you at the Accordion Craft Academy is to consider the balance between the cost of restoration and the value of the accordion after restoration. Sadly many old accordions can only be brought back to as good as new condition by spending more money than that restored instrument will ever be worth. And the second thing they teach you is to not deliver substandard work because a good reputation is easily lost when you end up with dissatisfied customers...

 

[Tom]

Good points Paul, especially the second one. Here in the US (at least where I live) the vintage market is non existent. There is a small market for used accordions in decent, playable shape. There is likewise a small repair market but no one is going to make a living at it. Basically the people in the business are in it for love, or hobbyists like me who are willing to help people out. In a few of the big cities there are actual accordion businesses that seem to make a go of it, but it's definitely not like Brazil or Italy.