We found this accordion after my FIL passed away last month. My MIL played it. I know it is a Scandalli, with the number 184/37 on the back. She played it in high school which dates it to ~1948-1951. If I understand things correctly it has 120 bass keys, 41 treble, and 5 registers. Beyond that I know nothing. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated!
Help identifying a vintage accordion
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Dingo40
Been here for ages!
Looks quite useable. Scandali is a respectable Italian maker of the day.
Whatever you do, don't press down on two of the register switches together at the same time, and never pick it up by the treble keys (also, mind the shoulder straps don't snag the keys!!!)
Whatever you do, don't press down on two of the register switches together at the same time, and never pick it up by the treble keys (also, mind the shoulder straps don't snag the keys!!!)
The grill design and waterfall keys were used in the late 40s early 50s. There is a little switch in the back that is rotated to free the bellows. Scandalli is a well known brand with their pro models being very sought after. This is not a pro grade instrument but a good quality instrument for a beginner to intermediate player. Based on the 5 register switches I would think it is likely it has 3 sets of treble reeds and probably 4 sets of bass reeds. Pictures of the reed blocks could confirm that, but the bellows pins would need to be pulled. They made these accordions with different sizes of keyboards from 16” to 19” or so. It’s a cool accordion, hopefully the internal condition matches the exterior.
Dingo40
Been here for ages!
The keyboard length is measured in inches, using a measuring tape, across the outside edges of the outermost white keys.?
Let's hear what that is.?
Let's hear what that is.?
Thank you! Good advice.
It’s 18 5/8 inches.
Dingo40
Been here for ages!
That's almost full adult size ( allowing for error of measurement and build variation)?
( It's such a small world. Until a couple of years ago, I had a first cousin living in Indianapolis, now passed away. His widow still lives there ?)
( It's such a small world. Until a couple of years ago, I had a first cousin living in Indianapolis, now passed away. His widow still lives there ?)
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There was an accordion shop in Richmond Indiana “Mid America Accordion Service” I’m not sure if it’s still going or not. Maybe someone on here knows? His “webpage” has a date of 2003 but I haven’t seen any notice of it being closed.
There’s another one in Lawrenceburg called Cincinnati Accordion.
There’s another one in Lawrenceburg called Cincinnati Accordion.
I’m sorry for the loss of your cousin. It is a small world.
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