Hohner Bravo II 48 bass

[HoorayHenry]

Hi everyone

Just started to play, a couple of months ago, and this is basically my first accordion for 50 years. I come to it from the piano, so my major learning focus is bellows control and the bass buttons. I chose it for its weight (only 5 kg), after I started getting quite bad back-ache with another heavier accordion that I tried out for a few days previously. I'd be interested to hear people's views about it as an instrument.

HH

 

[Soulsaver]

You're likely to get a mixed view on the Bravo - it's made in China, but of better quality than most made there. It's a good little box IMHO - I've seen pro players using them, albeit they may have had work done. You can't go far wrong though, there is plenty of demand for these in good condition for starters/students. In fact it was, and maybe still is, the world's best selling box.

 

[Nonny Mouse]

Hi,

Just a quick note about your back. Do make sure that you are sat up straight whilst playing and think about getting a back strap as it can stop the accordion sliding whilst you're playing. I've noticed that when I'm tired I do tend to slump a bit, then I loosen off the straps and rest it on my knees.

 

[Soulsaver]

A back strap on a small accordion could seem a waste of time... but actually one of the down sides of small instruments is they move around a lot when you pull the bellows... so could be useful to minimise that, too.

 

[HoorayHenry]

Yes, thank you for that, I was wondering about the instrument moving around so much. My next project is to work out how to put on the backstrap!

HH

 

[george garside]

Its also well worth considering fitting wider padded shoulder straps. Thy won't make it any lighter but it will feel lighter and the wider straps will grip the shoulder better and keep things in place.

I use three and a half inch on 48 bass, 3'' on hohner trichord and two and a half on 8 bass 2 row melodeon.

george

 

[lasvegascolonel]

I've found my Bravo quite good, but it needed minor adjustment coming from the factory, despite being made on German machines in China. Your letter suggests you are not in the U.S., so you might need to rely on your Hohner's service center where you are. My Hohner center adjusted every little issue I had with mine. I guess that's why Hohner gives a 90 day period for fixing these things. I tried the backstrap that came with mine but it was too small. I've found using a good, firm chair assures me no backpain. Good luck!

 

[smdc66]

Ive found using a good, firm chair assures me no backpain.

not quite the same but my hohner concerto although not perfect would take a lot of beating without spending a lot of money on a different make/model - possibly the bravos bigger brother

do you rest your back on the chair as i was playing once with an experienced player and he critiqued me for leaning back and encouraged to lean forward a bit :|

 

[lasvegascolonel]

No, I do lean forward but try to keep my lower back near the setback. Everyone has a different position that works for them, so I would just do what seems most comfortable. I know I change positions and move about a bit during my 1-1.5 hours of practice. I know a number of people on this site use a stool with no back and that works for them too.