Magica 3°

[Geoff de Limousin]

Anyone here got a Castagnari Magica 3° ( it's a 5row /96bass CBA) ?

Reason for asking is I have been offered a new one at a discount price. Of course a discount is nice but the cost is still considerable. So, I'd be interested in any comments / reviews of this model.

My story is not unusual in that I've often thought that a lighter accordion would be a nice option but some of the very small boxes tend to giggle about unless I strap them high up on my chest... then my arms feel cramped when playing. So, something lighter but not too small might fit the bill for those occasions when I'm feeling tired and do not wish to lug 11 or 12kg. about the place.

But what of the sound ? Listening to the few recordings on Youtube is not too informative.. it's either Marc Berthoumieux making lovely sounds that could be coming from a midi or quick demos from music shops and some amateur recordings that vary in sound production quite a bit.

So, it is the same story as several other topics comparing Castagnari with Saltarelle.. ho hum... any new thoughts ?

 

[Swissdoc]

Hi Geoff

I had a Magica 3 made for me by Castagnari with a B-system on the RHS, tuned to a cajun musette (somewhere between dry and full-on French... I can't remember the 'number' but can look that out for you if you want).

It is an absolute work of art. The most beautiful accordion and of the highest quality. I love it - I just wish I could play it better. I will try and post a picture or two of it for you. The sound is amazing - the Mark Bertholomieux videos do not do it justice...

Chris

 

[Geoff de Limousin]

Hello Chris,

I have sent you a PM about this, but thank you very much. Your positive opinion is very helpfull. I did not buy the one offered at a discount price, the basses were 2/4 and I really want 3/3... the right hand side had very nice sounds but the bass side was stifled.... maybe I am just used to my antique CBA's with their 5 reed basses that are set up for dance hall work before the advent of amplification.

Have you had the Magica very long and did it 'play-in'... sound improved gradually with playing ?

Cheers,
Geoff.