RHOU
Member
Hi everyone, this is my first post after having already read through tons of different articles on here.
I was recently gifted a 25 key / 24 bass Reno Bros (apparently manufactured by Gabbanelli in the 60ies) that weighs only 9.5 lbs with straps. As a Piano player, I just gave it a try without any lessons and had some fun. I like playing some Austrian Polkas on it, walking around the house while my 3 year old jumps and dances around me. We have some good times together
I brought it to Gabbanelli in Houston to get their opinion on servicing it since it is old and leaky, needs new bellows, the keys are noisy, out of tune, etc. and they said I would probably have to put $800 into between the bellows (custom order from Italy for this small size) + tuning, small fixes etc. and they said it might not be worth putting that much money into the instrument.
Since I already noticed some of the limitation of the 24 bass - 25 key (C-C) I thought it would be nice to upgrade to at least a 30 key.
I tried Gabbanelli's new expensive (3-5k) models just for fun, but playing their 34 key model (17 or 19 lb, I don't remember exactly which one it was) while standing felt so strange having this massive box on me to push and pull compared to the 9.5 lb one I currently have that I didn't think I would have much fun playing it. Even their 26/48 box was over 15 lbs.
So I started the internet search for something lightweight (my gut feeling is under 15lb is a requirement) and without a massive box, yet still with enough keys/basses and around $1,000 to $2,000 max. either used in decent condition or new.
So far what I found:
- Hohner Concerto II and III appear to get good reviews on here and they pop up frequently used at various accordion shops. I'm a bit nervous about the size of the box and the upper limit of my weight range. Price for used ones sold by the accordion shops is typically $800-$1,200
- Weltmeister Juwel appear great on spec with the smaller box and the really light weight, but some people on this forum caution about the small keys (17.5mm vs 20mm). Price appears to be closer to $2,000 new and used around $1,500 but not as frequently available as used.
- any other ideas?
I wish I could play both these instruments (or similar ones like the Weltmeister Rubin) in person before deciding, but it appears that in all of Houston Gabanelli is the only store and they only carry their own brand besides some very few used accordions. If anybody in the Houston area happens to read this and owns one of these or something similar, I would love to stop by your house with some treats in return for letting me try them
Type of music I would play. (No gigs, performances, etc. this is purely for me to have fun at home playing for my kids, walking around them as they dance)
- mostly Austrian/Bavarian/Oberkrainer, etc. but by myself, not in a band.
- I also like French Musette waltzes and Italian folk songs, so I might venture into that too
Hope this wasn't too long for a first post. I'm curious to hear your opinions!
I was recently gifted a 25 key / 24 bass Reno Bros (apparently manufactured by Gabbanelli in the 60ies) that weighs only 9.5 lbs with straps. As a Piano player, I just gave it a try without any lessons and had some fun. I like playing some Austrian Polkas on it, walking around the house while my 3 year old jumps and dances around me. We have some good times together
I brought it to Gabbanelli in Houston to get their opinion on servicing it since it is old and leaky, needs new bellows, the keys are noisy, out of tune, etc. and they said I would probably have to put $800 into between the bellows (custom order from Italy for this small size) + tuning, small fixes etc. and they said it might not be worth putting that much money into the instrument.
Since I already noticed some of the limitation of the 24 bass - 25 key (C-C) I thought it would be nice to upgrade to at least a 30 key.
I tried Gabbanelli's new expensive (3-5k) models just for fun, but playing their 34 key model (17 or 19 lb, I don't remember exactly which one it was) while standing felt so strange having this massive box on me to push and pull compared to the 9.5 lb one I currently have that I didn't think I would have much fun playing it. Even their 26/48 box was over 15 lbs.
So I started the internet search for something lightweight (my gut feeling is under 15lb is a requirement) and without a massive box, yet still with enough keys/basses and around $1,000 to $2,000 max. either used in decent condition or new.
So far what I found:
- Hohner Concerto II and III appear to get good reviews on here and they pop up frequently used at various accordion shops. I'm a bit nervous about the size of the box and the upper limit of my weight range. Price for used ones sold by the accordion shops is typically $800-$1,200
- Weltmeister Juwel appear great on spec with the smaller box and the really light weight, but some people on this forum caution about the small keys (17.5mm vs 20mm). Price appears to be closer to $2,000 new and used around $1,500 but not as frequently available as used.
- any other ideas?
I wish I could play both these instruments (or similar ones like the Weltmeister Rubin) in person before deciding, but it appears that in all of Houston Gabanelli is the only store and they only carry their own brand besides some very few used accordions. If anybody in the Houston area happens to read this and owns one of these or something similar, I would love to stop by your house with some treats in return for letting me try them
Type of music I would play. (No gigs, performances, etc. this is purely for me to have fun at home playing for my kids, walking around them as they dance)
- mostly Austrian/Bavarian/Oberkrainer, etc. but by myself, not in a band.
- I also like French Musette waltzes and Italian folk songs, so I might venture into that too
Hope this wasn't too long for a first post. I'm curious to hear your opinions!
