Northern Italy accordion brands?

[Ben-jammin]

I’ve been checking out some accordion videos on you tube lately and keep seeing the same brand names that weren’t familiar to me before. I had the understanding that most accordions in Italy were made in Castelfidardo. But when I look up these other brand names they are associated with either a manufacturer or store in Northern Italy, with Stradella being common to at least two. They also seem to feature less conservative appearance than I am used to seeing from the well known names from Castelfidardo. Some of these brands are Cooperfisa, byMarco, stocco, and ropa. I believe the first two build or at least finish their own instruments, anybody know about the other two? Maybe just branding for another maker?

 

[Tom]

I’ve been checking out some accordion videos on you tube lately and keep seeing the same brand names that weren’t familiar to me before. I had the understanding that most accordions in Italy were made in Castelfidardo. But when I look up these other brand names they are associated with either a manufacturer or store in Northern Italy, with Stradella being common to at least two. They also seem to feature less conservative appearance than I am used to seeing from the well known names from Castelfidardo. Some of these brands are Cooperfisa, byMarco, stocco, and ropa. I believe the first two build or at least finish their own instruments, anybody know about the other two? Maybe just branding for another maker?

Have you checked out Fisarmonicando on youtube? From byMarco (Marco is the owner and host of the show). From Stradella.

 

[Glug]

Three of them are listed on https://www.accordionlinks.com/manufacturer.html

Cooperativa Armoniche from Vercelli, Italy, was founded in 1921. The company is now renamed to Cooperfisa, it seems.
Cooperfisa from Vercelli, Italy, produces accordions of any type: chromatic button accordions and piano accordions, with Stradella bass or free bass, as well as diatonic accordions and MIDI accordions. In some countries they trade or traded under the name of Coopèrativa Armoniche

Fisarmoniche Stocco (

) from Stradella is owned by Elvezio Stocco, makes piano accordions and chromatic button accordions since 1981

by Marco accordions (piano or chromatic button accordions) are made by Marco Cagiada from Stradella, Italy. Before he started for himself in 2000, he worked for Fratelli Crosio, Dallapè and Lucchini

 

[Ben-jammin]

Have you checked out Fisarmonicando on youtube? From byMarco (Marco is the owner and host of the show). From Stradella.

I think I stumbled onto an episode or two but I don’t speak Italian so didn’t get too much out of it. The music was good though.

 

[Tom]

I think I stumbled onto an episode or two but I don’t speak Italian so didn’t get too much out of it. The music was good though.

Obviously a lot of byMarco accordions, but his guests often also play Stocco and Cooperfisa. I prefer the older programs, newer ones have become more "pop," imho. But still fun. Yeah, knowing Italian helps with the banter.

 

[jozz]

Ropa, small shop from Bologna.. no current updates, most likely belly up

 

[godgi]

gv. or giovanni verde in "liene"make their own which have a good rep. they have a website also. not cheap but accordions are expensive
godgue

 

[Ben-jammin]

Thanks for the info! I find it interesting how these brands all seem to use a much more vibrant color palette than I usually see from some of the other Italian builders.

 

[debra]

The best accordion maker I know from Stradella is Dallape. Now defunct, but they made outstanding accordions. Sadly a lot of fake Dallape accordions were made in Balkan countries so it can be hard to make sure that when you see a Dallape for sale it is not a fake... (Many fakes look vary close to the real thing.)

 

[Tom]

byMarco is an interesting brand, that I never seem to see or hear much about, but obviously has a following in Stradella. I've never had the opportunity to play one, but they are reasonably priced, interesting design and story. Anybody here play one?

 

[NickC]

I am currently working with Stocco on a new instrument. @Ric46 was a HUGE help with putting me in contact with them. (Tip: If you want to reach a builder in Stradella, What's App is the way to go.) I was planning to start a new thread with all the details once it arrives, but for now, I can say it is a 5 row CBA with no bass section. I typically see accordions from Castelfidardo in shops here, so this is something new to me, but their roster of artists is basically a list of my current influences.

​

 

[Ric46]

I am currently working with Stocco on a new instrument. @Ric46 was a HUGE help with putting me in contact with them. (Tip: If you want to reach a builder in Stradella, What's App is the way to go.) I was planning to start a new thread with all the details once it arrives, but for now, I can say it is a 5 row CBA with no bass section. I typically see accordions from Castelfidardo in shops here, so this is something new to me, but their roster of artists is basically a list of my current influences.

​

I am very happy I helped you. We are waiting for the new accordion...

 

[Tom]

I am currently working with Stocco on a new instrument. @Ric46 was a HUGE help with putting me in contact with them. (Tip: If you want to reach a builder in Stradella, What's App is the way to go.) I was planning to start a new thread with all the details once it arrives, but for now, I can say it is a 5 row CBA with no bass section. I typically see accordions from Castelfidardo in shops here, so this is something new to me, but their roster of artists is basically a list of my current influences.

​

Wow, that's what I call really embracing the style. Complimenti! I suppose you could add bass later if you needed to change style, or you already have plenty of "traditional." Good luck, can't wait to hear about it.

 

[NickC]

Thanks Tom. I am excited about this instrument. I went back and forth because I wasn't sure that I wanted to invest in an instrument if I was going to change up my style/genre, but I realized that I can always use it on any accompanied genre. So, it will always get use. Especially since it will be smaller and lighter than my current accordion. I also had them make it a 5 rows with black and white buttons so that it is easier to switch back and forth with my Bugari. I was really tempted to get a four row unmarked (buttons) instrument, so I didn't 100% embrace the style, but I think I'll have the best of both worlds.

 

[Skari]

A bit off the topic, but not to forget us steirische players...
In far northern Italy near the border with Austria is the Pushtra Company. They focus on steirische harmonikas, but also make a few piano accordions. I haven't actually played one but they sound good on YouTube. I will definitely stop there on my next trip to Italy.

Akkordeon – Puschtra Harmonika

 

[Ffingers]

Purists beware, this amateur is using a rotary grinder to tune the reeds!!



@6:05