Scandalli Polifonico / Mod XIV identification

[Howie]

Ive tried to answer my question with internet searching, but there is very little information about specific accordion models and years out there. Except for here...

Can anyone let me know what years the Scandalli Polifonico was being manufactured with the grill as seen in the youtube below.
I have seen them referred to as Polifonico XIV and Mod XIV and Model XIV. Is that all the same thing, or is model XIV different to a polifonico XIV?

Theres one for sale and I would be interested in hearing opinions on the Polifonicos. I could also buy a brand new one, but that will involve a fair bit more time to save for, and considerably more wallet pain.

 

[Soulsaver]

Nice instrument.
Mid 1970s.
All the same, Poliphonico XIV or Mod XIV badged on the front - Mod XIV is on the Farfisa tag on the back.
Model is what it's believed to mean but it don't say that anywhere AFAIK.
Mod XIV M is the Musette version LMMM, and can be seen in the switches. The other(s) as in the link LMMH. Available with TAM & mc reeds.

It is the equivalent of a Super VI without the chambers... new they are near £4000 depending on exchange rate.
Expect to pay 1970s c.£800, £1k + for a nice one in a private sale. Expect 40% more form a dealer, MC reeds.

 

[JIM D.]

Ed:
I totally agree with your assessment as comparable to the now made plastic bodied Super VI's.
But I would have added, absolutely not in the same class as a pre - 1960's Super VI.

 

[Soulsaver]

Ed:
I totally agree with your assessment as comparable to the now made plastic bodied Super VIs.
But I would have added, absolutely not in the same class as a pre - 1960s Super VI.

Absolutely Jim, I meant the equivalent to Super VIs from the mid 70s (same years, similar looking) screw fixed grill etc. And the valuations Im referring to the mid 70s models. The later grill & register switch model is worth way more, as well as the 60s Super VIs are, too.

 

[Howie]

Thanks for the information!

That's very encouraging, I don't mind a lack of chambers.
Price-wise, the one I could get is from a dealer and the equivalent of £2000.

That sounds expensive, and it is - but here on "Treasure Island" (as musical instrument distributors call Australia) that's par for the course. Some new accordions cost double the UK asking price. Second hand is accordingly also expensive. I don't have much choice, there is only one dealer (a two hour drive from me) and then the next nearest is five hundred miles away - so, it's a bit difficult for me to just drop in for a playing test. eBay here is full of crummy "vintage" accordions.

So now my choice is either this Polifonico, or a new Scandalli. I'm also considering, possibly, a Scandalli Air junior (72) or Air 1.

The other alternative is a new E Soprani 72 bass. I know it's "apples and oranges" but - is it worth paying a little more for a new E Soprani, or would I be better off with the 70's polifonico, despite its age? I haven't been able to find much about the E Soprani's, whether they're considered a keeper, or not.

Thanks for any extra help or opinions,

cheers

 

[Soulsaver]

I don't know what the cost would be to ship from the UK/Europe, is there taxes & duty adding to the cost to import to Australia?
And did you actually want a piccolo reed? Or musette?

 

[Howie]

Australia has a 10% GST (goods and services tax) which is applied on imports over a particular value - which a new accordion certainly is.
I thought about importing, but I'm a bit nervous about spending that much money with the possibility of the import needing repair once it arrives.
It did occur to me that with the E Soprani, I could buy a return ticket to the UK, buy the thing, and come back with it, and still be ahead! Of course, flying with an accordion is an interesting challenge in itself.

New Scandalli accordions are a bit closer in price here to overseas. In the end I would prefer to "buy local" and support the only dealer in my state.

As far as the piccolo reed goes, my current accordion is LMM and I don't particularly miss the Piccolo, but I guess how would I know, this is the first accordion I've ever played. I would like a LMMM, but LMMH would be fine - if the pseudo-musette was not too dry. I like to play french style, some italian, I like musette music, although a very wet musette is a bit much for my tastes. My accordion is fine for practice and learning, but the worst thing is the inconsistent tuning and response from different reeds. I have a fairly good ear, and it kind of hurts me to keep hearing tuning discrepancies from note to note, and from draw to squeeze notes. I come from decades of piano, and I'm making good progress with the accordion, and spend too much time lusting for a better one.

 

[JIM D.]

Hi Howie:
I hope I've not busted your bubble on this one with my comment.
The box you have here in the pic's is not a serious top of the line Super VI but, it is in fact a model that has a quality bass machine, great bellows,and should have hand fitted reeds.
Here in the US it would (in good shape) fetch $1500.00+ USD and with a pickup $2000.00.
They are built like a tank and are the perfect "Working Man's Accordion" :tup:

 

[Howie]

Not at all Jim! That's very helpful. In years to come I may well end up with something more high-end, but for now I'm looking for a solid, good accordion that will take me through a few years until I upgrade again.
I really appreciate the help here. It's already a lot more information than anywhere else about that particular XIV.

There's no rush, I have a bit more saving to do before making a purchase. There's every chance this one will be gone by then, or something better may come up. My challenge is that I know next to nothing about the worth, quality or otherwise of different models.