Solloni Accordions

[Newbie]

An accordion store (Carnegie Company) in the U.S. is selling Solloni accordion by Bugari and made in Italy. Solloni is exclusive brand for this store. Curious for any general information that anyone has. They look and sound fine, but that is all taken from the seller's web site. Thanks

 

[Ben-jammin]

Last I knew Carnegie was basically a one man operation. Kevin was pretty responsive but was appointment only. I played a few Solonis and can’t say anything bad about them, prices vs specs they seemed reasonable. I think the unique selling point Kevin is going for with the brand is to make it easier for US buyers to be informed and be able to access the custom build options the factory offers, without the hassle of having to work directly with an overseas company.

 

[Newbie]

Last I knew Carnegie was basically a one man operation. Kevin was pretty responsive but was appointment only. I played a few Solonis and can’t say anything bad about them, prices vs specs they seemed reasonable. I think the unique selling point Kevin is going for with the brand is to make it easier for US buyers to be informed and be able to access the custom build options the factory offers, without the hassle of having to work directly with an overseas company.

Thank you, I was just wondering. Thinking about my future playing needs. I will need a lighter accordion and would like to keep it at 20lbs/9kg or less. I am now back to playing my 2 reed 41/120 student model at 17.5 pounds.

 

[debra]

An accordion store (Carnegie Company) in the U.S. is selling Solloni accordion by Bugari and made in Italy. Solloni is exclusive brand for this store. Curious for any general information that anyone has. They look and sound fine, but that is all taken from the seller's web site. Thanks

There are many accordion distributors all over the world who think it's a good idea to have their name put on accordions made in Italy by one of the large accordion makers. Around here we have "Fredini" (by a store with the owner named "Fred") and "Pazzoli". In the US "Petosa" is probably the best known. "Titano" is also popular in the US (earlier models made by Victoria, later models by Pigini). I generally see no advantage of this practice, unless the accordions have special elements in their design that really differentiate them from the "own" accordions of the factories. (Petosa and Titano are really different from other accordions from the same factories for instance.)

 

[Newbie]

There are many accordion distributors all over the world who think it's a good idea to have their name put on accordions made in Italy by one of the large accordion makers. Around here we have "Fredini" (by a store with the owner named "Fred") and "Pazzoli". In the US "Petosa" is probably the best known. "Titano" is also popular in the US (earlier models made by Victoria, later models by Pigini). I generally see no advantage of this practice, unless the accordions have special elements in their design that really differentiate them from the "own" accordions of the factories. (Petosa and Titano are really different from other accordions from the same factories for instance.)

Thank you, and yes, it is a very confusing. That is why I like this forum. Everyone is several playing levels above where I will ever be but, I glean a lot of knowledge and information from reading the posts.

 

[Ben-jammin]

I generally see no advantage of this practice, unless the accordions have special elements in their design that really differentiate them from the "own" accordions of the factories.

From the surface level I kind of agree but I could also see potential reasons why it might provide more latitude for the retailer to not be under some of the marketing commitments they might have when carrying the name brand such as “minimum advertised price” or being forced to carry more inventory than they can realistically sell to maintain a name brand dealership status. It could also allow them to avoid issues with market territory exclusivity agreements that could be in place. Anything that allows more shops to stay open to compete for my business is a win in my book.

 

[debra]

From the surface level I kind of agree but I could also see potential reasons why it might provide more latitude for the retailer to not be under some of the marketing commitments they might have when carrying the name brand such as “minimum advertised price” or being forced to carry more inventory than they can realistically sell to maintain a name brand dealership status. It could also allow them to avoid issues with market territory exclusivity agreements that could be in place. Anything that allows more shops to stay open to compete for my business is a win in my book.

Makes a lot of sense! Of course dealers who sell accordions for reasonable prices simply do not advertise any price. I wouldn't worry too much about something like "market territory exclusivity agreements". We're dealing with Italian companies. They will gladly allow a dealer to advertise as being the "sole" dealer for a brand while still selling their accordions through other dealers or even directly to consumers. The term "exclusive rights" appears to have a different meaning in Italy than in many other countries...