Sonola Model 600

[Hezekiah777]

Hi, I am a self taught accordion (pa) player for 20 years. I am interested in in buying a LMMM PA, saw a Sonola model 600 on Reverb. The trademark is in script , to my ear sounds like tip o Mano , or possibly a Mano. I’m looking for information on who made it and if it is good quality. I’m guessing from appearance it’s from the golden age maybe a little later. It has a wooden sordina also. I currently play an Americana 34/72 LMM (petosa). Anyone an expert on Sonola?

 

[JerryPH]

... to my ear sounds like tip o Mano , or possibly a Mano. I’m looking for information on who made it and if it is good quality. I’m guessing from appearance it’s from the golden age maybe a little later. It has a wooden sordina also. I currently play an Americana 34/72 LMM (petosa).

My friend, if you can tell the difference between tipo a mano or a mano reeds from the sounds it makes in a recording, you have better ears than anyone here.

Sonola was a company from Castelfidardo Italy. They were around from the 1950's to the 1990's and were bought out by Geurrini.

The model you mention is at the top end of mid-range boxes or bottom end of the higher end boxes and if properly maintained can last a long time. It's no Scandalli Super VI, Dallapè Super Maestro or Hohner Gola but can sound very good. I cannot recall playing a 600, but I have played several Sonola (SS4, etc...). The ones I played were particularly well suited for jazz.

There is really only one way to appraise an accordion's true condition... by playing it in person, then opening it up and seeing the condition on the inside, testing everything live and in person. At the same time, you will then be able to look at the reeds and see what kind they are.

 

[Hezekiah777]

Yeah , I have been playing Petosa accordions for about ten years and I can definitely tell the difference between the hand finished and hand made reeds they use. But you’re right about trying it out in person. Thanks for the info.