Stradella bass to order.

[Deleted member 101]

Hi all,

This is probably a very simplistic question, but in my defence I play accordions but don't really understand the mechanics of how they operate.

I realise it would probably be unrealistically expensive but can stradella basses be made to order?

As ever I'm on the lookout for a 12x4 (bass, major, minor, 7th) stedalla unit to fit my Hohner Amati.

I realise this isn't cost effective for my box and if any alternative existed it would probably be 'cut and shut'.

But my long term planning included this box due to the many times I have to lug an accordion long distances to sessions on foot.

I'd rather this didn't develop into shortcomings and 'why bother' answers. It's just an idea I want to develop.

Regards

Orma

 

[JIM D.]

I can understand the desire for a different bass layout but, to convert yours the cost of another bass machine & labor to convert it
will likely cost more than the original price of the accordion. I your case I would find another model that has the bass machine
you desire then sell yours while it's still unaltered.

 

[Deleted member 101]

I can understand the desire for a different bass layout but, to convert yours the cost of another bass machine & labor to convert it
will likely cost more than the original price of the accordion. I your case I would find another model that has the bass machine
you desire then sell yours while it's still unaltered.

Too late Jim D.
My box is an octave lower on the treble and the 8x6 bass runs from B to Bb.
Agreed, it's not cost effective but neither am I, being old and careworn. We make a good team.
Orma

 

[Anyanka]

When you buy a new accordion from the high end makers, you can definitely have the bass end customised - not so easy with an older Hohner, but surely you could get somebody to "Frankenstein" it, i.e. get a bass end that matches your requirements and fit it to the Amati? I'm not sure that it would make it significantly lighter though - it'll have the same number of reeds as a full stradella bass, I believe, just fewer buttons and connecting rods (that's probably not what they're called)....

 

[Deleted member 101]

When you buy a new accordion from the high end makers, you can definitely have the bass end customised - not so easy with an older Hohner, but surely you could get somebody to "Frankenstein" it, i.e. get a bass end that matches your requirements and fit it to the Amati? I'm not sure that it would make it significantly lighter though - it'll have the same number of reeds as a full stradella bass, I believe, just fewer buttons and connecting rods (that's probably not what they're called)....

Yes, a 'cut and shut' or Frankenstein as you call it is probably the way to go Anyanka. And yes, I have somebody in mind to do it, I spoke to them today.

It's not a weight thing as it wouldn't make much difference, but it's about having it suit what I play and more importantly, how I play.
As I said previously, the treble is customised already, and so is the bass (to a fashion), but if possible this would complete my requirements.

Orma

 

[TomBR]

You posted while I was writing, Orma!

If you could buy a 4 x 12 bass machine that would fit your Amati there would be a great deal of work to fit it into the case, two sets of 12 levers on the bass machine have to be linked up to the pallets etc.....

As Anyanka says, I think the best prospect would be to get an accordion with the 4x12 bass end that's closest to matching what you need, then all that's needed is a wooden "adapter plate" that fits the Amati bellows on one side and the "new" bass end on the other. That's just a very simple bit of woodwork requiring minimal tools. I did it to try using the bass end of a 6x8 Hohner Student PA with an Hohner Amatona D/Eb diatonic treble.
It "worked" but the absence of an air valve suitable for diatonic playing made the right hand pretty unplayable.

 

[Deleted member 101]

You posted while I was writing, Orma!

If you could buy a 4 x 12 bass machine that would fit your Amati there would be a great deal of work to fit it into the case, two sets of 12 levers on the bass machine have to be linked up to the pallets etc.....

As Anyanka says, I think the best prospect would be to get an accordion with the 4x12 bass end that's closest to matching what you need, then all that's needed is a wooden "adapter plate" that fits the Amati bellows on one side and the "new" bass end on the other. That's just a very simple bit of woodwork requiring minimal tools. I did it to try using the bass end of a 6x8 Hohner Student PA with an Hohner Amatona D/Eb diatonic treble.
It "worked" but the absence of an air valve suitable for diatonic playing made the right hand pretty unplayable.

That would be a workable solution I grant you TomBR. If, one could find a 12x4 bass end that is in the bass, major, minor, 7th I'm looking at.
That's a pretty rare beast I suspect.

 

[Corinto]

Till today I never found a 12x4 bass layout as per your specs (bass, major, minor, 7th) and I do own four with "counterbass, bass, major, minor" layout. Agree there are some as per your specs, but I never saw one of these.

 

[Deleted member 101]

Till today I never found a 12x4 bass layout as per your specs (bass, major, minor, 7th) and I do own four with "counterbass, bass, major, minor" layout. Agree there are some as per your specs, but I never saw one of these.

They are as rare as hens teeth Corinto, but that configuration does exist. Hohner Imperial 11A had some in this configuration (admittedly 8x4), and some in the 'normal' as well.
Incidentally, I used to own a Hohner Lucia 12x4 too. Great little box, but without the stepped keyboard which is a must for me.

 

[TomBR]

I think (choosing my words carefully ) it's a case of - which of your parameters are negotiable....

 

[Deleted member 101]

I think (choosing my words carefully ) it's a case of - which of your parameters are negotiable....

I'd have to think about that TomBR.
The 12x4 may reduce to possibly 10x4 as this will definitely fit.
But then perhaps 10x6.
If it is 12 (or 10) X 4, it must have bass, major, minor, 7th.
A work in progress...
Orma