Titano Ideal - Need information

[George]

Hi Everyone,

Very new to accordions/this forum, but wanted to share my find

I picked up this Titano Ideal accordion from a Goodwill Thrift Store outside of Chicago about 2 weeks ago. Everything seems to work well and I am thoroughly enjoying it (though my neighbors may not be).

I forgot to measure the keyboard length, so I will do that tonight, but here's what I know so far.

3 Piano Registers, 2 Bass Registers, 41 Piano keys, 120 Bass Buttons
Brand: Titano
Model: Ideal
SN#: 13317
Made in Italy
Came with the velvet case with lock/key, and a music stand

Condition: bellows don't leak, 1 piano key buzzes occasionally, 1 bass button buzzes occasionally, but not obnoxiously. Very minor body wear, straps are leather.

Can't seem to find much information on the web about its history/age/value/etc.

Any insight is greatly appreciated! :ch

Pictures in next post, have to figure that out...

 

[George]

 

[JIM D.]

You have a student model Titano of early 1960's . The keyboard should be 16" (white key to white key) and was made for a student from 7 to 10 years old with small hands. These Titano model's " Ideal " and later models "Titan" were made by "Victoria" in Italy and are of exceptionally craftsmanship by today's standards. The reeds in these models were hand fitted and not hand made but, some of the finest found on any student model accordion. The box pictured here is in pristine condition and has value to a Music teacher or Music studio for the instruction of young students or a small woman with small hands. A 41 key PA with 120 basses of this size are NO LONGER MADE and sought after. In the 60's this same accordion was sold in the US with a Titano badge and in Europe with a Victoria badge.
A great find !! :tup:

 

[George]

Jim, thanks for the quick reply and great information! I'll measure the keyboard length when I get home and see if it matches your guess.


EDIT: The keyboard length (from edge of white to white keys) is 17".

 

[JIM D.]

Yes, on the Ideal models 80% were 16" and 20% were 17". If you have a medium sized adult hand, a 17" will suit . I can adjust to a 41 key keyboard of 17" to 19" but, a 41 key 16" is much to small for my hand. The Titan's also came with 16" and 17" keyboards.
When Titano switched there imports from the maker Victoria to the maker Pigini these small models were discontinued and Victoria no longer offers these small 2 reed models.