Which Hohners are "Good" and which ones aren't?

[Nate74]

After some great help from the folks on this forum, I've started to define my search for my next accordion. I currently have an inexpensive Weltmeister now (34/48 LMM) that I actually like the sound of, but the keys aren't level, the valves are mostly shot, the registers work when they want to (not when I want them to), etc.

But I have been able to figure out that the moderate musette tuning is what my ear likes. And while the idea of an LMMH instrument is appealing, the H reed isn't that important to me, not to mention the extra weight.

So as I concentrate my search on LMM instruments, I keep finding Hohners that seem to fit the bill. There are Lucia models, Verde models, some Tango models, and maybe others that all fall in my price range <$800US, and that seem to have the right reed configuration.

I should mention that I'm a semi-pro upright bass player who is playing accordion in a side project where I also play guitar and mandolin, so spending more than about $800US on an instrument this is 5 or 6 down my list would be tough at this point.

I know there are a lot of Hohners out there and I can only assume there are some good, and some not-so-good. So my questions:

Which ones have the Italian type musette tuning? And which ones, from what era, will be well built and designed accordions?

Thanks again in advance for any insights you might be able to share.

 

[debra]

The Verdi II is a popular instrument: 37 keys, 96 bass buttons. Instruments are typically 25 to 50 years old but when you get a Verdi II that is in good shape you have an indestructible instrument that is very well suited for professional use. (Really! This is not the most refined instrument, with not the highest quality reeds, but it is very reliable, probably more so than the most expensive new instruments that are more delicate.)
If you want larger the Verdi III is 41 keys, 120 bass buttons, also LMM and the Verdi V is the same but 4 reed, LMMM.
These instruments were very popular and regularly come on the market (because their owners are getting too old to play or die).

 

[Soulsaver]

No mid range Hohners will have Italian musette out of the box - even the Ms are a German musette variation which is still pleasantly mild...watch out for Verdi V (LMMM) and Musette (LMMM) which can be very wet tuned for Scottish & Atlantic Musette is invariably Scottish wet in my experience.

However there are people who will say that all Verdis tend towards a shrill sound, not just the LMMMs. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...73B6C7C8D48DDBC0DE5173B6C7C8D48DDBC0D&fsscr=0

Im a big fan of Hohners for their availability, inexpensiveness and whilst maybe not as good mechanically as Italians, they are very adequate & of a robust build quality...and plentiful - so a lot cheaper.

You wont go far wrong with a good example of any of the following: Lucia IVP (possibly the best budget 4 voice 96 bass LMMH) Tango, Verdi, Arietta, Concerto, Student.. at the size of your choice. Atlantic could be considered but is only available in 120 bass, but is light weight & well balanced.
Edit: fixed link...AGAIN!

Here is a Lucia IVP (LMMH)being played for an example of its musette - I know this to be out of the box standard tuning.. I have one.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...53264F0B311795AFFA4753264F0B31179&FORM=VRDGAR
If you want smaller, lots of Hohner data here: http://www.accordionists.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1404&hilit=smaller+lighter

 

[Soulsaver]

There is not much to avoid - I'd steer clear of the later budget models made in China, for falling resale values if nothing else.
And generally avoid pre 1950s models.
If buying Lucias & early Atlantics (and a few others..) ensure the old foam pads have been replaced, or there's enough discount to cover their replacement.

 

[Nate74]

Thank you very much for the input and your thoughts.

Soulsaver - I see you tried to include links in your post, but somehow they were truncated and cut-off. Can you try posting them again, I'd love to see them!

I've gotten some good guidance about the different "amounts" of musette, but have only heard reference to: French, Italian, Continental, Swing and Dry. But German, Scottish and Atlantic are new to me.

Can I assume my Weltmeister would have German musette? Which I really like.

I'm also surprised to hear that Hohners might not be as well built mechanically as Italian instruments. Having only been inside my Weltmeister and a friends Contello, using those two examples I would agree, but I've always assumed my older Weltmeister maybe is just a poor example. What sorts of deficiencies do Hohners have mechanically?

Thanks again for your thoughts. I'm encouraged that Hohner might end up in my hands soon

 

[debra]

I have a Verdi V (loaned out to keep it being played) and it is not tuned very wet, not much more tremolo than a standard Verdi II or III actually. But... the Verdi V does not have any register with just MM. So it's either a single M or triple M. Hohner tended to do this a lot, even on Morino and Gola. The "advantage" of only giving you M and MMM is that the tremolo tuning is less critical. The disadvantage is you do not have a choice for two different levels of "wetness" which you get on modern Italian accordions with MMM.

 

[Soulsaver]

I have a Verdi V (loaned out to keep it being played) and it is not tuned very wet.. .

Which is why I said ..can be very wet...

Here for example, this Swiss made Verdi model ... both V LMMM or Musette http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...73B6C7C8D48DDBC0DE5173B6C7C8D48DDBC0D&fsscr=0
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...C5C39E094ACBC239C06EC5C39E094ACBC239C&fsscr=0

And less so here.. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...DE5173B6C7C8D48DDBC0D&FORM=VDQVAP&fsscr=-1155

 

[Soulsaver]

Thank you very much for the input and your thoughts.

Soulsaver - I see you tried to include links in your post, but somehow they were truncated and cut-off. Can you try posting them again, Id love to see them!

Corrected - dunno what happened there...

Nothing wrong with Hohner build quality .. but Italian often better quality components & bass machines in particular tend to be more smooth, less tiring etc.

 

[donn]

My Italian (but French) accordion is M or MMM, too.

The Italian vs. German distinction I usually hear about is reeds, more than build quality. I'd sure want to look around a bit and select something in person if possible, as it sounds like you have a real project and a rather specific idea of what you want.

Bear in mind that people here tend to assume we're in England. I don't know this for a fact, but I'd guess that here on the US west coast we'd be less likely to encounter Scottish musette tuning.

 

[Soulsaver]

I dont know this for a fact, but Id guess that here on the US west coast wed be less likely to encounter Scottish musette tuning.

Probably true.. but still possible, so worth avoiding if you dont want to end up with Scottish wet.
And Im aware that Redondo Beach, CA isnt UK..

 

[acordiansam]

Also the vox line can be had kind of cheap. Most acoustic box players don't want them due to the electronics in them. But still a good box and reeds. Just gut it or not.