which Victoria ?

[Ventura]

i would like to know the collective and definitive opinion of those
of you who still revere the Victoria built Titano's

which model was (is still) the most desirable most coveted ?

thank you

 

[Walker]

It must be a Quint converter with Catraro reeds.

I would prefer a 41/120 Titano Royal Converter (cassotto) or a Cosmopolitan Converter (without cassotto).

 

[PeterF]

I've got a really nice sounding Titano Virtuoso cassotto, ser.#42015 which would date it from the early 70's I think. I've owned a number of other Titanos over the years including a Palmer Hughes Convertor and an Emperor Convertor with extended keyboard and Binci reeds. The Virtuoso is definitely the best sounding of the ones I've heard. Just one opinion.

 

[debra]

The more revered accordion Victoria made is not a Titano but is Richard Galliano's Victoria.
It is a C-system button accordion with quint convertor. You can still order the same but it won't sound the same as the old reeds are no longer being made.

 

[Ventura]

The more revered accordion Victoria made is not a Titano but is Richard Galliano's Victoria

interesting, but i am wanting the broadest feeling of desire
mixed with nostalgia as i have an idea to propose, but want to
base it upon the Titano that would make the majority of people
perk up and take notice and smile

thanks to all for their input

 

[craigd]

The most highly regarded would have to be this baby, and only 4,000 bucks!




But in terms of the more traditional 41 key 120 bass piano accordion, the Cosmopolitan, which I have and love, was their best. The Royal, which I covet or at least would love to try and hear close up, is I believe a Cosmopolitan with tone chamber. And like Walker says, some people need that quint converter in there. But I'm probably better off without the weight and mechanical and musical complexity of tone chambers and convertor basses. So I vote for the Titano Cosmopolitan!

 

[craigd]

It must be a Quint converter with Catraro reeds.

I would prefer a 41/120 Titano Royal Converter (cassotto) or a Cosmopolitan Converter (without cassotto).

Walker, I have often heard of the wonders of those Catraro reeds and the Galliano sound they impart, but my Cosmopolitan, probably from the sixties has Baldelli reeds. They sound terrific, but of course I'm curious to hear what those Catraro reeds sound like in comparison. I love the untone-chambered sound of my Cosmopolitan, but I'm also very interested in hearing what the Royal with its tone chamber sound like.

Have you heard or played both accordions? If so, how do they compare?

 

[tcabot]

@Walker I'll go for a non-chambered cosmo with quint.

 

[Walker]

Walker, I have often heard of the wonders of those Catraro reeds and the Galliano sound they impart, but my Cosmopolitan, probably from the sixties has Baldelli reeds. They sound terrific, but of course I'm curious to hear what those Catraro reeds sound like in comparison. I love the untone-chambered sound of my Cosmopolitan, but I'm also very interested in hearing what the Royal with its tone chamber sound like.

Have you heard or played both accordions? If so, how do they compare?

Titanos are as rare as hen's teeth around here, but years ago I did get the chance to play a bold, brashly musette-tuned Titano Royal (sans converter) in the fullest of 'full Scottish' tunings. It was beat up like it had been through a rock concert tour, but the sound was incredible, full and rich. Not far off Gola territory. I loved it. Why didn't I buy it? I wasn't thinking clearly and had no one to tell me to 'wheesht' and just buy it. I subsequently discovered celluloid can be repaired to perfection, so shouldn't have worried about the bumps and bruises on the casing.

The more revered accordion Victoria made is not a Titano but is Richard Galliano's Victoria.
It is a C-system button accordion with quint convertor. You can still order the same but it won't sound the same as the old reeds are no longer being made.

I feel that Galliano's Victoria might just be the most delightful accordion ever... well, that and Harry Mooten's absurdly fantastic 459, along with Marcosignori's enchanting Super VI.

@Walker I'll go for a non-chambered cosmo with quint.

Absolutely, man, absolutely. A cosmo is for connoisseurs. Or should that be cosmosseurs? Nah, that's just silly. Connoisseurs it is.

 

[tcabot]

I subsequently discovered celluloid can be repaired to perfection, so shouldn't have worried about the bumps and bruises on the casing

At a cost though! And if you want near-new look, the cost will be substantial.

 

[danp76]

I think they are great accordions for the money. A top-level vintage Scandalli Super VI or Gola is triple the cost of a chambered Royal or Emperor. The Cosmopolitans are great too and can be bought for substantially less money.

 

[tcabot]

What would be a good price for a decent cosmetic nick 60s converter Cosmo in need of a reed overhaul?

 

[craigd]

I think they are great accordions for the money. A top-level vintage Scandalli Super VI or Gola is triple the cost of a chambered Royal or Emperor. The Cosmopolitans are great too and can be bought for substantially less money.

This is very true. I got my cosmopolitan for 350 Canadian dollars at a local pawn shop. It had been sitting there for months, its true value unknown even to me at that time. Luckily I clued in before anyone else in town did and bought it. The straps alone are worth the price, don't you think?

 

[Walker]

This is very true. I got my cosmopolitan for 350 Canadian dollars at a local pawn shop. It had been sitting there for months, it's true value unknown even to me at that time. Luckily I clued in before anyone else in town did and bought it. The straps alone are worth the price, don't you think?

I dunno man... 350 dollars... that's two deer.

 

[Walker]

'That's two deer'... he, he, he...

It's probably time for a musical interlude now, as I've noticed some really nice Titano accordion recordings on YouTube lately. I thought I would share a small and varied selection here.

Firstly, a recording from a chap called Brendan Vavra who had a go at playing a Quint for around 1 year when he recorded some Bach, as you do... I think he's playing a Virtuoso Quint (without cassotto). Impressive!



Next, it's Bernadette. She's a brilliant box player and is going to play a terrific French Impressionist tune! I've seen lots of her recordings but they are almost always on stradella bass or on chromatic free bass PAs. I had no idea she could play Quint, but yup, she does. I don't know the exact accordion model, perhaps a Cosmo'? I hope Bernadette keeps playing her Quint because she's excellent at it!



Finally, something rather Contemporary from William Popp on his Cosmo' Quint Converter. This new recording is super-fresh, having only been shared to YouTube earlier today. I'm a big fan of Popp's music!

 

[Squeezeplay]

It’s strange, I have a friend who has a Titano LMMH accordion, not sure what model it is, but she made her living playing and teaching with it for many years…we used to do gigs together…..I have an old Victoria, musette tuned, it’s about the same vintage, but LMM Both of us agree that her Titano is nowhere even close to the sound, of my Victoria, nor is the keyboard even remotely comparable for quickness. I have a Symphony Grand that compares favourably to the Victoria, but is dry tuned. However the treble side action of the Victoria is much shallower.

 

[Pipemajor]

The Victoria I like best is the sponge model.
Preferably with a cream or jam filling .
I'll get my coat!

 

[Rosie C]

The Victoria I like best is the sponge model.
Preferably with a cream or jam filling .

"We are not amused"

 

[Pipemajor]

My humble apologies, your royal majesty.

 

[Ventura]

we perpetuate the legend of our goddess on this side
of the pond as well..

the Lady Baltimore still has legions of courtiers enjoying
her undeniable sweetness