Accordion Review
Ventura
to see and evaluate the new PanItalia lightweight.
Many of you newer Accordionists seem to be searching for
smaller-lighter-but still very good, so I've checked out
a lot of accordions I wouldn't personally choose for myself,
so that I can discuss them intelligently with you.
From a playability standpoint, I very easily slipped
the PanItalia on and strolled around the penthouse suite
noodling away on it. The tone was quite pleasant...
well tuned... of course the reeds were tight, so the dynamics
were a bit limited, but I could feel that they were in there.
the key-action, in spite of having a bit shorter
length key and single rail, was smoothe, quick and responsive
on an Abruzzeze Tarantelle.
Overall I was quite pleased with the feel and performance
of the instrument. Did I mention that it is light as a feather
compared to a standard 4/5 reed Accordion?
This is where the box really shines... so let's take
it apart (to the momentary chagrin of Ms. D, but she quickly
realised we were very serious about evaluating this instrument
fully and honestly) Here inside is where the story is really
told... how did they lose all that weight? Well, the answer is
that there are newer, high tech composite materials used in some
key places (like the bass panel) and the support structures have
been shaved in non-critical areas and beefed up in load
bearing areas... metal rails were swiss-cheesed on spans...
A special metal plate with an acoustic coating... etc. etc. etc.
Very impressive. In short, here is an accordion that had every
single component re-evaluated and occasionally re-engineered with
a view to shedding weight without compromising strength,
quality, or tone.
Also:
The reed-block base was smoothe as a baby's bottom,
all interior surfaces were finished,
the Bellows were fully lined, very high quality
So what is the cost of this highly engineered box?
Is this accordion worth it's $3995 Sugested Retail Price?
well, that's up to you... but if you'd like to have a brand new
full-reed, truly lightweight Accordion, tuned exactly the way
you want it, and with a warranty that includes people and
a place to get it serviced here in the States, then you ought
to get your local PanAccordion dealer to get one in for you
to try (and if your local dealer re-fuses to get one
in unless you "order" it first then YOU insist on the dealer
selling it to you for no more that 15% over invoice, since
they are doing literally nothing for you besides making
a phone call and un-packing a box from UPS)
OR you can deal directly with the factory, if there is no
dealer in your area. Bear in mind that the distributor
must maintain the integrity of the Suggested Retail price in
order to support the dealer network. The true selling price
of the accordion, ultimately, depends on your relationship
with your local dealer, who may or may not offer you a
discount from Retail.
By the way... with MIDI and Microphones, this would make a
great Stage accordion for some of you.
Also, the technology developed for this accordion by
the Pan/Titano people is slipping into other standard
models in their line... so ounces are being saved on
the big ones too.
CIao Ventura
Brian
Saturday. 34/72 4/4 This one isn't miked or MIDI'd
like my 3 reed model. I can't say enough good things
about these accordions.
Brian
Dan Lavry
> Part of the reason for going down to AAA on Tuesday was
> to see and evaluate the new PanItalia lightweight.
> From a playability standpoint, I very easily slipped
> the PanItalia...
It is always helpful to know
> CIao Ventura
Thanks. Very informative, as always. Good to hear of some action talking
place in the industry. That is a positive sign.
Best Regards
Dan Lavry
Ventura
with a few other new Accordions. I like to
test them by putting one on, and wandering around for 10 or 15
minutes as I play wnatever comes into my head. What I'm looking
for is whether or not the boxes play well, sound good, and
are consistent without artifacts or weakness in any range.
This is the best way for me to spot the defects, because if
the accordion impedes my playing in any way, I notice it.
If I can go through 4 or 5 tunes and nothing has
removed the smile from my face, then it's worth a closer look.
It may please you to know that the Myron Floren model
PanAccordion is still in production. It plays very nicely...
smoothe and sweet. Classic, simple good looks too.
(I ended the set Saturday with "Adios, AuRevoir, AufWiedersehen
Goodnight" by the way as a tribute to Welk)
Several full size Titano's, tone chambered and straight,
were there and they are certainly quality accordions. Also
with a very sweet voice and fast touch.
I played the Pigini ($5000 price range) and really couldn't
stand it for more than a few minutes... sounded horrible
to my ears. I guess I just don't like their intonation.
Somebody had a really neat, sparkly Columbo there too...
(it was NOT for sale)... quite a nice sounding box that
inspired some "Eagle envy" in a number of people.
I did not have time to play any of the Music Magic
accordions, but they had a good selection on display.
Ciao Ventura
alvaro barsi
the Colombo was most probably attached to my friend Sergio Fresco :)
Alvaro
Helen P.
From: FDef...@aol.com <FDef...@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Re: New accordion
Date: Friday, March 31, 2000 4:35 PM
Our thanks to Lynda Griffith for her kind comments about the latest addition
to the Pancordion accordion line -- the new PANitalia Lightweight model.
Some of the specifications were omitted, so we are listing complete
information for those who may be interested in more details, as has been
expressed by several on the NG.
PANITALIA LIGHTWEIGHT ACCORDION SPECIFICATIONS:
4/5 sets of quality reeds (4'+8'+8'+16'),
9 treble and 2 bass registers,
an incredible 16 lb. accordion,
37 full size treble keys (f to f), 17-3/4" keyboard,
120 basses,
great treble keyboard action and responsive basses,
in jet black or white pearl or red pearl,
choose dry tuning, musette or any degree of musette (we custom-tune each
accordion prior to shipment to the purchaser),
with deluxe leather shoulder straps,
luggage-type carrying case and
full Pancordion guarantee against defects in mechanisms and workmanship.
Price $3998 (f.o.b. our warehouse in New York).
This is a full-feature, full-size accordion weighing in at a mere 16 lb. The
PANitalia Lightweight is ideal for folks who are seeking a great musical
instrument in an easy-to-handle accordion and particularly, for those who
stand while playing.
It can be amplified -- with Sennheiser microphone system at $398 installed,
or with any other mic system. For those who wish to have MIDI, we can
install
any of the Master MIDI kits to order.
Pancordion, Inc. P.O.Box 608 Mineola, NY 11501 Tel
516/746-3100
Helen P.
>Part of the reason for going down to AAA on Tuesday was
>to see and evaluate the new PanItalia lightweight.
Here's what I observed about this lightweight innovation:
This instrument had LMMH treble reeds. It was not an especially loud
accordion, but the tone was good. In particular, the piccolo reed was
surprisingly pleasant: not thin nor shrill. However, the bass side was
rather quieter than I expected. Loudness might increase as the reeds get
broken in. Varying qualities of reeds were used, in order to keep weight
down.
Keyboard responsiveness was very nice, and the bass button and bellows
actions were very comfortable. Key and button noise was only slight.
Faithe Deffner's group very graciously undid all the bolts and screws, so
Ventura and I could get a thorough look at the interior. We practically had
it down to its component atoms before we were through!
The inside was very nicely finished: a lot of care went into crafting this
instrument. There was intelligent use of synthetic materials in various
locations, including the bass panel and the treble key pad holders. I
pushed, poked, prodded, or bent every part that I could get my fingers on,
from the "swiss cheesed" or thinned metal and wood parts to the bass and
grill panel. Nothing looked or felt flimsy or cheap. However, Lynda
Griffith was concerned that the aluminum grill panel could be easy to
damage, and not easy to repair.
Note that this is not an instrument with many different options. It was
designed for a specific reason (low weight), and the 41-key, 120-bass
(6x20), 4/5 reed configuration is all that is available at present.
So, the only caveats are that it won't endure the same impacts and insults
that a heavier one could, and the overall loudness and dynamic range were
less than some other instruments. Overall, this is a very nice instrument,
and fun to play.
-- Helen
FDef...@aol.com
Dear Phil,
Thank you very much for the review and the time spent together.
I believe Helen liked the PANitalia lightweight but she preferred a wider
musette tuning, somewhat like on the old Columbo museum accordion which Lynda
Griffith showed her. If Helen would like to pursue the matter, we do not have
a PAN dealer in the neighborhood and would be happy to sell her directly with
the 10% discount which we offered to buyers at the Washington exhibit.
It was a pleasure to meet you and Helen and we are very happy you came to the
AAA Festival. It was very generaous and kind of you to entertain us at the
cocktail hour and I am sorry you did not stay for the dinner. In time, we
will send you an official letter of appreciation from the AAA.
Thank you very much and if our firm can ever be of service to you, please
call on us.
Best wishes,
Faithe Deffner
=========================
In a message dated 7/17/00 10:38:22 AM, gat...@d-and-d.com writes:
>Really-Reply-To: Ventura <dr...@maxinter.net>
>Really-From: Ventura <dr...@maxinter.net>
>
>Part of the reason for going down to AAA on Tuesday was
>to see and evaluate the new PanItalia lightweight.
>
>Many of you newer Accordionists seem to be searching for
>smaller-lighter-but still very good, so I've checked out
>a lot of accordions I wouldn't personally choose for myself,
>so that I can discuss them intelligently with you.
>
>From a playability standpoint, I very easily slipped
>the PanItalia on and strolled around the penthouse suite
>noodling away on it. The tone was quite pleasant...
>well tuned... of course the reeds were tight, so the dynamics
>were a bit limited, but I could feel that they were in there.
>
>the key-action, in spite of hav
>
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Helen P.
it in mind.
It was certainly nice to meet you and all the others at the AAA con.
Hopefully, I'll get the chance to attend more of next year's activities.
-- Helen Powell
FDef...@aol.com wrote in message <48.853e3b...@aol.com>...