The accordion is a one man’s game; beautiful boxes that musicians squeeze to expel melodic sounds. The accordion plays when the accordionist compresses and expands the bellows while simultaneously pressing the keys to produce the music. Belonging to the harmonica group of instruments, it found its popularity in North America from folk singing and playing immigrants who arrived from Europe, To understand more about this massive people movement, check here this article about the . Iconic and trendy in the 50s and 60s before the advent of Rock and Roll, the accordion was front and center every Sunday evening on The Lawrence Welk Show. Today, accordions are not just for Polka anymore.
Fatto a Mano: Made by Hand
A 19th century musical phenomenon in Europe and parts of Russia, the first known accordion was recorded to have existed around 1829. The most famous center for the production of handmade accordions is in the Italian towns of Stradella in the Lombardy region and the seaside village of Castelfidardo in the central eastern part of the country. These Italians feel that the immense and complicated intricacies of the accordion require that each one be made by the hand of a master artisan.
What is the most expensive accordion in the world?
The more renowned and highly regarded the workshop, the higher you can expect to pay for your accordion. The following accordions utilize quality materials, are of solid construction, produce exceptional sound quality and tone and will fit the needs of both the professional and hobbyist accordionists alike. Here are just a few of the world’s most expensive accordions:
Pigini Mythos. By the age of 14, Gino Pigini was an expert “vociarolo” (reed maker), the part of the instrument that when handmade, gives the accordion its best tone and value. A Pigini Mythos is said to be valued at around $40,000.
Hohner Gola – $30,000
The Hohner Gola retails for just over $30,000. It’s not just the brand name that makes this accordion lavishly expensive, but also the incredible craftsmanship, passion and commitment to excellence that the maker puts into a Gola that gives it its élan.
Weltmeisters Supita – $17,500
Coming in at around $17,500 for the converter model, the Supita by Weltmeisters is a dream concert accordion of style and function. Featuring handmade reeds, a beautifully veneered cassotto channel and precision mechanics for the lowest in air utilization.
Hohner Morino IV – $17,000
Hohner Morino IV. At around $17,000, the Hohner Morino IV has a tone chamber, called a cossotto, that’s one of the hallmarks of a Morino. Suitable for orchestral performances and for the soloist, the Morino has handmade reeds for a top-of-the-line sound quality.
The Castagnari Magic 3o – $7850
The Castagnari Magica 3o is Italian made and fully-featured. Its handmade reeds and lighter weight design make it a Fisarmonica to be proud of.
Play On…
Accordions are relatively new as musical instruments go, therefore finding an original vintage first edition is rare. Whether you are a collector of antique apparatuses or a serious-minded accordionist, find the best accordion for your tastes and budget. But whatever one you choose, be sure your masterpiece was built by an artist, one lovingly piece at a time.
