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Post by jangarrack on Dec 27, 2022 15:42:03 GMT
I recently inherited a nice Bell accordion. I know next to nothing about them and have no plans to try and learn to play one. It appears to have 48 bass keys or buttons and 3 extra levers above the keyboard, but I don't know what they are for. I know may father bought it new, probably in the 1970s, for my mother, who played it a few times and I think it then spent all its life in the case. As far as I can tell, it seems to be in good working order. It's certainly quite loud, and it terrifies my cats....and probably my neighbours as well. If anyone can provide any information on this and or some idea of what it would sell for, I would be very grateful. Thanks. Jeff
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Post by jangarrack on Dec 27, 2022 15:46:48 GMT
Deleted info as I somehow posted this twice in error.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Dec 27, 2022 16:53:14 GMT
... I think the three levers are toggle switches and have something to do with enabling/disabling particular reeds - maybe there are three per note as is often the case. If they are working you should get slightly different sounds by using them. I applaud your lack of intent to learn to play it, though it obviously has sentimental value. keith
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Post by jangarrack on Dec 27, 2022 19:50:16 GMT
Thanks for the info Keith, I didn't know that.
My lack of intent to learn to play it is partly influenced by my total lack of ability to keep hold of it properly once it gets released from those leather restraints keeping the bellows closed. It seems to take on a life of its own, wriggling about like a lively puppy that doesn't want to be held.
You're right though, it does have sentimental value, but unfortunately I just don't have the room to keep it anywhere at home. Believe it or not, I found by far the most important things for me that I wanted to keep were all the old family photos and correspondence. I actually learned far more about my family history from that than I ever did from my family. It's been both fascinating and quite humbling.
Jeff
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Dec 27, 2022 21:10:49 GMT
I went to a fancy dress party as an accordion. I must’ve put on weight because the costume was a bit of a squeeze.
No, YOU shut up.
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Post by otis1960 on Dec 28, 2022 9:37:55 GMT
I found this: www.broadwayguitars.co.uk/bell-musical-instrumentsA bit of history and a rabbit hole into the famous Bells catalogue, plus a mention of Guyatone (ref: Gary's recent build thread). Sorry that this of no practical help, although it does suggest that these were a well-respected brand, and UK made. Your example does appear to be in mint condition, so there must be a market for such objects.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Dec 28, 2022 10:32:37 GMT
Great link otis1960 ! Used to pore over the Bells catalogue for hours with my mates at school. Looking at the cost of a Watkins Rapier then (29 gns - approx equiv to £600 now)) it makes the Mairants "reissues" look extremely good value by comparison (£420ish), esp as the new ones are much better quality. Keith
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Post by jangarrack on Dec 29, 2022 10:34:20 GMT
That's a fascinating link, otis1960. So much there that looks familiar, especially Bert Weedon's Play in a Day. Just looking at a map, I think there's a possibility this accordion may have come from that shop.
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minorkey
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Post by minorkey on Jan 4, 2023 21:42:52 GMT
I had one years ago, wish I'd kept it because new ones are eye wateringly expensive
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Post by geddarby on Jan 6, 2023 15:55:36 GMT
jangarrack you may be interested in this (seems like hell to me)
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Post by jangarrack on Jan 6, 2023 20:07:26 GMT
Thanks geddarby for the fascinating video. It's obviously a versatile instrument, but I'm still not tempted to try and learn to play one. However, I was lucky enough to see Geraint Watkins on accordion with the Rhythm Kings some years back, and that was more up my street. There'e a video of him here with another one of my old favourites, Dave Edmunds. Jeff
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minorkey
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Post by minorkey on Jan 6, 2023 20:33:24 GMT
Melodica is similar but much simplified. And a lot cheaper!
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Post by borborygmus on Jan 6, 2023 22:16:41 GMT
There is a place for an accordion, and that’s in a decent zydeco or creole band. It’s better if you are listening in Louisiana, but:
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Post by geddarby on Jan 7, 2023 12:25:10 GMT
OK I was somewhat too disparaging in my last post, we all know that most instruments can sound good in the hands of a competent player (even )
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Post by jangarrack on Jan 7, 2023 16:05:39 GMT
Great video borborygmus. I’m familiar and quite partial to some cajun music, but had not heard about zydeco, so had to go explore that one. It was very enlightening and I found an interesting article about it here, Zydeco Crossroads. Here's another track featuring some accordion from the album 'My Name is Buddy' by another favourite of mine, Ry Cooder. For anyone unfamiliar with the album, there's a brief review of it here from the Guardian in 2007.
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