Hello all -
I searched on google for a Billy McComiskey Student Model box but didn't really find a store or web site that sells them -- does anyone know where or how or if you can still purchase these starter boxes?
Backer has provided you the link to the makers, Tedrick (I own one of these myself). My advice, however, would be, if possible, to save your money and start out with as high a quality instrument as possible. Myself, I consider my first student model accordion as a regrettable expense, and these less expensive boxes have very low resale value. (But then I know people happy with these boxes, also, so there are two sides to the argument.)
yeah -- I tried that link -- I'm not sure if it's legit though-- the 800 number connects you with some dating service --
whether or not to go pro line with your initial instrument is always a difficult call.... I guess I really need to get down to hobgobblin in Redwing MN (about an hour south of the twin cities) and play a few more instruments....
Oh my God, I just noticed you are near enough Hobgoblin's US annex to pay a visit--by all means do that, they must have lots to choose from. You are lucky to be close to such a broadly stocked musical outlet!
I don't see a problem with student models -- unless they sound like complete crap. If you don't like them, you can always trade it to a friend for another beginner instrument of the same value. You can always use it as a display.
I own a B/C McComiskey student model. It has a couple of notes slightly out of tune and the sound cannot possibly be similar tothat from Castagnary, Saltarelle Soprani or Cairdin, but It is serving well for my purposes. It's correctly tuned, all buttons work well (no buttons get trapped on the keyboard or things alike as it happens in other cheap accordions) and the bellows action is not bad. I was told by a fellow that this box has everything a beginner needs. In my experience I must say now that I agree.
I started playing some months ago. I'm improving my fingering and getting both puzzled and hooked by basses (as a flute player I couldn't produce more than one sound at the same time.) Once I realise the box is preventing me from progressing I'll upgrade, but at the moment, the box has much more to offer than me.
Billy sold all the production (200, I think) in a short time. Anything to be bought should be second or third hand (mine is 3rd hand but it's in a terrific good condition) It was bought at a very good price, otherwise I'd never had a go with this instrument I'm enjoying more and more.
Student instruments are for kids who don't want to play and are being forced to learn by aggressive parents. Then they get stuck in a closet only to be sold at a yard or boot sale.
For what they are (and what they cost) these Learners are nice little accordions. I learned on one and, looking back, paying $400 for an instrument I might have given up was a most worthwhile expenditure. I don't know for whom you're buying an accordion (yourself or a son or daughter, maybe), but if commitment is a question, go with the Learner. Even if you plow through the instrument, it's always handy to have another box lying around in case you want to show somebody a tune.
If you're looking for one because you think they'll be collectable, I know someone who will be very flattered, but coins or baseball cards might be safer options.
It seems inflation has raised the price for the Learners to $450 plus postage (from Baltimore, Maryland), but there are a few left. Let me know and I'll set you up.
where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
Hello all -
I searched on google for a Billy McComiskey Student Model box but didn't really find a store or web site that sells them -- does anyone know where or how or if you can still purchase these starter boxes?
Thanks,
T
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by Tedrick
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
Did you check this out Tedrick?
http://www.american-ingenuity.com/learner/
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by Backer
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
Backer has provided you the link to the makers, Tedrick (I own one of these myself). My advice, however, would be, if possible, to save your money and start out with as high a quality instrument as possible. Myself, I consider my first student model accordion as a regrettable expense, and these less expensive boxes have very low resale value. (But then I know people happy with these boxes, also, so there are two sides to the argument.)
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by AlBrown
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
yeah -- I tried that link -- I'm not sure if it's legit though-- the 800 number connects you with some dating service --
whether or not to go pro line with your initial instrument is always a difficult call.... I guess I really need to get down to hobgobblin in Redwing MN (about an hour south of the twin cities) and play a few more instruments....
Thanks for the help!
T
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by Tedrick
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
Maybe they went under. I know they sounded like a pretty small/shoestring operation when I contacted them a few years ago.
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by AlBrown
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
Oh my God, I just noticed you are near enough Hobgoblin's US annex to pay a visit--by all means do that, they must have lots to choose from. You are lucky to be close to such a broadly stocked musical outlet!
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by AlBrown
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
I don't see a problem with student models -- unless they sound like complete crap. If you don't like them, you can always trade it to a friend for another beginner instrument of the same value. You can always use it as a display.
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by TheBloodyIrish
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
I own a B/C McComiskey student model. It has a couple of notes slightly out of tune and the sound cannot possibly be similar tothat from Castagnary, Saltarelle Soprani or Cairdin, but It is serving well for my purposes. It's correctly tuned, all buttons work well (no buttons get trapped on the keyboard or things alike as it happens in other cheap accordions) and the bellows action is not bad. I was told by a fellow that this box has everything a beginner needs. In my experience I must say now that I agree.
I started playing some months ago. I'm improving my fingering and getting both puzzled and hooked by basses (as a flute player I couldn't produce more than one sound at the same time.) Once I realise the box is preventing me from progressing I'll upgrade, but at the moment, the box has much more to offer than me.
Billy sold all the production (200, I think) in a short time. Anything to be bought should be second or third hand (mine is 3rd hand but it's in a terrific good condition) It was bought at a very good price, otherwise I'd never had a go with this instrument I'm enjoying more and more.
Rgds
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by sylvester
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
buy a real box.
Student instruments are for kids who don't want to play and are being forced to learn by aggressive parents. Then they get stuck in a closet only to be sold at a yard or boot sale.
# Posted on April 5th 2007 by zippydw
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
For what they are (and what they cost) these Learners are nice little accordions. I learned on one and, looking back, paying $400 for an instrument I might have given up was a most worthwhile expenditure. I don't know for whom you're buying an accordion (yourself or a son or daughter, maybe), but if commitment is a question, go with the Learner. Even if you plow through the instrument, it's always handy to have another box lying around in case you want to show somebody a tune.
If you're looking for one because you think they'll be collectable, I know someone who will be very flattered, but coins or baseball cards might be safer options.
Do you want a C#/D or a B and C?
Let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.
# Posted on April 8th 2007 by Peter Brice
Re: where to buy a Billy McComiskey Student Model
It seems inflation has raised the price for the Learners to $450 plus postage (from Baltimore, Maryland), but there are a few left. Let me know and I'll set you up.
# Posted on April 9th 2007 by Peter Brice