I about to buy my first two row diatonic. I’m considering the Irish Dancemaster, now sold out of Florida. He sells the same basic model with various reed upgrades as follows:
MODEL REED TYPE (origin) USA(48 states: DHL Grd) E.U.(w/ Air Post )
STD: Std. Steel reeds (China) Demo models $395+25 S&H insured €395 delivered
DLX-M: Class A 'Macchina' (Italy) $575+ 35 S&H insured €547 delivered
DLX-D: No.1 'DURALL' (Italy) $695+ 40 S&H insured €657 delivered
DLX-TM: 'Tipo A Mano' Type Hand Made $745+ 40 S&H insured €697 delivered
DLX-AM: 'A Mano' Hand Made (Italy) $795 + 45 S&H insured
Here’s my question. Would a rank beginner, with an untrained ear (that would be me) notice the difference in the various reeds, either the sound or playability? I’m leaning towards the DLX-M at this point. Figured I’d skip past the Chinese reeds. Any other thoughts on this box as a beginner instrument, and whether it’s worth the price?
The standard Chinese reeds will almost certainly sound "hissy" - to anybody. I'm not sure what the difference will be between the "Maccina" and "Durall" - different types of steel, maybe - which probably won't make a lot of difference to you.
Please understand that it is not actually the reeds themselves which are handmade - although that's how we commonly refer to them and nobody's trying to deceive you by using this term. What is done by hand or machine is the aligning and riveting of the reed to the reed plate. How tightly the reed fits the slot in the plate - while still being entirely free to move - is the basis of how well it will respond. Putting the valves (leather and/or plastic flaps) is also something of an art, and can affect the sound almost as much. But it's much harder to quantify in a brochure. Fortunately it's also much more possible to change later on.
It's arguable that with computer technology the hand type reeds can actually be superior to the hand made ones.
Sorry, I don't know anything at all about this make of accordion.
Voci Armoniche, an Italian accordion reed maker, has created an excellent illustrated website about accordion reed manufacture. The text defines some of the terms you've encountered.
Those are low prices you've quoted for new accordions. I haven't noticed yet any Dancemaster accordions being played locally or being offered on used instrument sites. Maybe this brand is too new to the market to have circulated widely and developed a quality record. Always a risk there.
I have played my Dancemaster for three years now, and have not regretted the purchase. i simply love it. I am thinking of getting a reed upgrade soon, but I have never felt a better keyboard. The depth of the keys and responsiveness is excellent.
Irish Dancemaster
Irish Dancemaster
I about to buy my first two row diatonic. I’m considering the Irish Dancemaster, now sold out of Florida. He sells the same basic model with various reed upgrades as follows:
MODEL REED TYPE (origin) USA(48 states: DHL Grd) E.U.(w/ Air Post )
STD: Std. Steel reeds (China) Demo models $395+25 S&H insured €395 delivered
DLX-M: Class A 'Macchina' (Italy) $575+ 35 S&H insured €547 delivered
DLX-D: No.1 'DURALL' (Italy) $695+ 40 S&H insured €657 delivered
DLX-TM: 'Tipo A Mano' Type Hand Made $745+ 40 S&H insured €697 delivered
DLX-AM: 'A Mano' Hand Made (Italy) $795 + 45 S&H insured
Here’s my question. Would a rank beginner, with an untrained ear (that would be me) notice the difference in the various reeds, either the sound or playability? I’m leaning towards the DLX-M at this point. Figured I’d skip past the Chinese reeds. Any other thoughts on this box as a beginner instrument, and whether it’s worth the price?
# Posted on June 14th 2005 by Jersey Jeff
Re: Irish Dancemaster
The standard Chinese reeds will almost certainly sound "hissy" - to anybody. I'm not sure what the difference will be between the "Maccina" and "Durall" - different types of steel, maybe - which probably won't make a lot of difference to you.
Please understand that it is not actually the reeds themselves which are handmade - although that's how we commonly refer to them and nobody's trying to deceive you by using this term. What is done by hand or machine is the aligning and riveting of the reed to the reed plate. How tightly the reed fits the slot in the plate - while still being entirely free to move - is the basis of how well it will respond. Putting the valves (leather and/or plastic flaps) is also something of an art, and can affect the sound almost as much. But it's much harder to quantify in a brochure. Fortunately it's also much more possible to change later on.
It's arguable that with computer technology the hand type reeds can actually be superior to the hand made ones.
Sorry, I don't know anything at all about this make of accordion.
Kris
# Posted on June 14th 2005 by kris
Re: Irish Dancemaster
Voci Armoniche, an Italian accordion reed maker, has created an excellent illustrated website about accordion reed manufacture. The text defines some of the terms you've encountered.
http://www.accordions.com/vociarmoniche/en_reed1.htm
Those are low prices you've quoted for new accordions. I haven't noticed yet any Dancemaster accordions being played locally or being offered on used instrument sites. Maybe this brand is too new to the market to have circulated widely and developed a quality record. Always a risk there.
Good luck in whichever you chose.
# Posted on June 14th 2005 by ∅
Re: Irish Dancemaster
I have played my Dancemaster for three years now, and have not regretted the purchase. i simply love it. I am thinking of getting a reed upgrade soon, but I have never felt a better keyboard. The depth of the keys and responsiveness is excellent.
# Posted on June 26th 2007 by father tulane blacktop