Are there any box players that have a favourite box? I play a b/c saltarelle and have had a go on a castagnari which I thought was great with the extra octave option. I like the fuller 'wet' sound of a hohner too for a change though I like my existing box...?!
I play a cairdin mini deluxe and love it. I like the size of it and find it has a nice weight. I bought it on advice from a friend of a friend and am glad i listened to them. I have more than my share of negative comments on other boxes, but I'll leave that for later
I like my Saltarelle Irish Bouebe, B/C. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles (or stops), but as a novice box player, it suits me just fine. And it is nice and light compared to some of the boxes that have more reeds and stops.
Bertrand Gaillard.I'm a big fan. I used to own a Saltarelle Bouebe and a Shamrock and I also have a Castagnari, which must be feeling horribly neglected these days.
I also recommend Petosa for a melodeon (in C).
I love my DaVinci piano box. It is very comfortable to play.
But it has 120 basses, so I want to buy in future a smaller one, perfect to ITM.
What size of accordion is the best for ITM ?
What sound do you prefer for old TRADITIONAL music, wet or rather dry ?
Best box I ever heard was purchased around 1980 by a friend of mine in Aberdeenshire Alan Clark, who now lives in Shetland, making Electric Fiddles, last I heard.
Alan is also a great Accordion & Double Bass player.
Anyway I digress ( unusual that eh? ), his box was made by a Dave ? who lived in England I believe. Sorry just can't remember his 2nd name but this box had the warmest, richest sound I ever heard.
I think perhaps Dermot Byrne plays one of his boxes?
Sorry, that's the best I can do. Don't suppose it's much help to you.
Why did you ask?
I have a saltarelle Conamara II - I value the having the extra half row & basses but the bellows action is quite slow. Of course it could just be me who's too slow; the shop where I bought it insists it's meant to be like that. I'm a bit annoyed with myself because the Bouebe I had before that was better. I don't think I'd pre-order one again without trying it out.
I prefer dry tuning! I know that sounds a bit wimpy. Wasn't wet tuning designed so the sound could 'cut through' crowds? Not so friendly for little sessions, or neighbours & stuff.
I once had a little go on an electronic Streb & it was such fun!
I agree with Al that swing is a good compromise. My Bouebe was dry tuned, and it left me wanting. BTW, if I had to buy a Saltarelle again, it would definitely be a Lorelei (and I've tried a bunch of models). Great sound.
Anybody out there who owns a Peter Hyde (Australian)?
Aye Alan moved back to Ladybank in Fife over a year ago. His box that Ptarmigan mentioned, was made by Dougie Briggs. There are only a dozen or so in existence I believe. Beautiful box.
I had a loan of Dermot Byrnes 2v Briggs for a couple of weeks a few yrs ago,and the only thing I can criticise it for is it's lack of dynamic range.
Other than that,it's a scarey piece of work,action like you've never experienced before,and each note sings before you've even hit the button.
when it was my turn to have one made
I had to tell Dougie to put me on standby because
I hadn't got 3.5sterling to part with at the time,and
because I'd ordered a gaillard just before he got back making boxes.
I play the 3v Gaillard still.
I re-adjusted the action and key height and it's a wonderful machine. Good even response throughout,and lovely tone.
It's one of the few that's dry tuned,as he's not a fan of having his boxes dry tuned,so I did it myself for the craic
'Anybody out there who owns a Peter Hyde (Australian)?'
I don't own one myself but I know he makes excellent boxes with lightening fast action and very sweet tone. A friend of mine has one and loves it. I believe Sharon Shannon is also a fan and has acquired at least a couple of his instruments.
I'm very happy with my 3v Serenellini, although I have the odd day where dry tuning isn't enough. I still get out the old Hohner Black Dot once in a while - it's got a nice gentle sound, although the keyboard makes me crazy.
All that aside, I love the sound Johnny McCarthy gets out of his Cairdin on the "Solo Run" cd. That's just about my favorite box right there.
Same As Peter ,I have A 3 Voice Doug Briggs with 12 Bass ,it is a super action box ,great with the 3 voice and a slide coupler at the back ,changes it from 3 v to 2 v ,saw the hyde that Sharon has ,not my cup of tea .hard to make it play .Martin
I hadn't realised that there were so many different makes of boxes out there...I've never heard of a Doug Briggs. I'll look it up on the internet. Are they heavy? 3.5. sterling I suppose is three thousand five hundred pounds...an arm and a leg...would only have one arm to play it with after.....Doug Briggs doesn't sound Italian made...unless Briggs is short for.....?! Thanks for all the help with the different boxes. Looks like I'll have to do a lot more searching and trying different boxes out before trying to fork out the pounds for a second box which is my dream!
Okay, not a box, but I like the sound of my Hohner Bravo III 72-bass piano accordion, and the size is great for sessions, much better than the 120-bass monster I used to haul. Hohner calls it a "continental" tuning, which is MM slightly wet, and I really like it. Sensitivity on bellows pressure allows you to fit it into a session, but if it's a REALLY small group, I drop to just one M reed.
I play a Cairdin mini Deluxe B/C tuned, 2 voices, and I love him. The sound is great and the action on the keyboard is fantastic. Now I'k looking for a three voices, I'd like a Bertrand Gaillard...
CAstagnari Tommy D/G - cherrywood. without doubt the best sounding box ever. I have played all of the Saltarelle range and was an avid fan until I picked up a tommy, I just had to buy it, the sound is gorgeous
i play a 4voice cairdin button box...i love it
they r pricey but so so so so worth every single penny
i had bin searchin years 4 that perfect box
and as soon as i picked the cairdin up i knew it felt rite...he's my babee :D
my michae searson (the maker) is a truely lovly guy and incredable box player...my hero
along with damian mullane...i study that guy
I think that there's nothing better to play than a Briggs. Having been lucky enough to get one made, I couldn't be happier with it. The action on the keyboard is the best I've ever come across and the attention to detail all round makes for a stunning box. If anybody's thinking of getting one, prepare to settle in for a long wait. However long it is though, you will find it worth it.
Question, between Briggs, Gaillard, Cairdin, Castagnari - obviously no single right answer; but looking for a box that will be as light or lighter than the Tommy I currently play, but with a flat keyboard this time. Played Benny McCarthy's Gaillard briefly, thought it was amazing; reading great words re Briggs above, but it stuck in my head they are substantially heavier?
Favourite box
Favourite box
Are there any box players that have a favourite box? I play a b/c saltarelle and have had a go on a castagnari which I thought was great with the extra octave option. I like the fuller 'wet' sound of a hohner too for a change though I like my existing box...?!
# Posted on August 28th 2005 by wendyann
Re: Favourite box
I play a cairdin mini deluxe and love it. I like the size of it and find it has a nice weight. I bought it on advice from a friend of a friend and am glad i listened to them. I have more than my share of negative comments on other boxes, but I'll leave that for later
# Posted on August 28th 2005 by codger
Re: Favourite box
I love my Dancemaster.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Zazzaliss
Re: Favourite box
Isn't that a line from 'Grease'?
Or was it 'Greece'?
Sorry, still thinking of my dyslexic fiend!
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Favourite box
I like my Saltarelle Irish Bouebe, B/C. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles (or stops), but as a novice box player, it suits me just fine. And it is nice and light compared to some of the boxes that have more reeds and stops.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Favourite box
Bertrand Gaillard.I'm a big fan. I used to own a Saltarelle Bouebe and a Shamrock and I also have a Castagnari, which must be feeling horribly neglected these days.
I also recommend Petosa for a melodeon (in C).
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by pennhorse
Re: Favourite box
Same as AlBrown, for all the same reasons. Except mine's a C#D.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by greg.box
Re: Favourite box
I love my DaVinci piano box. It is very comfortable to play.
But it has 120 basses, so I want to buy in future a smaller one, perfect to ITM.
What size of accordion is the best for ITM ?
What sound do you prefer for old TRADITIONAL music, wet or rather dry ?
Greg
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Tubular_bell
Re: Favourite box
Wet or dry - for me it depends who's playin it.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by kris
Re: Favourite box
Best box I ever heard was purchased around 1980 by a friend of mine in Aberdeenshire Alan Clark, who now lives in Shetland, making Electric Fiddles, last I heard.
Alan is also a great Accordion & Double Bass player.
Anyway I digress ( unusual that eh? ), his box was made by a Dave ? who lived in England I believe. Sorry just can't remember his 2nd name but this box had the warmest, richest sound I ever heard.
I think perhaps Dermot Byrne plays one of his boxes?
Sorry, that's the best I can do. Don't suppose it's much help to you.
Why did you ask?
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Favourite box
Wet or dry - for me it depends who's drinkin' it.
"That old wine drinker - me"
Ah, didn't you just love those old crooner's?
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Favourite box
Dick, I'm sure I heard rumours that Alan Clark is back in Fife.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by On Sabbatical
Re: Favourite box
I have a saltarelle Conamara II - I value the having the extra half row & basses but the bellows action is quite slow. Of course it could just be me who's too slow; the shop where I bought it insists it's meant to be like that. I'm a bit annoyed with myself because the Bouebe I had before that was better. I don't think I'd pre-order one again without trying it out.
Oakwoods seem really nice (long waiting list though) & Cairdin boxes too.
I prefer dry tuning! I know that sounds a bit wimpy. Wasn't wet tuning designed so the sound could 'cut through' crowds? Not so friendly for little sessions, or neighbours & stuff.
I once had a little go on an electronic Streb & it was such fun!
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by S1obhan
Re: Favourite box
Interesting Ron P!
So they let him back into Scotland!
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Favourite box
On the wet/dry debate - I'd say dry every time.
Surely when you get really wet, you get that awful french cafe sound -yuk!
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Favourite box
Just to add one more to the list...I love my Mengascini B/C in cherry wood.
I've tried a couple of Castagnaris, but didn't like them as much.
I suppose you tend to love the one you know best.
Eno
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by bc_box_player
Re: Favourite box
"Interesting Ron P!
So they let him back into Scotland! "
Yip, not sure what he did to be deported from Shetland!
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by On Sabbatical
Re: Favourite box
I vote for swing tuning--wet enough to keep things interesting, but not too much.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Favourite box
My favorites are Shand Morino and Marinucci, both 120 bass PA, both have a bit of wet and a bit of dry tuning.
(Also useful as sandpaper)
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by geoffwright
Re: Favourite box
I agree with Al that swing is a good compromise. My Bouebe was dry tuned, and it left me wanting. BTW, if I had to buy a Saltarelle again, it would definitely be a Lorelei (and I've tried a bunch of models). Great sound.
Anybody out there who owns a Peter Hyde (Australian)?
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by pennhorse
Re: Favourite box
Aye Alan moved back to Ladybank in Fife over a year ago. His box that Ptarmigan mentioned, was made by Dougie Briggs. There are only a dozen or so in existence I believe. Beautiful box.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by TomR
Re: Favourite box
Hey thanks for that TomR.
Shetland's loss is Ladybank's gain.
A Dougie Briggs!
Well I got one letter right - not bad for a doddering old fool!
But I do remember it sounded just sublime.
You could almost taste the tone it was that good, you know that kind of a way!
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Favourite box
I had a loan of Dermot Byrnes 2v Briggs for a couple of weeks a few yrs ago,and the only thing I can criticise it for is it's lack of dynamic range.
Other than that,it's a scarey piece of work,action like you've never experienced before,and each note sings before you've even hit the button.
when it was my turn to have one made
I had to tell Dougie to put me on standby because
I hadn't got 3.5sterling to part with at the time,and
because I'd ordered a gaillard just before he got back making boxes.
I play the 3v Gaillard still.
I re-adjusted the action and key height and it's a wonderful machine. Good even response throughout,and lovely tone.
It's one of the few that's dry tuned,as he's not a fan of having his boxes dry tuned,so I did it myself for the craic
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by P.browne
Re: Favourite box
'Anybody out there who owns a Peter Hyde (Australian)?'
I don't own one myself but I know he makes excellent boxes with lightening fast action and very sweet tone. A friend of mine has one and loves it. I believe Sharon Shannon is also a fan and has acquired at least a couple of his instruments.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by greg.box
Re: Favourite box
I'm very happy with my 3v Serenellini, although I have the odd day where dry tuning isn't enough. I still get out the old Hohner Black Dot once in a while - it's got a nice gentle sound, although the keyboard makes me crazy.
All that aside, I love the sound Johnny McCarthy gets out of his Cairdin on the "Solo Run" cd. That's just about my favorite box right there.
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Gzeg
Re: Favourite box
Same As Peter ,I have A 3 Voice Doug Briggs with 12 Bass ,it is a super action box ,great with the 3 voice and a slide coupler at the back ,changes it from 3 v to 2 v ,saw the hyde that Sharon has ,not my cup of tea .hard to make it play .Martin
# Posted on August 29th 2005 by Martin Donohoe
Re: Favourite box
I hadn't realised that there were so many different makes of boxes out there...I've never heard of a Doug Briggs. I'll look it up on the internet. Are they heavy? 3.5. sterling I suppose is three thousand five hundred pounds...an arm and a leg...would only have one arm to play it with after.....Doug Briggs doesn't sound Italian made...unless Briggs is short for.....?! Thanks for all the help with the different boxes. Looks like I'll have to do a lot more searching and trying different boxes out before trying to fork out the pounds for a second box which is my dream!
# Posted on August 30th 2005 by wendyann
Re: Favourite box
brigg are definetely the best if you have the money for one,other wise c#d hohner black box is the only job
# Posted on August 30th 2005 by fused
Re: Favourite box
Okay, not a box, but I like the sound of my Hohner Bravo III 72-bass piano accordion, and the size is great for sessions, much better than the 120-bass monster I used to haul. Hohner calls it a "continental" tuning, which is MM slightly wet, and I really like it. Sensitivity on bellows pressure allows you to fit it into a session, but if it's a REALLY small group, I drop to just one M reed.
# Posted on September 2nd 2005 by N9YTY
Re: Favourite box
I play a Cairdin mini Deluxe B/C tuned, 2 voices, and I love him. The sound is great and the action on the keyboard is fantastic. Now I'k looking for a three voices, I'd like a Bertrand Gaillard...
# Posted on September 4th 2005 by Paolcer
Re: Favourite box
CAstagnari Tommy D/G - cherrywood. without doubt the best sounding box ever. I have played all of the Saltarelle range and was an avid fan until I picked up a tommy, I just had to buy it, the sound is gorgeous
# Posted on September 5th 2005 by randyrich
Re: Favourite box
i play a 4voice cairdin button box...i love it
they r pricey but so so so so worth every single penny
i had bin searchin years 4 that perfect box
and as soon as i picked the cairdin up i knew it felt rite...he's my babee :D
my michae searson (the maker) is a truely lovly guy and incredable box player...my hero
along with damian mullane...i study that guy
# Posted on March 10th 2006 by lacylu11
Re: Favourite box
I think that there's nothing better to play than a Briggs. Having been lucky enough to get one made, I couldn't be happier with it. The action on the keyboard is the best I've ever come across and the attention to detail all round makes for a stunning box. If anybody's thinking of getting one, prepare to settle in for a long wait. However long it is though, you will find it worth it.
# Posted on May 6th 2006 by ButtonBoxer
Re: Favourite box
Question, between Briggs, Gaillard, Cairdin, Castagnari - obviously no single right answer; but looking for a box that will be as light or lighter than the Tommy I currently play, but with a flat keyboard this time. Played Benny McCarthy's Gaillard briefly, thought it was amazing; reading great words re Briggs above, but it stuck in my head they are substantially heavier?
# Posted on May 31st 2006 by ggrene
Re: Favourite box
Also, does anyone play a Maugein, and have any words of enthusiasm or otherwise?
# Posted on May 31st 2006 by ggrene
Re: Favourite box
I'm fairly sure Briggs doesn't have a website, and with a waiting list like his, I don't think he needs one!
# Posted on June 6th 2006 by ButtonBoxer
Re: Favourite box
The good old Paolo Soprani. Nuff said.
# Posted on September 21st 2006 by pop
Re: Favourite box
Damien Mullane plays a Briggs. He waited a hundred years for it but apparently it was worth it. Having heard quite a bit of it I wouldn't argue.
# Posted on September 21st 2006 by Conán McDonnell