While on a family outing (The Giant Flea Market!), I wandered ahead and was taken by surprise at this unique item. It had my attention because of the very old, kind of corny, but cool factor.
As I admired it, being an accordion player in my youth, the seller mentioned a price too good to be true. I did say how much I admired it for pure novelty.
After leaving with out buying it, catching up with my wife and kids, and telling them about it, the shock of shocks happened. My wife insisted I go back and buy it...yes ma'am!
No regrets; what a great sounding instrument.
The Stradolin 40 De Luxe
It has an electric motor running air through reeds. Designed like an accordion the treble sound comes from the top right and the bass comes from the front left. I can't wait to make a stereo recording. There is a lever in the bass section that uncovers an opening allowing extra air to escape to lower the volume. Underneath, are four feet that are threaded to attach legs which were not included. It is made of wood and brass, has 40 bass and 34 treble keys. The bass keys are set like an accordion with counter bass, bass, major, minor, and seventh cords. When the lid closes, a little foot turns off the power switch on the far right.
At first listen, it sounds just like an accordion, but it doesn't take long to hear the affect of the fine wooden cabinet giving it a nice rich sound. It is actually in perfect pitch too!
This will be a nice addition to my collection of studio novelties.
I'm told it's from the early sixties, and is Italian made. This is all I know about it.
I would love to hear more about this wonderful, quirky instrument.
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