The Accordion Geek Prevails and Proceeds!

For size comparison's sake, that's my iPhone in my BookBook case.

The slow reveal!

Voilá! Red Cream Pearloid Perfection!

So after much debate and almost quitting the instrument for fear of going into it too fast, spending too much, I have upgraded to a more "pro" instrument.

Thanks to Bob Boyd and a vendor that he trusts, John Castiglione of Castiglione Accordions in Warren Michigan, I purchased a vintage but mint condition Castiglione Model 408VC. A 120 bass, 41 Key, 4/2 Reed, 16", Luscious Red and Cream Pearloid beauty that looks a bit more like a vintage 50's hot rod than an accordion.

And boy does it sound good!! Love the pearloid keys, like new bellows and the buttons...oh the buttons! I had no idea how hard that Hohner was to play until I played this! I guess one good thing to be said about the hohner, is that it helped build up some strength! :)

So I'm back to lessons with Bob, following the standard for all accordion students Palmer-Hughes Accordion Book 1.

John at Castiglione Accordions is a very interesting man. He's 2nd or 3rd generation running this store, over 80 years in business! The man knows his accordions! He also took really good care of me. He made sure the C408 was in tip top shape, tuned, and included not only the red italian leather straps that came with it (that were still in good to great condition), he threw in a new set of black extra padded italian leather straps, PLUS a brand new tolex covered case! All for a very modest price, at least in the land of accordions...where prices can be as steep as $8000 +!!