Independent Reviews
Manfrini Non Cassotto 37/96 Professional Accordion
"It is a very compact accordion, yet has the volume and reed quality of a
larger instrument, and is thus suitable for anyone looking to downsize
from 120 basses.......
All in all, the Manfrini Folk model has a lot to offer those players of folk,
ethnic or musette music who require an accordion that is compact and not
overly heavy, yet of high professional quality."
Rob Howard
Manfrini Super Musette Professional Accordion
"When playing a new instrument I would need many months to feel at
homewith it, however, as soon as I sat down to play t
he Manfrini it was
as if I had played it all my life and I immediately loved it!
The keys and buttons were not too stiff and a pleasure to play....."
Adrienne Sharpe
Manfrini Non Cassotto 37/96 Full Review
I have been asked to review the Manfrini 'Folk' model, one of a range of hand made accordions made in Camerano, Italy. The Manfrini 'Folk' has 37 piano keys, 4 voices, 96 bass, non-cassotto, and is musette tuned. There are 11 different treble and 5 bass couplers. It is a very compact accordion, yet has the volume and reed quality of a larger instrument, and is thus suitable for anyone looking to downsize from 120 basses. Its compactness is also handy for those who like to travel around music festivals by foot or those who prefer to play standing up.
The name 'Folk'* is a bit of a misnomer as this instrument's sounds suit a wider range than what is usually considered to be folk music. The 'Accord', 'Harmon' and 'Bandon' couplers are great for playing tangos, and the 'Accord' and 'Harmon', which have clarity and 'bite' in their voicings, are similarly effective for playing Irish traditional music. The 'Musette', 'Viola', 'Violin' and 'Brill' couplers suit French musette and other Continental styles. The musette voicing, though tuned sweet rather than shrill to my ears, would be good for playing Scottish dance music. If your interest lies in playing jazz or classical music, the 'Folk' is probably not the instrument – look elsewhere.
Both treble and bass keyboards have fast and smooth playing actions. The treble keyboard begins on bottom F, unlike many 96 bass models, which begin on G. This extra note is very useful, especially if you play in an accordion band/orchestra, where arrangements/compositions are normally written for full size accordions. The basses have a very quiet action and no extraneous noise - especially satisfying when playing solos.
The model I have reviewed is black, with coloured glitter everywhere, so it probably looks showy and attractive from a distance, especially under lights. However, I understand that Manfrini can supply in any colour or appearance preferred.
All in all, the Manfrini 'Folk' model has a lot to offer those players of folk, ethnic or musette music who require an accordion that is compact and not overly heavy, yet of high professional quality.
Rob Howard
* The name Folk has now been removed from our accordions as we also felt the name did not reflect the versitility of this instrument. We also decided it would be best not to replace the name with another allowing for personalisation.
Patrick Jackman
Manfrini Rolston
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Manfrini Super Musette Full Review
When asked to review the Manfrini 'Esperto' Super Musette, it was on the understanding that it is in no way a 'technical' review, as I have no idea what goes on 'under the bonnet'.
My first impression was that it was bigger & heavier than my own 120 bass accordion, but I particularly liked the design of the grille & the cream coloured keys & bass buttons. I was initially worried by the master coupler on the side, as in the past I have had trouble knocking it on by accident with my leg.
When playing a new instrument I would need many months to feel at home with it, however, as soon as I sat down to play the Manfrini it was as if I had played it all my life and I immediately loved it! The keys and buttons were not too stiff and a pleasure to play.
The 11 treble couplers were easy to access & clearly marked – even for someone who wears glasses. Also, because the keyboard is slightly longer, the master coupler was impossible to push by accident & simple to use. I noticed that there was no Piccolo reed, which is no disadvantage to me personally, but in our band it is a rare reed but frequently required.
I would never need 7 bass couplers, but more advanced players would be delighted with them.
The ONLY minus point- I think the accordion is a bit unstable when on the floor - it would only take a slight knock to make it fall backwards.
Overall I loved it & would love to have one. I guess the price will be prohibitive to the average player but it would be value for money.
Adrienne Sharpe
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