Wow. This is a Bonvicini accordion console. It's essentially an electric chord organ - but what a fabulous looking beast. This particular specimen appeared on Ebay a while back with a buy it now price of US $790. I would love to have one of these on stage for gigs.
If you've ever heard one of these then please leave a comment and tell us how it sounded.
If you've ever heard one of these then please leave a comment and tell us how it sounded.
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I just found this place, great site!
I've got one of these in my basement recording studio. It was my mother's. Sounds great... very full. You control the volume with a foot pedal. The key action even feels extremely nice. Very cool instrument.
Posted by: Jason | November 16, 2007 at 02:49 AM
Hi,
I have one of these coming to me in the mail. I got it on Ebay. If you can't find it in their archives ( only go back a couple of weeks..used to go way way back,incidentally is there a site that keeps all of ebays's auctions from farther back? I'd like to know)
Anyway, if you can't see it in completed listings, then my name is paulj0557 if you go to my ratings page on Ebay and click on my feedback. I haven't got one yet since I just bought it 12/07. ANEEEWAY,,,sorry about the ramble, but these keyboards are so rare I have only seen 2 or 3 online, yet one person said they paid 1,000 dollars for one in the 1950's-60's.(wow!) and they said they were "common". Hmm' maybe in his town they made the darn organ and all his buddies bought all of them and that's how he thinks they're popular??Because they certainly are not popular anywhere else that I know of. I'll post some pictures as soon as it arrives in a few days. I paid for it around 12/15 and it's 12/21 now. It's the Holiday and so the U.S. mail is slower... So this one I bought looks just like the one pictured here on this page except no cool insignia and a few of the buttons have fallen into the organ ( I sure hope they are still in there rattling around. It has 2 cases, one for the top and one for the bottom- the two foot rests fold on swing hinges.and the pedal peg flips down like a motorcycle's kick start.
I think that because these are so rare that anyone who has one should take some good pictures and even some sound samples. I know I will. Maybe it will be my first Youtube flick.
I got it for a whopping $28! The shipping from Florida to Columbus Ohio cost $43 going parcel post. Come to think of it I bought a red Honer Melodica ( mouth organ with the piano keys) on Ebay for $8 in 1996-7? It was the very first month of Ebay- in fact I think it was the 2nd week! My sister kicks herself over being the exact 4,000th Ebayer and didn't buy stock. I know she singlehandedly got about 30 of us checking it out. I thought it would be a flop since you had to load pictures overnight, and buy a scanner...little did I know. As far as trusting the transaction, I had just a week earlier swapped via the mail sight unseen, but from 1 phone call and a classified ad , a complete Dynaco Stereo 70, Dynaco preamp, and Dynaco tuner for a Vox Bass. I think he got the better deal, but it was a smooth transaction and all arrived intact as described. I later evened it out trading the Vox for a Fender Mustang, which then was listed in a local trader magazine to my soon to be band mate and friend. Heck, my son wouldn't even be here if it was not for meeting my wife when I went on a housecall to repair an Orange amp head. So, ebay is great, but don't forget your local connections too.
Sorry, I got off track about accordions. Does having an 'accordion brain' count?
Posted by: Paul | December 22, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Hi Paul,
Do let us know when your instrument arrives. I'm sure we'd all love to see some piccies and a YouTube video.
Posted by: Squeezyboy | December 23, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Read your article re: th Bonvicini Accordion. Earnest Bonvicini lived in Denver Co. and developed the T shaped Accordion and sold many of them in Denver. I took accordion lessens from him in the 50's and own the electric "T shape" accordion. It was developed to sit behind and play . It is less tiring. Any one need info on it , let me know.
Posted by: Jack Armstrong | March 30, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Thanks for the info Jack.
Posted by: Squeezyboy | April 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Hi,
My dad invented the electricord in the late forties with a guy named Diego Gobi in Italy. My dad held the patent and sales rights till the earlie sixties in U.S. It was my fathers idea but with the help of Diego, it bacame a partnership. I have three of the original, or what you see in this picture. Since this design, there have been other more modern ones produced... they look more like a keybord with an accordion left hand and all electronic. These were made very close to the Farfisa factory in Italy, so technoligies overlapped.
The "L" on the accordion is for Lorenzo...my grandfather's name and my name.
I have palyed the accordion since I was a little boy...I have 17 accordions. Along with cagun...bluegrass...zydeco...beatles...pop...classical, I play accordion songs like, "Pietros Return", "Dizzy Fingers", "Tico Tico" and a bunch more. I have an especially cool "Limex MIDI" outfit on one of my prized Bonvicini Accordions. Talk about about COOL! This accordion will not only play by it self... but it actually restoreith my faith... as my father used to say...that, "the accordion is commin' back!" I beleive him...if I made the committment...which it would take...I could do it. I currently play with a classic rock cover band....I have a 76 key Rolland Juno stage keybord........sorry Dad.
Posted by: lorenzo bonvicini | October 09, 2008 at 06:31 AM
Wow, brilliant to hear from you Lorenzo.
Do you have any photos of any of the more modern ones, or your Bonvicini accordion ?
We'd love to see them.
All the best,
Squeezyboy
Posted by: Squeezyboy | October 09, 2008 at 08:52 PM
i have one of these for sale for a fried of mine.her dad bought it new.it is mint in box with origina paperwork. please e-mail with any questions,i will get pics soon,dan
[email protected]
Posted by: bookum | February 20, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Some more pics would be great, thanks.
Posted by: Squeezyboy | February 20, 2009 at 02:34 PM
I have two Bonvicini (sitdown) accordions I would like to sell. They have been in the family for a long time (over 50 years). I can send photos - or . . . 2-3 days to respond.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Ferketich | March 08, 2009 at 12:56 AM
I have a bonivcini special a bueatiful perfect condion accodian. would sell for right price. david 702-610-6594
Posted by: david | October 09, 2009 at 06:05 PM
I just found one in excellent condition here in Denver. This is an awesome sounding instrument!
Posted by: Josh | November 16, 2009 at 05:30 AM
Hi, My husband inhereited his mother's L. Bonvicini Accordion. We don't know much about it other than it has a label inside the accordion box. Grandpa and her played the accordion while she lived in Colorado but we don't know a thing about this instrument. It's is great condition and would like to know where I can find out more about it. Could any on direct me? Thanks, Pat
Posted by: Pat Olofson | March 18, 2010 at 05:56 PM
Hi,
I would like to buy your Bonvincini accordion. Please contact me at Screenery[AT]gmail[DOT]com.
- Mitch
Posted by: Mitch | March 22, 2010 at 12:31 AM
Hello, My Sister who is now 89 played one for years. She and her husband had a band and they played all over Mn.&N.D. and other places too. Then one night they were playing for a dance somewhere and it burned up on stage. But it was a beautiful sounding instrument. She loved it because she was 5'2" and didn't have to hold the big accordian anymore. She taught and played piano also. She still loves the music. She is now in a Nursing home but if someone is playing music she just claps and smiles and is so happy. It was her life. She now has demitia and can't remember much but she still loves the music. I still have the original picture of it that she wrote on that says Mine was Gray....
Posted by: Bonnie Heaton | June 28, 2010 at 07:15 AM
Looking for a Bonvincini Accordion Heavy Rhinestone trim , is Black in color has a treble shift configuration that looks like a small keyboard. Was mfg 1949/1950 or there about. Is tone chamber in the treble section, Model was known as " VELVET TONE "
OWNED ONE IN 1950, WHISH i HAD IT BACK.
Posted by: Al Antonio | November 05, 2010 at 09:17 PM
Very intrested in the Bonvincini Velet Tone.
Please contact me about location of the accordion and your price to sell.
Posted by: Al Antonio | November 16, 2010 at 02:39 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCX3vsl39Ag
Posted by: Aaron Seeman | January 12, 2011 at 10:18 PM
We just got one of these in our antiques mall. Condition is excellent. If you are interested, please contact us at: [email protected]
Posted by: Scott Davis | February 06, 2011 at 04:35 AM
Hi:
I just found one of them things on a auction site
http://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=2590&aid=35375&lid=9897519#4
The current big is 31 dollars
Good luck
ED Ritchy
Posted by: Ed Ritchy | March 11, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Hello - I am looking for a console accordion in good condition. If you might have one to sell - please contact me. [email protected]
Posted by: Nell | July 04, 2011 at 01:44 PM
If you might have one to sell - please contact me. [email protected]
Posted by: nike air max 90 | August 13, 2011 at 02:01 AM
I am looking for information concerning the "blower" for the Bonvicini (or Bonvicini-type) console accordion. Please tell me the blower rating from information that may be found on the blower:
1. Cubic feet per minute (cfm or scfm) or per hour (e.g., cfh)
2. The pressure in inches of water (w.c.) or ounces per square inch (o.s.i.)
Any other information that might help me design and build such an instrument would also be appreciated.
Posted by: Harold | August 23, 2011 at 05:56 PM
At youtube channel: 'gormonsky' you will find man playing a similar instrument in accordion museum in Italy. Also, he also playing Arabic music.
Posted by: L Armond | September 12, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I'm interested in buying a pianaccord. Please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!
Posted by: Jimmy Fedor | January 08, 2012 at 08:04 PM