S/H 120 Bass accordion

Subject: S/H 120 Bass accordion
From: English Jon
Date: 22 May 01 - 03:42 AM

Just picked up a Settimio Soprani "Grand".

Its got 4 reed sets in the right, and two in the left, and 4 coupler buttons, giving bass only, bass + concert, musette and musette + bass.

It's all in tune, full working order, bellows good etc, nothing sticks. Casework is black, keys are imitation ivory, grill is possibly aluminium?

It has a label on the back from "Bell Instruments" who I believe were a British firm?

Anybody know anything at all about this box?

Many thanks,

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: S/H 120 Bass accordion
From: wes.w
Date: 22 May 01 - 12:40 PM

EJ - Bells:
Ewell Road, Surbiton,Surrey
Might still be there!

Subject: RE: Help: S/H 120 Bass accordion
From: bill\sables
Date: 22 May 01 - 01:12 PM

There was a "Bell Acordions"in Newton Aycliffe Co Durham. This was in the 60's I got my first melodeon there. A Hohner C/F for £10 second hand. It is still playing very well

Subject: RE: Help: S/H 120 Bass accordion
From: English Jon
Date: 23 May 01 - 05:12 AM

Cheers fellas,

I'll try a search for these two firms. I think it's probably come from surrey, wonder if durham Bell is the same firm?

I've got a hohner C/F. Fabulous box. Loveley feel, but it does go CLACK CLACK CLACK all the time! any way to cure this? I dont really fancy taking the keys out of the ends...

EJ

Subject: RE: Help: S/H 120 Bass accordion
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 23 May 01 - 07:01 AM

It's the Law, Jon!

Subject: RE: Help: S/H 120 Bass accordion
From: wes.w
Date: 23 May 01 - 08:30 AM

Not certain, but I think the two Bells were the same. They had two seperate shops in Surbiton, one did accordians, etc and on the opposite side of the road was guitars,drums, etc. You might find them listed as Bell Music rather than Bell Accordions. They were about the biggest in the South East in the 50s/60s.