Galanti 1948
uploaded by Al Q“Tried the rest? Now try the Best!” I love this vintage (circa 1948) Galanti Accordion ad. With a name like “Super Dominator”, you could take on anything with this accordion. A Pietro Frosini solo? No problem. A vicious street gang? I’m not worried — I’ve got my “Super Dominator”!
Galanti Accordions was founded by Antonio Galanti in the late 19th century in Mondaino, Italy. His sons Domenico, Egidio and Robusto carried on their father’s work, building an accordion factory (”Fratelli Galanti”), and then later bringing the accordions to America (hence the “R. Galanti and Bro., Inc, New York” on the ad). According to this history, as musical tastes changed, the company turned their focus to electronic instruments (organs, even electric guitars) in the late 1950s.
20 Comments:
are galanti accordions worth anything?
by gilbert on April 23rd, 2007
Depends on the age, model, and condition. I’ve seen some Galanti accordions on eBay that still appear to be in excellent condition (I haven’t played them myself, though).
by Chris on April 24th, 2007
Hallo,
I’m writing from Mondaino (Italy), the small village where the accordion was made.
Galanti made accordions from 1923 to 1969. The Super Dominator was the best of the production at the end of 1940 and at the start of 1950.
I have also a brochure (english) with a description of the accordion, in you send me your e-mail I can send you the photo.
The Galanti Super Dominator was the best accordion of the world at the end of 1940.
Regards.
Alberto
by alberto giorgi on June 8th, 2007
I have a Galanti Brothers Aristocrat accordian that was my aunts when she was a young child. she is 87 now. she used to play it at weddings with my uncle and mother (played violin). We have it in its original case. It is very handsum with a jewel inlay. We are interested in its worth. We have found little info on it and only one similar on ebay. Ant input is appreciated.
by Cindy Amato on July 9th, 2007
Cindy, it’s tough to judge an accordion’s worth without playing it. Most accordions don’t age well, though there are exceptions — particularly if they’re well taken care of. I’d recommend taking it to a local accordion shop (if there’s one in your area) and having them do an appraisal.
by Chris on July 9th, 2007
I was cleaning out an old home and I found an old Accordian. has a Galanti & Bros. tag on the velvet case. It has Mother of Pearl all over it. do you have have any contact info for someone who could tell me how much it is worth? Thanks Paul
by Paul Tripi on September 12th, 2007
The best place to get an accurate appraisal would be at a local accordion shop or club. Where do you live?
by Chris on September 12th, 2007
I have a galanti accordian but i’m not sure of it’s age. I think it’s about 70 years old.How do I find out it’s age? Any help would be appreciated.Thank you .
bernie davis
by bernie davis on September 26th, 2007
I had 2 galanti accordions growing up, they used to belong to my cousin. both were stolen from my home 2 years ago. I tried biddin on one that was same model as one i lost and my system went down and i was over bid. My personal opinion of Galanti is that they were the best accordions made at that time. Mine had had some reeds replaced back in 1972 and it still played like brand new before i lost it. My accordions were in excellent condition.
I am looking to buy at least 1 Galanti accordian.
if anyone still has any, please email me a picture of what you have and what you are looking for for it. if you’re not sure, i will make you an honest offer.
thanks,
Rick
by rick on November 13th, 2007
could you tell me where i could get a motherof pearl (all over) accordion valued.its in excellent condition,thats all i know
by elaine fitzner on November 29th, 2007
Elaine, I’m not sure where you live, but your best bet is to find the nearest accordion shop. A good accordion repairperson should be able to give you an honest appraisal.
by Chris on December 2nd, 2007
I have a Galante; 120 bass 41 keys. 5 treble and 2 bass couplers for sale. In good worki order, reed valves replaced where necessary about 2 months ago.
Looking for £400.
Dave.
by David Bowman on December 29th, 2007
i have similar problem.galanti accordion,which my late father played from the, fifties upwards ,and would like to find value..cant find any accordian specialists localy…newcastle on tyne..any help or advice or nearest specialist would be gratefull…..thanks
by derek slater on February 18th, 2008
My dad has a Galanti Accordion that is approx. 70 years old. 4 stops on the keyboard, 36 keys, 2 stops with 120 push buttons on the accompaniment, ivroy in color. Any ballbark figure as to what it may be worth?
by Holly Dell'Aquila on April 13th, 2008
I recently found a Galanti Accordion that I think was dumped by burgerlers thinking it was not going to be worth anything or perhaps it was too unusual to be sold locally by them. Anyway I know nothing about accordions except it has 120 buttons on one side, the strap is very worn and held together with a shoelace, it has beautiful decoration on it like rhinestones and the word GALANTI is written in these also, it is black in colour and it weighs a ton!
by Leigh John on May 25th, 2008
i recently purchased a “Favoright” accordion, but am unable to find any evidence that such a brand ever existed. It was allegedly made in the 40’s. anyone know anything about them?
by Zach on July 23rd, 2008
I have a accordian purchased in the 1950s. On the back it reads Francini made in Italy with these numbers C55136 and B53885 It is in mint condition and so is the case. It is all white mother of pearl just beautiful. any idea of the value of this accordian for insurance purposes?
by edith on August 2nd, 2008
Hi edith. Did you ever get any information on the Francini accordion? I have been unsuccessful in tracking down any info re a Francini accordion. thanks much!
by Cathy on August 13th, 2008
I have a Galanti accordion that I cant seem to get a consistent appraisal for. Its in good condition, looks beautiful, but has one sticky key. It is dated in the late 40’s. the keys are yellowing, but it plays nicely. Both accordion shops are very eager to buy it, but also claim its worth is only $75 and $100… Is my naivety of the instrument being taken advantage of here? Please email if you have any advice! Open to interested buyers as well!
by Michelle on November 6th, 2008
Michelle,
That valuation sounds a little low, but without having seen or played it, it’s tough to say for sure. Unfortunately, old accordions generally don’t age well. Check out this piece on researching old accordions — it pretty well sums up the advice I would give:
http://www.accordionlinks.com/worth.html
by Chris on November 9th, 2008