The Legendary SONOLA SS20 Accordion
I love
Sonola accordions in each class. They have consistent high quality, very
responsive reeds, robust mechanics, and memorable tone. The SS20 is the
flagship model. This instrument is part of the famous Sonola Symphony
Hall Series and features fantastic hand-made reeds, Sonola's
proprietary "resovox" oversized tone chamber, wooden Tone Modulator,
body carved of specially selected aged mahogany, and full size
professional keyboard. The tone is mellow yet powerful and rich
in overtones. Playing and listening to the sound of this accordion
is a treat for the performer and the audience.
This
particular accordion is a rare custom built instrument with LMMM reed
configuration with "asymmetric" musette tuning, meaning you can have
different types of tremolo depending on which switch you select. The
excellent compression combined with the air efficient reeds and perfect
balance allows for a very dynamic and expressive performance. The
instrument has been serviced at the Accordion Gallery and is offered
with a full year warranty.
- Custom-Made in Italy, SN S4484
- Excellent "Symphony Hall" hand-made
reeds
- 4 sets of treble reeds - LM1M2M3
- Custom-tuned for concert and rich
musette sounds (M2 only about 2 cents
flat and M3 about 20 cents sharp)
- Double Tone Chamber (LM1)
- 41 keys, full-size keyboard
made of finest American walnut, separate rods for black and white keys,
smooth key top edges make it perfect for any type of music; serviced in
November 2025
- 10 treble switches: Basson (L), Musette
(M2M3), Violin (M1M3), Polka (MMM), Clarinet (M1), Bandoneon
(LM1), Oboe (M1M2), Accordion (LM1M3),
Melodion (LM2M3), and Harmonium (LM2). The switches in blue
correspond to musette sounds. Even though the M2M3 and M1M3 reed
combinations have almost the same tremolo speed they have a different
tonal character. The M2M3 sounds brighter because both sets of
reeds are outside the chamber in addition to the few more cents spread
in tuning. The sound samples should be helpful in getting full
appreciation of this type of tuning.
- Palm Master (LMMM)
- Tone Modulator - doubles the
amount of treble sounds - close it for warmer tone or open it for
brighter more open sound projection. The microphones enhance the effect.
- 120 bass
- 9 different bass switches
- Stereo Amplified - tested and
works fine
- Clean bellows with plenty of volume, optimized for the reed
configuration and body size
- Excellent compression
- Bellows protector
- Very clean accordion
- New Italian straps
- ~27 lb
- Solid hard shell case with internal padding and a cover to protect the
keyboard from the shoulder straps buckles
Here
is a link to a shared MP3 sound demo of this accordion (headphones
recommended): Sonola SS20 SOUND
SAMPLES
This Sonola
SS20 accordion has the "thick" rich tone that can be found in very few
accordions, among them the 1960's Scandalli Super VI and 1970-80's
Guerrini Superior 2. This is one of the best accordions I have played.
Call 973-219-9259 with any questions or
to schedule your visit to the Accordion Gallery.
The microphones are
suspended under the Tone Modulator.
This method enhances
the acoustic effect of the tone modulator while minimizes the noise from
changing treble switches.
Very resonant brass
sound boards
New felt
in the key bed
Keyboard serviced in November 2025. The
action is great, no side play or clicking.
The
keyboard is made of American walnut. All valves are made of natural
white felt and are in excellent condition.
The bass
machine was cleaned and lubricated. You can see the two bass
microphones.
The
body is crafted from solid mahogany. The
extended space under the keyboard is one of the many secrets to the
Sonola SS series tonal volume and richness.
This
feature was called "Resovox Chamber" in the original Sonola catalogs.
The interior of the instrument is
pristine. All metal parts are corrosion-resistant.
Reeds, wax, leathers - all in excellent
condition.
The
mahogany tone chamber and body along with the "bombate" reed tongues
provide the tonal depth.
The brass
sound boards contribute a ring to the tone.
The
result is harmonic richness that you can find in very few accordions.
The bass side...
The paper
bag contains hygroscopic crystals that absorb excessive moisture and
regulates the internal humidity.
The
accordion comes with a good hard case wit wheels and internal cover for
keyboard protection.
The case
has some exterior wear marks but is solid and clean and will protect the
accordion well.
Call 973-219-9259 with any questions or
to schedule your visit to the Accordion Gallery.
