Castagnari Marie Nicole III D/G 3-Voice Melodeon – (Preloved)

Used Castagnari Marie Nicole III D/G – Professional 3-Voice Melodeon

The Castagnari Marie Nicole III is a compact professional D/G melodeon with three-voice treble, a low-reed stop, bass thirds stop and Anahata layout. This used example is in good overall condition and combines the refined Castagnari sound with the flexibility serious players expect from a three-voice instrument.

Quick overview

This is a serious three-voice instrument for a player who wants plenty of depth without moving to a much larger melodeon. The low treble reed can be removed using the treble stop, while the bass stop removes the thirds from the chords, giving the player considerably more tonal and harmonic flexibility.

Sound and character

The Marie Nicole has a controlled, slightly drier character than some three-voice instruments, with plenty of depth when all three treble voices are engaged.

The instrument we have here has approximately 3–4 cents of tremolo, giving it movement and warmth without becoming excessively wet.

With the low reed engaged it has the richness expected from a three-voice melodeon. Remove the low reed and the character becomes lighter and more direct.

Our view at Squeezebox Marketplace

Having had the opportunity to put this Marie Nicole alongside other professional three-voice melodeons, it is easy to see why the model appeals to experienced players. It combines traditional Castagnari construction, a refined sound and considerable tonal flexibility in a relatively compact instrument.

Playability and response

The keyboard action is smooth and comfortable, with the traditional wooden mechanism associated with many Castagnari instruments.

The bellows response is very good and the instrument speaks cleanly without needing excessive pressure, allowing plenty of control over phrasing and dynamics.

Bass and control

The eight-bass system is supported by a bass stop which removes the thirds from the chords.

This is particularly useful for modal playing, alternative harmonies and accompaniment where a fixed major or minor third might otherwise restrict your choices.

Instrument scope and capability

The Marie Nicole III gives the player two particularly useful treble characters from one instrument.

• Three voices engaged: rich, full and powerful
• Low reed removed: lighter and more direct

Combined with the removable bass thirds, this makes it considerably more versatile than a straightforward fixed three-voice instrument.

Who is it for?

This instrument would suit an experienced player looking for a long-term professional D/G melodeon, an improving player ready to move beyond a simpler two-voice instrument, or somebody specifically looking for the sound and feel of a traditional Castagnari.

It is equally at home in sessions, dance music, solo playing and performance.

Key features

• Castagnari Marie Nicole III
• D/G tuning
• Anahata layout
• Two rows
• 21 treble buttons
• Eight bass buttons
• Three-voice treble
• Treble stop to remove the low reed
• Bass stop to remove the thirds
• Three-voice bass
• Approx. 3–4 cents tremolo on this instrument
• Traditional wooden action
• Italian made

Specifications

• Maker: Castagnari
• Model: Marie Nicole III
• Key: D/G
• Layout: Anahata
• Treble: 21 buttons, 3 voice
• Bass: 8 buttons, 3 voice
• Treble register: Low-reed stop
• Bass register: Thirds stop
• Measured weight: Approx. 3.84 kg
• Condition: Used, good overall condition

What's included?

The instrument comes with its case. The case is fully usable but does show some external marks consistent with previous use.

What makes this Castagnari Marie Nicole different?

Part of the appeal of the Marie Nicole is in the craftsmanship.

The ornate grille and decorative detailing involve considerably more finishing work than is found on many more understated instruments. Small touches throughout the instrument reinforce the feeling that this is not simply a musical tool, but a traditionally crafted Italian melodeon.

That visual refinement sits alongside a genuinely capable three-voice instrument with a useful combination of treble and bass stops.

How does it compare with other professional 3-voice melodeons?

We recently compared this instrument directly with the Dino Baffetti Alpha III and found the two surprisingly close in specification, despite their very different approaches to construction and finish.

You can read our full Castagnari Marie Nicole III vs Dino Baffetti Alpha III comparison, where we look at their sound, action, weight, construction and value side by side.

Explore more melodeons

If you are considering other instruments as well, take a look at our current range of new and used melodeons.

Buy with confidence

This is the actual instrument we have played, weighed and assessed here at Squeezebox Marketplace. It is in good overall condition and comes with its case, which shows some external marks from previous use.

If you would like to know more about this Marie Nicole III or would like to arrange to try it, please get in touch with Squeezebox Marketplace. Info@squeezeboxmarketplace.com or Tel:07818041717