No matter what they say about the overseas origin of the accordion, it would never occur to anyone to consider it a foreigner to their liking. Still fresh in the memory of many generations is the recollection that not a single walk and no wedding were complete without a cheerful harmonist who excitedly plays along with the dancing or singing countrymen.
Harmonious boom
This instrument found its listeners and admirers among the urban and rural population, despite the welfare and estate. He cheered up workers while resting and inspired fighters on the fronts. The ability to play this instrument passed literally by ear. Self-taught on the fly grasped the technique of performance and new motives.
The unique sound distinguishes harmony among other musical instruments. Improving with time, she gained individuality depending on the place of birth and the master who put her voice and soul into her.
Shuysky production
The first mass production of these tools began in Tula. The demand was such that in other cities of Russia, including the city of Shuya, workshops were opened. Each of them produced a harmony that had its own voice and personality. The most high-quality and interesting orders came from all over the region and country. In 1935, several of these small artels were united into a single production, called the "Shui Harmonious Factory".
It provides the attention of interested parties with a wide range of instruments that differ from each other in their voices, dimensions, design. More than twenty variations of the series.
Unlike the fervent Tula harmonies, the Shuysky have a wonderful accordion sound due to the overtones that arise during the game. The voice of the instrument is more human, soft and melodic.
It is rare to see a harmonist at a wedding these days. Demand for the tool has fallen significantly. From nearly 60 large workshops throughout Russia, no more than a dozen remained. Mass production is a thing of the past. Shui accordion is produced in an amount of less than 100 pieces per month, while in its heyday the output reached 60 thousand copies per year. In addition, the factory simultaneously produced button accordions and accordions. The release of these musical instruments is even smaller, on the order of several pieces per month.
The birth of harmony
Currently, the production is called Shuyskaya accordion OJSC. It is located on Vikhreva street, building 77. The factory is now engaged not only in musical instruments, but also in the manufacture of furniture and woodworking. Shuya accordion began to be produced individually and on order. All components from wood, textile, plastic, cardboard and metal are made by factory masters. More than a thousand different parts in one tool.
During the assembly process, which is carried out completely by hand, the accordion goes through the setup procedure three times, only the latter is carried out in the assembled form. To teach an accordion to sing is not such a simple matter. Every detail used to extract sound must be perfected. By order, it is possible to customize specifically for the timbre of the performer, then the instrument will echo the human voice and simply bewitch.
Shuya accordion is one of the brightest among its nonresident sisters. On standard models, a standard drawing is usually applied. But custom-made ones are made out depending on the customer’s desire, up to the use of rhinestones, crystals and gems. Such a tool can be a wonderful gift, and over time can turn into expensive antiques.
Play accordion
Despite the decline in interest in harmony, quite a lot of people want to buy an instrument. You can do this by contacting the factory managers and voicing your wishes. The new accordion will be almost handmade, even if something exclusive is not supposed.
At a price, the accordion of production in Shuya will cost less than Tula. The features of the model are superior to the tools offered at the same price. Quality will not yield.
Many well-known musicians and performers chose this instrument as their partner. Igor Rasteryaev, Sergey Boriskin, Nadezhda Savelyeva is accompanied precisely by the Shuya accordion. Reviews about the tool are extremely positive.
An indicator of excellent quality and excellent data may be the fact that Gennady Zavolokin preferred the beauty from Shui. And not one of the programs “Play, accordion darling!” I couldn’t do without this tool.