[Tango-L] Bandoneones -- smaller instruments being made for little hands

[Janis Kenyon]

The March 25, 2007, Clarin magazine included the story of Juan Pablo
Fredes in his quest to produce small instruments for children.  An amateur
bandoneonist who worked as an accountant, Fredes now directs the ensemble
Chebandoneon.  He sold two Doble A instruments in order finance the
manufacture of smaller instruments (18cm v. 24cm) in his home workshop in La
Plata.  He doesn't want to make this into a business.  Full size instruments
sell for as much as 4,000 Euros.  He is optimistic that politicians will
establish a music program for more children in the country.  There
is no music conservatory in La Plata teaching bandoneon.  You can count on
one hand the number of bandoneon tuners in Argentina.  With tango as a
popular an export as beef, the last bandoneons march into exile as tourist
trophies.

The Clarin article isn't published online, but a previous article on Fredes
and his work is in La Nacion at:
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/Archivo/nota.asp?nota_id=866876