Today we’d like to introduce you to Elia and Michael Gabbanelli.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our dear founder, Gianfranco “John” Gabbanelli, knew pretty well that he wanted to come into the United States, looking for the American Dream. What he didn’t know was that, while doing this, he would also start a revolution in the music industry. Ever since he arrived in Houston, back in 1961, John encountered the raising explosion of the Mexican Regional Music.
And in the land of opportunity, he quickly found his. Thanks to the fact that he had learned the craft of making accordions in the very workshops that invented the instrument in Italy, when he landed in Houston he designed a model specifically for this music genre. Not only he redefined the sound, but also the way these instruments look. Right in the garage of his house, John installed his own little workshop and captured his vision in avant-guard designs, totally ahead of his time.
The name of John Gabbanelli is written with golden letters within the history of accordion. He devoted 42 years of his life to the instruments that have his name on them. And even though he, unfortunately, is not with us anymore, every instrument, every service we give to our customers and every new model we launch is a homage to his memory. John founded the basis of what we are today and our commitment to create the very best accordions in the industry is our way to keep him always present.
Nowadays, and for almost 30 years, Mike Gabbanelli has been the revolutionary force behind the impeccable sound of every single accordion that has his name on it. He learned the craft from his father, the late John Gabbanelli. But it didn’t take long for the student to surpass the master, as he also immersed himself in the intricate process of manufacturing accordions with master artisans in Italy, comparing the two different approaches in order for him to develop his own.
Mike’s vision for the company has been to develop a streamlined communication with the artists in order to fully understand their needs–in his mind, that’s the only way you can build, evolve, and perfect a product with so many key components that need to operate in harmony. He has commissioned and trained a team of Italian artisans to manufacture the accordions based on a very strict set of specifications that no one else knows. Mike has become one of only a few true accordion specialists remaining in the world that still practice the dying artisan trade.
Has it been a smooth road?
Every business struggles and has their ups and downs, but this business is completely different. It would be impossible to continue as a third generation artisan craft without the extensive firsthand knowledge and family trade secrets that have been passed from my father who revolutionized the Gabbanelli Accordion through much sacrifice and dedication.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gabbanelli Accordions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Gabbanelli Accordions. We are most proud of our continued innovation and remaining relevant with our customers. We are most proud of our legacy.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston is home to Gabbanelli Accordions. This is the city that embraced John Gabbanelli and the city that watched the third generation Michael and his wife Elia Gabbanelli grow.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4991 West Bellfort Ave.
- Website: www.gabbanelli.com
- Phone: 713-728-9898
- Email: info@gabbanelli.com
- Instagram: @originalgabbanelli
- Facebook: @gabbanelli
- Twitter: @gabbanelli1961
Image Credit:
Tarick Foteh
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