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Homage to Wang Wei
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c.J.Walo /songwriter /guitarist - Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 2:55 PM PDT
tried to e-mail you but it wouldn't work . I was referred to you by a friend of a friend of yours, Carl Crosen from L A Harley Davidson in Maine. If you have a mailing address , I'll send you a disc ! Thank You for reading this . C.J.W.
Ann Colucci - Sunday, June 8th, 2008 5:33 PM PDT
My uncle was Nick Sano. He perfected the Sano amplifer. His company was in Irvington,NJ. He sold the name and the company about 30 years ago.
King Alexander, Lake Charles - Thursday, June 5th, 2008 11:03 AM PDT
L.J., today I turned my radion on A.M. and heard the rousing "do do" chorus of "The Motown Song" coming out of it. Turns out it was the Rush Limbaugh talk radio program; he was using that portion of the Rod Stewart cover as "bumper music," of which he claims to have the best in the business.

A lot of people don't like the guy's politics (ha), but for perspective, I recall a flap when an adminstrator of The Pretenders' music tried to stop him using the bass riff portion of their song "My City is Gone" as his opening and closing theme. For a short while he had to take it off, until Chrissie Hynde found out about it and told the administrator, "It's my song, and I say let him use it," which he does to this day.
Vic Falvo - Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 6:09 AM PDT
Hi Larry
I am a retired musician.
Years ago, I took my bell accordion to Sano in Irvington and has a Sano pick-up factory installed.
I also purchased a Sano Stereo amp. I dealt through a Joe Zon Frilly. on one of my many trips I met a Mat Matthews and he gave me an autographed LP record.
I now have the accordion for sale on E-bay. I was not allowed to send the link butif you search bell accordion on e-bay you may see it.
I made many trips to sano years ago.
Vic
Kevin Coleman "Mojokane" - Thursday, May 29th, 2008 10:17 PM PDT
Hi Larry,
just used your sight to I.D. an amp. Also, I just acquired a Sano-ette. A sleeper for harp. A player and gear head, I have grown fond of smaller types like Sano and Kalamazoo's. Almost exactly the same, eh?
Take care, Thanks, too.
Kevin
daxe rexford - Monday, May 19th, 2008 5:26 AM PDT
Hi Larry! I was poking aorund for info on my Checkmate 30 table/amp and found your site. Thanks for then ice presentation. Now when I tell people about it I can send them to your site for a look and some specs. Thanks! ~daxe
Michael Giles - Thursday, May 1st, 2008 11:32 PM PDT
I too Love to watch a woman dance. A momentt of peace and reflection
dave h - Friday, April 25th, 2008 12:25 PM PDT
...make that two 6CA7/EL34s, not EL84s, sorry...
dave h - Friday, April 25th, 2008 12:22 PM PDT
Great info -glad to know there are other Excelsior Americana owners out there! For what it's worth, the schematic I have shows:
on bottom: two 6CA7/EL84s with a 5U4GB rectifier, and two 12AU7s,(also the 6AN8A and EL84 for the reverb circuit)
on top: two 12AX7s and two 12AU7s. One 12AX7 is dedicated to the tremelo circuit, one 12AU7 dedicated to the bass and bass side of the stereo inputs, the other 12AX7 is the first stage for both guitar and the treble side of the stereo inputs, and the last 12AU7 is post tone controls, pre output to bottom section. Hope this helps someone.....
John David Putnam - Sunday, April 6th, 2008 10:30 AM PDT
I Love to Watch a Woman Dance has touched me as no other song. Thank you.
Ed - Monday, March 24th, 2008 3:14 PM PDT
Great info on your page, very helpful. I've had an old HiFi 115 sitting around for years, and it sounds great, but doesn't work all the way. I've wanted to repair it, but can't find any schematics for it. Do you have any schematics for this model? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again for putting together a list of these excellent amps.
Herb - Thursday, March 20th, 2008 8:19 PM PDT
Wow, I found some great information on your site today. I have had an old amp I have called the "Chicken Shack Amp" because that is where I found it about 15 years ago.
Near after I found it I cleaned it up and found a broken connection while moving the wire to find where it should be reatached I discharged the nearby cap, ouch that hurt as it knock me across the room. For all these years I have played this great old amp, love the sound it had a 1972 Jensen 12" speaker in it so I assumed it was a 72 or later. But now I think it is an orginal outsorced Sano from 1950. It has the Sano cloth but no name plates or were they ever on the amp unless the orginals may have been glued on. It did have a paper glued inside that said it was a "Musical Instument Corp model #10" which has crumbled and I have some of the pieces saved. Today though after reading your Sano information I thik it is one of the earliest Sanos made.
Bruce Roberts - Monday, January 28th, 2008 5:53 PM PST
sorry I missed you recently
Lennie Gordon - Saturday, January 19th, 2008 8:38 AM PST
Hey McNally, I sent you an e-mail earlier this week, did you receive it? We ordered sone cds and are looking forward to hearing what you've been up to. LG
Mamoru LN Hirayama - Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 12:57 AM PST
a photo for promotional use

Dear Larry,

How do you do. This is Mamoru Hirayama from LabelNavi in Tokyo Japan.
I'm e-mailing you to ask for your approval.

May we carry the photo of you on our website/LabelNavi ?
As we'd like to introduce you and your work to the Japanese music fan,
would you kindly send us a copy of your photo for promotional use
by data, not of a copy of the album art cover.
We're deeply impressed by your music. Your album, will become
our important treasure.
Above all, and
are my favorite tracks.

Album art cover and label logo of this album/LSR are already carried on
our LabelNavi. If you'd like to remove them from there, please reply to
this e-mail with the word "remove" in the subject line.

Thank you very much for your attention to this request, and
We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Very truly yours,
Mamoru Hirayama

PS: Incidentally, do you have a plan for new release ?
If so, about when is it scheduled to be released ?

PS: I saw your gig when you came to Japan with Peter Gallway.
I was knocked-out by your vocal and guitar performance.
I've been chasing you since then.
Starting from Larry John McNally, Fade To Black, Vibrolux, I Love To
Wake Up In N.O.,
Dandelion Soul and loose ends, I've been listening to all of these
your works.
I fully enjoy them. Thank you Larry !
I'd like to see your gig again in Japan !
Alvaradosas Munija - Friday, December 21st, 2007 2:20 AM PST
Hello!

I have just found your website great
give thanks
Matthias Kurz
TRAINEDV - Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 3:47 AM PST
Info. on a Sano G S 20 guitatr amp please .
Carol McGovney & Jamie Shoop - Monday, December 17th, 2007 7:25 PM PST
Hey Larry, We are sitting here in front of the fire wondering what happened to people we know. Whatup?
Gregg - Monday, December 10th, 2007 7:30 PM PST
Larry,
After viewing your very well constructed website, I thought you may be interested to know that I once owned a Sano amp with a 12" speaker, and a couple of years later bought a Zon-Rio amp with 2 12" speakers.
I bought both from Al Urso of Irvington in the late 50's-early 60's. Also, I took guitar lessons at Major Music in Irvington, as I lived in Union for many years.
Peter Amrein - Sunday, December 9th, 2007 11:12 AM PST
Hi LJ,

I must admit, the song you composed for the new Eagles album led me to your homepage. The first thing I "clicked" on was the Volvo P1800. You see, I once owned a P1800ES which is known in Germany as the "Schneewittchensarg." Roughly means Snow White's coffin.

All the best.

-P.A.
Ikuko - Thursday, December 6th, 2007 5:32 PM PST
Hi,from Japan.
I, too, really love your song 'I love to watch a woman dance', so pretty.
And thank you so much for writing the episode about the song in your blog. It means a lot!
PAEGAN - Sunday, December 2nd, 2007 8:03 PM PST
JUST SAYING HELLO AND BEST WISHES TO YOUR MUSIC
LOOKING GOOD, BUT NOT SURE I WOULD RECOGNIZE YOU, EVER GO TO BANGOR?
michael - Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 12:49 PM PST
Hi - i'm from denmark. i think you write greeeeeaaat songs. is there anywhere on your website, where you have written your chords for "I love to watch a woman dance" Michael
carm - Sunday, November 18th, 2007 10:24 AM PST
Sano 250R amp for sale...perfect
clicbi@aol.com
mel gluskin - Sunday, November 11th, 2007 1:21 PM PST
I have owned and love 3 different Sano amps( actually didn't love the monster with 1x 15" and 2x 8 speakets ,oh well"One Ive seen on ebay occaisionally sure looks like my favorite small amp,the Ampeg Jet. I can send pics and chat a bit about them.
Regards Mel
stratbastard - Sunday, November 11th, 2007 1:16 PM PST
VINTAGEAMPMAN: Would gladly advise you on your Excelsior tube problem... just need to actually know your email addy if you want me to contact you LOL. I am at the altarofamps site. Pre-amp tubes often used are 12ax7's, 6an8, 12au7, and even a 6bq5 (EL-86).
Cheers!
Phoenix
Leo Isaksen - Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 2:27 PM PDT
any help tracking down a schematic for a brown Stereophonic 50 Watt with tremolo? 1-15 and 1-8 closed back. Been sitting on it for some time.
Joel Porter - Monday, October 29th, 2007 2:51 PM PDT
Hey Larry John, MSN has link today to hear Eagles new double discs, 'I Love To Watch A Woman Dance' on 2nd. Way cool, man!
When are you gonna do a disc of all the tunes that others have had hits or some success with that the world may know ye better? Best, Joely
jimmy haslip - Saturday, October 13th, 2007 4:45 PM PDT
THIS SITE ROCKS !!!
LOVE IT LARRY JOHN . . . . . .
LONG TIME NO SEE . . . .
WISH I COULD RECORD "MY DARK HOUR" . . . LOVE THAT SONG !
PEACE . . . .
JIMMY
Gary Onofrio - Saturday, October 13th, 2007 6:32 AM PDT
I just found an Excelsior C25 amplifier and am looking for the schematic. Can you help?
Tim Kitchings - Saturday, October 6th, 2007 6:57 PM PDT
I just bought a SANO amp, model number 40WS, stero phonic Hight Fidelity. It is an all tube amp, with the chrome handle, and the cursive SANO logo on the speaker grill. It also has a canvas cover with with a side pouch full of cables and a foot switch. Included with this deal I also received a K710 reverberation unit. I would love to know what year my amp is. Any suggestions on finding this info?
jerry bentley - Thursday, September 27th, 2007 4:28 PM PDT
Several years ago I purchased an Excelsior accordion and shortly afterward injured my back. It has not
been out of the case in years. I recently tried it and it plays beautifully. Cosmetically is seems perfect except for the fact that the keys have acquired a yellowish tint. The case is original with alligator covering with only a dime-sized ding

There is no model number on it except it has "Sano" engraved on it in at least two places. The stainless plaque has the following information:

Extended Keybgoard, Airflow design. US Patent 2105365, Rocker action, Made in USA. I still cannot play it for more than a few minutes without back pain so I would like to sell it. Do you have any idea what a ballpark price should be? I paid $800 for it.
Thanks!
carm - Thursday, September 27th, 2007 9:41 AM PDT
Have Sano amp to sell...perfect..two-12inch speakers...two channels.
Has been to shop for new tubes
Steven - Monday, September 17th, 2007 3:16 PM PDT
I just picked up an Excelsior Stereophonics amp, i love it, but i cant find any info on it. I has 2 12" and 1 4" if you could help me out on some info on it that would be awesome
Laurie - Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 5:47 PM PDT
Just came across your site,,I really enjoyed your music. I'm always looking for new music to listen to . Oh by the way Sharon & Marilyn said to say hello,,,and hey Uncle Billy if your reading this hi!!!!!
Jane - Tuesday, August 14th, 2007 8:10 PM PDT
You have an outstanding good and well structured site.
ed - Sunday, July 29th, 2007 4:22 PM PDT
anybody got a sano 1000 r solid state amp? what's it sound like?
Angelina - Monday, July 23rd, 2007 3:34 PM PDT
Hello, nice site, visit and my :)
T.J. Elton - Thursday, June 14th, 2007 9:37 PM PDT
Hi Larry,
You may remember me, Andrew's Borther-in-law.
Many years ago you made a very wonderful musical impression on me when I was a child that I still use inspiration in my performances today. Sleepytown album is some of my favorite music.
When I am performing I sing Sleep On It, and to this day it is a winner. Thank you for inspiring my musical career. You can check out my band the Felt-tips website.
I'd love to catch up and hear from you.
Take care,
T.J.
Charlotte Wright - Sunday, June 10th, 2007 9:53 AM PDT
My stepfather, Vic Centro, was a jazz accordionist for more than 50 years. He used a Sano accordin & amps. When he died this year I inherited a Sano accordion & amp that no accordionists here in Iowa can tell me about. It was nice to read your history.
Michael Zonfrilli - Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 12:47 PM PDT
Hi,I am the Grandson of Joe Zonfrilli sr. of Sano. I just wanted to thank you for compiling this history. Very interesting and actually more than I ever knew. Cheers!
Glenn - Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 8:41 AM PDT
Hi, does Larry play anymore?
carm iadovito - Monday, May 14th, 2007 5:09 PM PDT
my Sano 250 with reverb and tremolo is still for sale
Jon Pike - Monday, May 7th, 2007 9:09 PM PDT
Hey Larry J.
axelsam - Monday, May 7th, 2007 1:06 PM PDT
I just purchased a SANO stereophonic 50 W amp. It has one 15" speaker (gold cone) and
a 8" speaker (green cone). Do you have any info on this model?
edward skwira - Wednesday, April 18th, 2007 6:54 AM PDT
thank you, you have ended my quest. I have a Titano 160 and the schematics matches the Sano 160. it also helps me identify the speaker, although I have updates to an altec the kind santana uses in his Mesa Boogie.
Chopliver - Friday, April 13th, 2007 4:17 PM PDT
Any info on a SANO amp., the unit has 1,15"&1,8" speaker, would be appreciated' thanks
vintageampman - Thursday, March 29th, 2007 10:16 AM PDT
Can anybody give me any info on a New York NY Excelsior Ultra Linear tube amp? Its missing a tube. I can find no usefull info on it. Its a single 12" with vibrato. In incredable cosmetic condition. This is about the only place I can find conversation about my amp. Email me if you want.
Thanks.
vintageampman - Monday, March 26th, 2007 9:56 AM PDT
Hey stratbastard. Can I email you in regards to your vintage excelsior tube amps. I got a nice minty one that is missing a tube. No tube chart. Any help is greatly appreciated
Regards.
Mamoru Hirayama - Thursday, March 15th, 2007 6:55 PM PDT
I'm interested in your new album. When is it due ?
Mamoru Hirayama - Thursday, March 15th, 2007 6:50 PM PDT
I've been listening to your album since released 1881.
-from Japan
Tom - Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 12:35 AM PDT
Saw your post re: Bill Chinnok. I met him a couple of times in the early 80s when I worked for a rural Maine rock station, and attended an outdoor festival he headlined. Wish I had bought his records then, I've been looking for years. Sad news.
stratbastard - Sunday, March 11th, 2007 11:39 PM PDT
Well, I can't believe it but I found yet another (Sano) Excelsior Americana Stereophonic in mint condition. Finding another AT ALL is amazing, as they made them bet a few short months in 1968... but it's a looker just like my other one. Now I have the pair to run in stereo. I cannot get over the amount of natural tube overdrive these two have for an accordian/guitar amp... they start breaking up just past two. I have actually put vintage JBL's (carefully packing away the original speakers) in it, as well as groove tube solid state rectifiers replacing the tube ones to merely get enough headroom to play them loud LOL. Marshall has nothing on these guys... and even though I own nearly 40 amps, these two still remain the prettiest I have ever seen - I just love their look.
Also picked up two Teisco's, a Checkmate 25 piggyback (all tube) and a Checkmate 15 (also all tube) which I just adore. Larry, you and I definately agree on tone... even if it's a bit off the beaten path.
Best regards...
Vini Contreas - Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 5:40 PM PST
Larry, I met you at the Penobscott Inn I believe. I had put out a local record that Harry King produced called Wild Strawberries . . . You were very encouraging. I live in So Cal now, in the mountains just south of Palm Springs. I did some demo's a while back with Mark 'Guitar' Miller wailing his yahoos off and was wondering if I could email or send them along. Lemeknow . . . Blessings to you . . . . Vini
Jos Goverde - Thursday, February 8th, 2007 2:49 PM PST
Larry, relisten to some recordings I made in spring 2001 when you were over in the Netherlands (Arnhem, Katoenclub... doesn't exist anymore) and the instore at the Plaatboef, Amsterdam. No idea what you are doing nowedays. Will hang around on your website to find that out with the great music on the DAT tapes. All the best. Jos Goverde
Lawman Mike - Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 2:28 PM PST
Hi Larry..liked your info on the Sano company..I just scored a Sano Guitar from a friend of yours ..Rob R..any more info you can share..can't wait to get my hands on the axe..LM
Kevin Jackson - Saturday, January 6th, 2007 8:04 PM PST
Larry, thank you so much for the info! I have owned a Sano guitar for about five years and every once in a while I type in "Sano guitars" on Google to see if anything is out there and this time I found you. My guitar is a gorgeous hollow body with a beautiful flamed stock - I have no idea how old it is but it looks brand new! It has a red burst finish and the craftsmanship is classic. The action is great and it plays like a dream. My favorite part - this guitar is light as a feather. There is no model number or name other than Sano. It is stamped with a "N 1324" and "S 109" and "Made in Italy" on the neck plate. If you have any info on how I could find out more that would be great. If not, thank you for doing the research, I am enjoying finding out more about my Sano. God bless, Kevin Jackson
Jim Peden - Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007 1:01 PM PST
Have you ever published the tablature for Nobody's Girl? I'd love to learn to play it, but I don't really read music, so I would need the tab.
Perry Hamburg - Monday, January 1st, 2007 6:24 AM PST
For a brief period during World War II before his induction into the U.S. Army, the late Joseph Zon-Frilli was my accordion teacher at the music school that he and his late brother-in-law, the renowned accordionist Louis Iorio, operated in Irvington, New Jersey.

Later, they started Sano Corporation in a nearby, wholesale-only, back-alley building to assemble, warehouse and service their accordions, amplifiers and accessories and where, in 1965, I bought my 120-bass Zon-Rio Model 73E with Stereo-Dual Pick-up.

Over the years, I've tried to find them, but to no avail.

If you know of anybody who services their instruments and carries spare parts for them, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks!
Perry
Jerry - Friday, December 29th, 2006 3:00 PM PST
Can anynoe tell me about the Sano GS-60 amp. It is used with a Iorio Accorgan. I would like to find out what I have and possibly sell both together. It sounds great.
Jerry
Bill McNally - Monday, December 25th, 2006 8:22 AM PST
Merry Christmas from the
McNally's in Windham
felician - Sunday, December 24th, 2006 4:59 AM PST
Hey LJ, hope all's well! Thanks for the welcome
Christmas Day falls on December 25. It is preceded by Christmas Eve on December 24, and in some countries is followed by Boxing Day on December 26. Some Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7, which corresponds to December 25 on the Julian calendar. December 25 as a birthdate for Jesus is merely traditional, and is not thought to be his actual date of birth.G'night
Aaron - Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 2:17 PM PST
My friend and I have just found and purched an Excelsior Amplifier...I have found no info on it...Have you?
I know some things like they were made in NY in the early 60's...The amp we bought has reverb/trem/and is as we were told a 63' thats about all we know...
Cheers,
-Aaron
Dave K - Wednesday, October 25th, 2006 10:25 AM PDT
I have one of the Excelsior amps described in Stratbastards Dec 9 and Oct 29 2005 posts. Would love to get a schematic of the amp as it needs repair. Any help really appreciated!

DaveK
James Coberly Smith - Monday, October 23rd, 2006 5:17 PM PDT
Hello Larry! THANK YOU again so much for showing me the black box! It has been a GREAT tool for me! I hope all is well with you!
Thx! James
kingsley - Wednesday, October 18th, 2006 4:07 AM PDT
how are you
Mark - Tuesday, September 12th, 2006 8:33 PM PDT
I've been searching for Just Like Paradise. How can I download or obtain a copy?
Thanks.
andreia minasian silvera, DDS - Wednesday, August 30th, 2006 11:10 PM PDT
It was nice meeting you today. Really enjoyed your music on the music downloads here.
Ken Pendergrass - Monday, August 28th, 2006 5:15 PM PDT
Great site- really like the LJM streaming radio...I just recenty purchased a #1000R Sano Amp (Solid State, 2-12" speakers tremolo & reverb 100watts RMS)- think it will be a sweet jazz combo- anybody know where I can get a schematic or some info on this amp? Think its worth something? thanks in advance
ken AT mystro2b dot com
Jon Nalley - Friday, August 25th, 2006 1:47 PM PDT
glad to find your website... have been a fan of your since my college years in the late 70s... and it has nothing to do with the name... lol
Rick Steel - Friday, August 4th, 2006 3:44 AM PDT
Larry, I live in Ft Laud, FL.
My long time friend from Acton Ca, has done some restoration work for you. Jim Fitzpatrick. A yr.ago while here for a visit, during the middle of a major hurricane, we were trapped inside . He played me your music for the first time. After that I have to come to Calif, & hear you live! Hopefully at Kulaks, I have been a musician all my life & a luthier, String instrument restorer, repair. Your music has given me such good feelings. Looking forward to meeting you & hearing you live. Rick Steel...
Harry King - Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006 6:30 PM PDT
This is a beautiful website, blogging poetry and such. Glad to see you all over the map as usual. Really enjoyed the Arif Mardin piece. He was someone to admire. But on the brighter side, Jackie King and Doc Morrill are still kickin', as a matter of fact, Doc has his own radio show and can't be talked to, being the celebrity he is, you know. I live in Texas now, but still get up to Maine occasionally to see my mother and brother in the Bangor area and do a couple of jingles with Ed Boucher in Lewiston. I'm doing a Saturday night jamboree in Mt Pleasant with some old reb duffahs, and it's the highlight of the week. Pays 50 bucks too! Was in LA a few times to work with Robin Thicke on his first two albums. Second one comes out soon, but don't think any of my contributions made it on that one. Hope you get many more hits and have fun doing it. God bless.....Harry King
Mark Geuy - Friday, July 28th, 2006 9:37 AM PDT
Mark Geuy of Murrieta - Ray Charles is the greatest and his music will live on forever.

Thank you
tweedaddict - Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 7:25 PM PDT
nice site! good work.
i just got lucky and picked up a sano model A1 amp... it seems pretty early, do you have any info on it?
Rex Ward - Friday, July 14th, 2006 3:06 AM PDT
Thanks alot John. For the info on my Sano. And Especially for taking the time to help me.
Chuck Langenberg - Sunday, July 2nd, 2006 8:54 PM PDT
And I see that you wrote "Goin throuth the Motions" -- one of the songs on Terri DeSario's Moonlight Madness album. Back when I had a turntable I used to listen to it all the time. I gotta tell you, she really did your song justice. And I loved "every" song on that album. And now just want-want-want it on CD. But it doesn't look like I'll be able to find a CD of the album any time soon after searching the web. Any ideas on purchasing the album on CD would be appreciated. Otherwise maybe one day I'll go out & buy a turntable & technoid the songs into mp3's. I love it, I want it. ideas? If not, thanks for the memories.
Ion Freeman - Monday, April 3rd, 2006 5:31 AM PDT
Gotta say, that song "Somewhere, Somebody" keeps bouncing around my head. Every few years I look up the title and (increasingly various) artists.
Heck, I'm going to go buy it.
Larry Newcomb - Tuesday, March 28th, 2006 6:24 AM PST
Just checking in, my friend. Hope all's well. Ciao.
Laurel Altman - Saturday, March 18th, 2006 3:04 PM PST
How fun to find your website - thanks again, google! Kenny and I remember so many fun times and wonderful music...
hope you are doing well! Your description of DJ Rogers cracked me up - remember him so well and loved "Indivisible," thought it was the best song on the album. Sooo soulful.
Love, Laurel
Keith Watson - Sunday, February 19th, 2006 3:19 PM PST
Larry,
The pictures of the Sano guitar on your website is the first I have ever seen besides the one I own. I bought mine back in 1965. The Sano guitar pictured here on your website looks different than my Sano guitar.
Instead of a toggle switch for the pickup selection, mine has four push buttons (Full-1-2-Off). Also for the tone mine has three push buttons (Hi-Med-Lo), not a knob. The only thing that is similar is the volume knob. The pushbutton design on my Sano must have come from there accordian experience. The pick-ups look the same but the mother of pearl is a little different. The neck action is really nice and I have really enjoyed this guitar. I will send you some pictures of my Sano and maybe you could post them on your website for others to see.
Dick Gardner - Friday, February 3rd, 2006 7:43 PM PST
Larry, I haven't had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with your music yet, but I'll get there. Like a few I have read so far, I was directed to your site in my quest to know more about the Sano amps. I am a life-long musician, guitar/bass and choir director, and an avid tube-amp junkie, and I came across my Sano 500 in broken-down condition at a buy-sell shop in Chicago. Repairing a few bad connections and adding a missing reverb tank brought this gentle giant to life. What tone- from wide-open fat and warm sound to over-driven (but always well-mannered) crunch - - deep tremolo and liquid velvet reverb....dang, I am a lucky man! Thanks for doing the footwork and allowing these MOST worthy amps to rise from the commonplace and into the rare!
Gary Hein - Friday, February 3rd, 2006 9:56 AM PST
Larry,
You had contacted me a while back about sharing some Sano pics...I have not forgotten.I put it on the shelf as a later project and am revisiting it again. I will get some pics of the poweramp and preamp sections(all the guts)etc...If you want photos...let me know! Sorry for the time that has passed!Glad to see someone post info on these amps!
Gary
Bill Ray - Saturday, January 28th, 2006 1:36 PM PST
Hey Larry Just got turned on to your music. Very good stuff! Reminds me of what I heard when I was growing up in Jackson, Ms.....Sunday Am, chilling out (the Blue Laws wouldn't let you do anything otherwise, LOL) Anyhow, You are in high rotation in my iPod. :)
seiji sakai - Monday, January 23rd, 2006 1:15 AM PST
I can't speak english a little.
but Larry is my favorite musician.

Zettai meno nae de kiite mitai musician
no hitiri desu.(japanese)
Randy Heath - Thursday, January 19th, 2006 9:47 PM PST
I think you are one of the best song writer's in the biz.Keep on writing-singing and playing you the man.Randy Heath 01/20/06
Melissa Manchester - Thursday, January 19th, 2006 1:21 PM PST
Hey Larry,
Whitney Dane suggested we get together to write.This was the only way I knew to get to you.
All the best,
Melissa M
Richard Tarr - Monday, January 9th, 2006 5:49 PM PST
I e-mailed you about the Sano amp but the accordion I have is also a Sano. If you or anyone you know is interested contact me at hockrick#aol.com
David & Leslie Carr - Sunday, January 8th, 2006 10:50 AM PST
Thanks for the great performance at Lost Coast Live. We're so lucky to have the venue and to have outstanding artists like you sharing your talent with us.
Ian Crombie - Thursday, December 29th, 2005 8:40 PM PST
Hey Larry John, Long time, no talk. Cool website. Happy New Year! Cheers, Ian
Ed Spurlin - Thursday, December 29th, 2005 7:18 PM PST
Sano-a-holics...! Bah! Humbug!
Duane - Sunday, December 25th, 2005 3:44 AM PST
just listening
John Borkowski - Thursday, December 22nd, 2005 1:30 PM PST
Excellent article on the Sano Amps – nice site overall too!
I am looking for information on the history of the Sano Corp. - particularly their accordion manufacturing. I´ve been playing a Sano Accordion for 19 years and I believe that there is nothing finer, new or used.
If anyone has any information on Sano Accordions, please contact me at this e-mail address. I will greatly appreciate it!
I saw Fred Zonfrilli, Fred Forge, and Al Knight have signed this guest book. Please contact me at this e-mail address: JBorkowski@DiscMakers.com
Thanks!
John Borkowski
Stratbastard - Friday, December 9th, 2005 5:40 PM PST
Well guys... I have been in contact with Alan
Greenwood and Gil Hembree, publishers of the Vintage
Guitar Price Guide. This publication, as you know, is THE standard for establishing values on vintage amps, guitars, basses, and effects. They have agreed, I think, that it is time to start listing the venerable SANO line of amplifiers...with of course values.
Larry, I of course sent them straight to your site to get the comprehensive historical information you have gathered.
I have also sent them pictures of my SANO-made Excelsior Stereophonic. After comparing it to similarly equiped Magnatones, an agreed upon starting value has been reached....$1000. Values for other Sano's will be established, using some of your information I am sure.
Hang onto your Sano's folks... they will start accruing in value as they should once in the "blue book" of vintage amps... because more people will finally be aware of them.
Stratbastard - Saturday, October 29th, 2005 1:18 AM PDT
Came across a Sano amp for sale on Ebay, and boy did it look familiar. I own a mint condition, EL34 powered, 5 speaker Excelsior Stereophonic amplifier (a little bigger than a twin reverb). Having searched the worldwide web, not a single word about this amp or its history. VERY frustrating, as it is the FINEST guitar amp I have ever owned... and as a vintage dealer, I have owned them all. The only clue was... it had inputs for guitar AND accordian (as an Ampeg or Sano)and had a excelsior sticker on the speaker which identified them as New York. Searching for Excelsior in New York, i do find that an Excelsior ACCORDIAN company once did biz there, moving to Italy in 1969. So, I contact the company in Italy, and they say YES, it was commisioned by their company by a small amp outfit in the states, though nobody knew the name anymore. Having seen a Sano Stereophonic, it is so similar in design that I am nearly positive they must have made it... also given that it is an accordian amp also.
Sadly, this amp dates to late 1968 (Utah speaker date code) and when Excelsior moved to Italy they dropped the idea... so maybe in slow production for a few months?
Again gentlemen... this is the fattest, sweetest amp I have ever played...true vibrato, lush reverb, singing compression/sustain. And with 5 speakers (1x15, 2x8, two 4x9's out the SIDE) it covers the tonal ranges adeptly. I am going to purchase a Sano, as i will bet the circuit is close or identical.
Fred Foge - Friday, October 7th, 2005 12:38 PM PDT
Came accross your Sano article. Brought back many memories. I played an excelsior with sano stereo pickups and had a sano 100w amp. Knew Joe Zonfrilli very well, Tullio used to be his counter man. Knew Lou and Gabe and the list goes on. Got to meet Art Van Damme on one of my trips to the shop. Also got a quick tip and mini lesson on left hand technique from Tommy Ippolito while waiting for a repair. Many fond memories. Does Fred Zonfrilli still do any clubing. He used to have a regular gig at the Friar Tuck. That's a long time ago. Thanks for your article. Fred Foge, Orlando, FL
Bill McNally - Wednesday, October 5th, 2005 4:49 AM PDT
Gone From My Sight

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other

Then someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout,
"Here she comes!"

And that is dying

Henry Van Dyke


Our Brother Robert D. McNally , June 6, 1938 to October 4, 2005

Billy, Sharon and Marilyn
Rick Steel - Monday, September 19th, 2005 2:18 AM PDT
My friend Jim Fitzpatrick from Calif. just turned me on to your music. I enjoy it very much. Wish i had heard it sooner. Where can i find a copy of .. Just like paradise. Thank you. Rick///....
paul Van Hooff - Wednesday, August 31st, 2005 5:32 PM PDT
I probably will Larry, thanks for your kind note. To be honest, miss you all a lot. For me the States was like magic. Here in Mexico it's hard work to survive on the roads. And hot too, damn hot. so hello to your lovely neighbours, and who knows we'll meet in Amsterdam some day. Would be fun. Bye Larry
Al Knight - Friday, August 26th, 2005 1:49 PM PDT
Hey- the Sano amps page drew me to your site. I grew up in the 60's & 70's in Irvington, NJ and frequented Major Music. I knew Lou Iorio. I currently have one of those 2x12 Sano's with the P2P wiring and so on. When we were kids "Mr. I" sold us solid state Sano's probably at a loss when we couldn't afford the Marshalls we dreamed of. He was very nice to all the kids that used his store/school. It's very cool that you dedicate an entire page to piece of my past and home town.
marioodonnell - Monday, August 8th, 2005 9:08 PM PDT
Your voice seems to get to me as if I was a kid again , following you around gigs, taking a few chords home to honey-up something Id been carrying inside of me .....Thanks
Jennifer - Thursday, July 21st, 2005 12:36 PM PDT
I was wondering how I can get a hold of the song "On My Wedding Day" not to be mistaken w/"For My Wedding" I just heard it on the radio but, Don Henley performed it. My Brother in law is getting married.I thought it would be a nice touch. Thank you.
julie - Friday, June 17th, 2005 6:40 AM PDT
read the article about sano amps, can you fill me in about anything that you may have found out about them. we have a model 300r amplifier and would love to know how old they are or how many watts,or even value?
Dave Concors - Thursday, June 2nd, 2005 10:43 PM PDT
I was there in the beginning..Westlake Audio..sent you a email...still listening to Paradise, etc...stay cool
Robert Herrera - Thursday, May 12th, 2005 11:03 PM PDT
old port tavern...i was downloading some music and your name pop up. just wanted to say hi
Fred Zonfrilli - Friday, May 6th, 2005 9:02 AM PDT
HI John,
Thanks for sending me the advanced copy of the "SANO AMPLIFIER STORY". I noticed a few things in it that probably could use some further clarification. All in all, it's a very nice piece and I really appreciate the time and effort you have imparted to it. As I related to you before, I put a lot of time and effort into the company. It seems that all that effort is rewarded by people like you who who appreciate the product we worked so hard on to deliver.(about 20 years worth) I did find some literature on Sano that I would like to send to you for your review and use if you so choose. There's not much in the way of tech stuff but you may find some of it interesting anyway. I will include some comments on your "Story" that you may want to incorporate for purposes of clarification. Please allow me a few days to get that info out to you. Again, thanks for your interest and kind words.

All The Best,
FRed Z
Fred Zonfrilli - Wednesday, May 4th, 2005 3:08 PM PDT
Nice talking to you the other day, Larry. You stirred up some almost lost memories about the SANO company. That was a nice writeup you had about the Sano amps and albeit the company no longer exists -----stopped making the amps about 25 years ago ---- your kudos were very much appreciated. I scoured the memorabilia the other day. The only thing I could find were some old pictures of the amps as used by the Sano Accordion Symphony. Regardless, I'll send you what I did find. You may find some of the info of interest. Enjoyed looking at you website and find that we share a commonality in music.
I'm now 66 and have retired from playing the weekend gigs that I enjoyed for some 50 years. (keyboard) Much success in all your musical endeavors.

Fred Z
PennyT - Monday, April 18th, 2005 9:07 PM PDT
I wanted you to know that Nobody's Girl is one of my favourite songs ever written. It's so great to have the internet to be able to find you and tell you so! Do you ever play in Vancouver BC?
John Pettiford - Friday, March 25th, 2005 4:48 AM PST
Enjoy your work!!
Susan Endicott - Sunday, March 6th, 2005 7:43 PM PST
What fun to find your web site. Looks like life has been good to you and you are still making great music. Do you ever come back to Maine to play? Rory Block is coming to Boothbay Harbor next weekend. Some of her music reminds me of your early work. Be well.....S
Alastair Cook - Thursday, February 24th, 2005 11:17 AM PST
Amazing how music spans time and space. I've only recently heard, for the first time, Don Henley's "For my Wedding". I see you wrote it. That has to be one of the all time great songs, that hit the nail so firmly on the head. Well done. I shall be on the lookout for your name from hereon.
Art Landry - Saturday, February 5th, 2005 4:27 AM PST
Hey Larry, how are you? I check out your web site every now and then to see if your doing a gig in the northeast! Amy and I would love to hear you again! Take care, Art
walker montgomery - Friday, February 4th, 2005 10:17 AM PST
I love the new streaming radio show! please add more songs-all the best, Walker
steve johnson - Friday, December 10th, 2004 2:52 PM PST
Still wearing that first cd out love to here from you if you come to nashville let me know, S
kim chasse - Monday, October 25th, 2004 5:40 PM PDT
long drag off a cig- great tune. any thoughts of playing back in maine in the near future?
Bruce Roberts - Thursday, October 7th, 2004 4:45 PM PDT
just checking in.....busted your lap steel into 3 pieces? God Bless 'em.Now you look like Jerry Douglas with that TT!
Lourens van der Weerd - Monday, September 13th, 2004 6:22 PM PDT
Hi, I heard you perform for the first time. This was with the program "The Songwriter's Circle"(Leeuwarden). During your first song I knew 'you were the one for me' that night. I like the way you play the guitar, especially the 'wringing of the neck'. Your songs are 'spacious', open. The critics in the newspaper of this gig were not good. They liked you, but didn't appreciate the static form. Well, I had my night. I will listen to more of you
Angelique & Michael - Saturday, August 21st, 2004 8:26 PM PDT
Great website, and amazing music! I just downloaded, and listened to Buddy Holly, and transported me back to living in LA, and visiting with you. Say hello to everyone for us. Lots of love, Angelique & Mike
kenn laut - Tuesday, June 8th, 2004 3:01 PM PDT
where do i obtain lyrics, especially "long drag of a cigarette
regards Kenn
Pip Carlisle - Saturday, April 17th, 2004 4:13 PM PDT
Hi Larry! I'm the jaundiced speedfreak who sold you a Les Paul back in '91! Glad you've made a successful career in the music biz--me, I'm teaching history down Oklahoma way--lots of good pickers around, too. Good luck, Larry.
Peter Ré - Monday, April 5th, 2004 4:29 PM PDT
Greetings Larry from a friend from the past -- Congrats on your many successes (and excesses :>})and here's to many more, Amen -- Peace -- PJR Oakland, ME 04963
Joel Porter - Friday, March 12th, 2004 9:47 PM PST
Hey Lonesome Larry John, get up, it's time for swim team practice! It's surely been a long time... Wendy said she'd been in E-touch w/you. I've only recently thrown off the Luddite mantle and got modern w/a computer and am able to visit wonderful sites like yours. Have to run out right now but must try to download Brutha Mike upon return as 1st attempt came through all chopped and disjointed. joely
katherine - Sunday, January 4th, 2004 7:36 PM PST
City is a killer little gem. Can I get the chords---especially for the part that starts "whether our love was right or wrong," there's a couple in there i just can't find for the life of me. Thanks. Happy new year. katherine
Mary Gauthier - Monday, December 22nd, 2003 1:21 PM PST
hey Larry,
It was great playing with you in Amsterdam. I'd like to send you a copy of my new CD.
Happy Holidays!
Mary Gauthier
Paul - Thursday, December 18th, 2003 8:56 PM PST
Aren't the SANOs cool! I have the 30W Sterophonic and am about to purchase a 160R. Currently play with the Cee Cee James band in San Diego CA. Curious as to what models you have now and if you've ever done any modifications to your amps, and tube types you recommend.

Regards,

Paul Sigmon, www.ceeceejames.com
Jan de Kievit - Thursday, December 4th, 2003 4:51 PM PST
I was at the Newland gig in Klaaswaal on Nov. 30th and you signed my copy of the Vibrolux sessions that I bought that night. Really enjoyed the show, great oerformance!
Bert Hoekstra - Friday, November 21st, 2003 3:20 AM PST
We saw you playing in Venlo last Saturday evening,
it was great, we liked the show together with Lyn, Slaid,Ray Wilie,very much.
I spoke to you after the show, next time when you come to the Netherlands you take your son with you, he can stay in our house if you like that.
goodbye and see you, Els,Astrid and Bert
steve hanson - Tuesday, November 11th, 2003 5:33 AM PST
will he be on tour anytime soon in the midwest??
Mary Higgins - Sunday, November 9th, 2003 5:41 PM PST
Larry...... I have never met you but I have heard so much about you from a very close friend of yours Bruce Roberts. I have met Mike when I was a child. I love the song I talked to my brother Mike. It gave me goose bumps. I think I know who the girl is who wouldn't marry . Our families grew up together, I I remember them togetther. Keep up the good work and I hope to meet you someday.
Bruce Roberts - Wednesday, November 5th, 2003 8:30 PM PST
Good Looking Website,Lar
Though the song was unlisted, I still enjoy the memory of "Last trip to Tulsa" at the old 'noka.
$15bucks a night.Jeez.
veronique cyphyre - Thursday, October 16th, 2003 11:46 PM PDT
Dear Larry, Roberta Flack got it right when she wrote "Killing Me Softly." Even though it was to a different troubador she was referring-Don McLean,babe it coulda been about you!Saw you at Trinity Backstage in Santa Barbara. I am an erstwhile songwriting student of Kate Wallace...I bless her and Douglas Clegg to the high heavens for getting this venue off the ground, for they built it and by gum, YOU came! Telling of the New York of my dreams, as only someone who has that deep love of the place can do- rousing my hybernating longings to be there- to bring the white skin of my sleeping soul out into the lights at Washington Square- to inhale the poetry of Jim Carroll mingled with the smell of wino piss in the subway- as the Goth girls waft past, with their tribal tattoos and piercings proudly on display-taxi! taxi! forget it-let's just walk instead...
Thanks for sharing your gift. I was transported and transfixed.
~V~
Gail Zeserman - Sunday, October 12th, 2003 8:49 PM PDT
Had the pleasure of hearing you last night at Dean Dobbins house. I loved your rendition of "Just my imagination" (not sure of the song title) and loved participating in the singing.

Your sensitive and deeply honest lyrics just opened my soul right up! I am always grateful to be able to hear such incredible talent in an intimate setting and be reminded that just being ourselves and sharing that truth brings so many riches. Thanks Larry!

P.S. Great website! Beautifully organized.
James Freyt - Monday, July 21st, 2003 7:22 PM PDT
Great Site, Great Music, Nice to see a good song writer doing so well! Support Good Music.
dick weston - Monday, July 21st, 2003 4:44 PM PDT
Just downloaded My Brother Mike. I'm sorry. If I read the meaning correctly, Mike died. I must have been in FL. Mike always made the best world he could for the kids he watched after. I had'nt seen him for a long time, but he was always into what he was doing when he was in S. Portland. I used to see Linda quite a bit around Portland and she seemed to always be well. Maybe I misheard the lyric, and if that's the case, I'm glad, if not you have my most sincere regrets. DIQ
dick weston - Monday, July 21st, 2003 4:01 PM PDT
I was just listening to Nobody's Girl, no matter where or when, this song brings emotions out of me. Seems like I always knew her. Anyway, it's great to see you doing so well. I live in St. Petersburg FL in the winter and Stockton Springs ME in the summer. Almost bicoastal. Don't know what my e-mail address will be come October, but I'll keep my eyes (and computer) open for any concert dates you have coming either way. Great to see a Dirty Shame do so well.

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