When it comes to accordion music, Italy is the leader. In fact, Italy has been considered as the worldwide leader in quality and production of accordion. This title has remained undisputed for a long period of time, and Italy should say “thank you” to the high quality of this instrument for which the production first began in 1863.
As you may have known, the history of accordion music has been written by the Italian manufacturers. The names Paolo Soprani, Mariano Dallape, Sante Cruncianelli and Silvio Scandalli are all names that have contributed to the fortunes of accordions, which has been making its own way to almost every corner of the world. Perhaps the development of accordion music in the classical genre is due to a large number of Italian musicians and manufacturers who possess great skills in creating samples of outstanding artistic and technical value.
It is further worth noting that although the accordion musical trends over the past decade have identified a somewhat decrease in the demand for these instruments and its quality music, the Italians still continue to manufacture accordions. The products are generally created for those professional musicians who wanted to express themselves through their music and entertain the people at all cost. It is with this continuing production that Italy continues to enjoy an excellent reputation. The tone of the Italian accordion music has in fact been universally considered as the best currently available on the market. And, I guess there is no concert performer anywhere in the world, who doesn’t own, or hopes to own, an Italian accordion music.
Today, it is interesting to know that even though the areas of production in Italy have remained the traditional ones, the technological development has reached some companies in the country that have gone into the production of the fine electronic, coupled with the traditional accordions. This has also been coupled with a number of different creative uses which has been possible to extend with the application of MIDI devices.
The accordion instruments and the accordion music now hold the second place in the line-up of the Italian musical instruments and products that have been exported abroad. And, with the ever growing popularity of Italian accordion music, it’s no wonder that at present there are about 30 accordion manufacturers just in the province of Ancona, which employ 600 people. It is further interesting to know that according to some records, the number of pieces produced for the instrument is a little higher then 12.000 units for a total value of US$11 millions, 89 percent of which are destined to foreign markets, like Japan, European Union and the United States.
Accordion Parts
Accordion is a musical instrument played by compression and expansion of a bellows, which generates air flow across the reed. It has keyboard controls which reeds receive air flow, producing the tones. Just like the other musical instruments, the accordion has a number of parts that play different functions. However, these accordion parts work together to produce the exact, great quality tones that accordion is well-acclaimed of.
Here are the major parts of accordion:
The Bellows
The bellows are said to be the “heart” of the accordion. It is this accordion part that creates the volume by forcing air through the reeds. As you may know, controlling the air flow with the bellows for dynamics and expression is one thing that is unique to accordion.
The Reeds
The reeds have long been considered as the most vital part of an accordion’s sound quality. This is for the fact that the reeds are the ones that produce the accordion’s sound. Technically, this particular accordion part is consists of thins steel, which is riveted at one end of the reed plate. The other end of the reed is free to vibrate in and out of the slot, especially when air pressure is supplied from the bellows. This accordion part has plates that are mounted on reed blocks, which are typically made of poplar wood. And, this part has leathers that work to moderate the flow of air.
Switches
Switches function to open or close one or more sets of reeds, through the register slides in the reed blocks. It is noted that the more reeds in an accordion, the more switches become available.
Air Button
Another important accordion part is the air button, which mainly operates the valve that allows the bellows to open and close without the accordion making any sound. The air button is typically situated on the side of the bass board, or is the very top bass button.
Valves
The valves are generally what allow the air to enter into the reed.
Treble Keyboard
This accordion part has basically the same layout as the piano. Note that in this part, the lowest note is at the top when you look at it from the front.
Tone Chamber
Also called “Cassoto”, the tone chamber is actually the box into which a set of reeds is placed. Cassoto is actually the general term used for any instrument with reeds in a chamber. It is this accordion part which gives the instrument a rich and full sound.
Grille
The grille covers the treble valves and mechanisms of the keyboard. This accordion part is employed to decorate the accordion, and the grille usually displays the brand name or logo of the manufacturer. It is also usually vented to let a louder treble sound. However, this is also used as a muting mechanism.
Here are the major parts of accordion:
The Bellows
The bellows are said to be the “heart” of the accordion. It is this accordion part that creates the volume by forcing air through the reeds. As you may know, controlling the air flow with the bellows for dynamics and expression is one thing that is unique to accordion.
The Reeds
The reeds have long been considered as the most vital part of an accordion’s sound quality. This is for the fact that the reeds are the ones that produce the accordion’s sound. Technically, this particular accordion part is consists of thins steel, which is riveted at one end of the reed plate. The other end of the reed is free to vibrate in and out of the slot, especially when air pressure is supplied from the bellows. This accordion part has plates that are mounted on reed blocks, which are typically made of poplar wood. And, this part has leathers that work to moderate the flow of air.
Switches
Switches function to open or close one or more sets of reeds, through the register slides in the reed blocks. It is noted that the more reeds in an accordion, the more switches become available.
Air Button
Another important accordion part is the air button, which mainly operates the valve that allows the bellows to open and close without the accordion making any sound. The air button is typically situated on the side of the bass board, or is the very top bass button.
Valves
The valves are generally what allow the air to enter into the reed.
Treble Keyboard
This accordion part has basically the same layout as the piano. Note that in this part, the lowest note is at the top when you look at it from the front.
Tone Chamber
Also called “Cassoto”, the tone chamber is actually the box into which a set of reeds is placed. Cassoto is actually the general term used for any instrument with reeds in a chamber. It is this accordion part which gives the instrument a rich and full sound.
Grille
The grille covers the treble valves and mechanisms of the keyboard. This accordion part is employed to decorate the accordion, and the grille usually displays the brand name or logo of the manufacturer. It is also usually vented to let a louder treble sound. However, this is also used as a muting mechanism.
Accordion Lesson
Thinking for learning how to play the accordion? Wanna go for an accordion lesson? Well, if that’s what you want, then go for it. But before you go for the lesson, you should first try knowing all the necessary things behind the accordion lesson.
Generally, there are hundreds of people and schools handling or offering accordion lessons for those who wish to learn playing the instrument. Some of these lessons are intended for kids, age 3 to 6, while the others are intended for adults. As far as I know, all of these lessons have specific goals to meet, and it is usually expected that after learning how to play the instrument, the students already know how to read the music, how to pick up the tunes by ear, developed a strong understanding of the music theory, learned to play with other musicians in sessions, as well as for dancers.
In an accordion lesson intended for beginners or those who have little or no knowledge of the instrument, it is so typical that all music taught in class is written in staff notation and recorded onto audio cassette tapes. This is what most of the professional accordion teachers commonly require for their students. Under this program, the students are taught to be familiar with the fundamentals of the instrument. The basics of music theory are also typically covered, including the relationship of music notes to the buttons on the accordion. What’s more, in the beginners’ program, the basic fingering techniques are included in the accordion lesson, and mostly the students are introduced to the left hand basses and chords.
Most of the accordion lessons are also offered for those students who have been playing for at least one year. Thus, the intermediate program was developed. Under this program, the students should now have a solid understanding of the accordion and be able to read music and play it on the instrument. Well, under this coverage of the accordion lesson, the students are introduced to the level II tunes, which are composed of difficult jigs and hornpipes, including polkas, slides, reels and set pieces. An introduction to variations and ornamentation, development of the left hand skills to accompany the right hand melodies are also tackled. And, it is during this stage in an accordion lesson that a participation in music sessions is strongly encouraged.
Finally, there is the advanced program, offered for students who have a strong background on the accordion and has been playing for the last three years. Here, a higher degree of difficulty in terms of the tunes is introduced, and it is in this accordion lesson stage that the students will develop strong right hand maneuverability through advanced fingering techniques. It is also here that the students begin to write their own music.
Generally, there are hundreds of people and schools handling or offering accordion lessons for those who wish to learn playing the instrument. Some of these lessons are intended for kids, age 3 to 6, while the others are intended for adults. As far as I know, all of these lessons have specific goals to meet, and it is usually expected that after learning how to play the instrument, the students already know how to read the music, how to pick up the tunes by ear, developed a strong understanding of the music theory, learned to play with other musicians in sessions, as well as for dancers.
In an accordion lesson intended for beginners or those who have little or no knowledge of the instrument, it is so typical that all music taught in class is written in staff notation and recorded onto audio cassette tapes. This is what most of the professional accordion teachers commonly require for their students. Under this program, the students are taught to be familiar with the fundamentals of the instrument. The basics of music theory are also typically covered, including the relationship of music notes to the buttons on the accordion. What’s more, in the beginners’ program, the basic fingering techniques are included in the accordion lesson, and mostly the students are introduced to the left hand basses and chords.
Most of the accordion lessons are also offered for those students who have been playing for at least one year. Thus, the intermediate program was developed. Under this program, the students should now have a solid understanding of the accordion and be able to read music and play it on the instrument. Well, under this coverage of the accordion lesson, the students are introduced to the level II tunes, which are composed of difficult jigs and hornpipes, including polkas, slides, reels and set pieces. An introduction to variations and ornamentation, development of the left hand skills to accompany the right hand melodies are also tackled. And, it is during this stage in an accordion lesson that a participation in music sessions is strongly encouraged.
Finally, there is the advanced program, offered for students who have a strong background on the accordion and has been playing for the last three years. Here, a higher degree of difficulty in terms of the tunes is introduced, and it is in this accordion lesson stage that the students will develop strong right hand maneuverability through advanced fingering techniques. It is also here that the students begin to write their own music.
Accordion Gates
Accordion gates in the first place have nothing to do with music. Rather, it has something to do with public and residential security. In what sense? Well, you read on.
Many people are currently looking for accordion gates to secure their warehouses, their bay doors, their aisles, and other restricted areas. These gates are generally excellent for situations where compact, restricted access is a priority; however visibility as well as air flow is also desired as well. As you may know, security and access aren’t mutually exclusive.
The accordion gates generally come in different forms, but they are usually folded. They are designed to make the facilities more secure and still allow frequent and easy access to those who need it. As folding gates, the accordion gates fold easily back and out of the way especially when people or equipments need to pass. However, they mostly offer a lockable barrier when closed.
It is further worth noting that most of the accordion gates are crafted from heavy-duty steel U-type channel riveted back to back. This is actually the reason that the accordion gates are also called “steel gates”. Also, they typically come in single or double, and all the double gates are commonly protected with drop pins. As you may know, some even feature steel ball bearing swivel casters for an easy opening as well as closing. There are also some accordion gates that feature webs that are riveted to vertical rails. The rivets are generally held behind in order to prevent tampering. Also, with this kind of accordion gates, welding is not necessarily required for installation.
Today, most of the available accordion gates are intended for pets and babies security. These gates are called pet gates or baby gates, and they are usually made of metal, plastic, or wood. As, a pet gates, they are designed to help keeping the dog out of trouble as the accordion gates restrict the dog’s access to specific rooms or areas. The gates also confine him to acceptable surroundings. This is also true with babies. These gates are generally a better option to simply closing a door to restrict or confine your pet or baby.
Most of the accordion gates are also used in residential elevators. They basically feature solid panels that are joined with steel hinges and sealed with premium vinyl for a gate that completely closes the car opening and eliminates pinch hazards. Just like the pet and baby gates, this kind of accordion gate generally carries the concepts of quality and safety as top priority.
Many people are currently looking for accordion gates to secure their warehouses, their bay doors, their aisles, and other restricted areas. These gates are generally excellent for situations where compact, restricted access is a priority; however visibility as well as air flow is also desired as well. As you may know, security and access aren’t mutually exclusive.
The accordion gates generally come in different forms, but they are usually folded. They are designed to make the facilities more secure and still allow frequent and easy access to those who need it. As folding gates, the accordion gates fold easily back and out of the way especially when people or equipments need to pass. However, they mostly offer a lockable barrier when closed.
It is further worth noting that most of the accordion gates are crafted from heavy-duty steel U-type channel riveted back to back. This is actually the reason that the accordion gates are also called “steel gates”. Also, they typically come in single or double, and all the double gates are commonly protected with drop pins. As you may know, some even feature steel ball bearing swivel casters for an easy opening as well as closing. There are also some accordion gates that feature webs that are riveted to vertical rails. The rivets are generally held behind in order to prevent tampering. Also, with this kind of accordion gates, welding is not necessarily required for installation.
Today, most of the available accordion gates are intended for pets and babies security. These gates are called pet gates or baby gates, and they are usually made of metal, plastic, or wood. As, a pet gates, they are designed to help keeping the dog out of trouble as the accordion gates restrict the dog’s access to specific rooms or areas. The gates also confine him to acceptable surroundings. This is also true with babies. These gates are generally a better option to simply closing a door to restrict or confine your pet or baby.
Most of the accordion gates are also used in residential elevators. They basically feature solid panels that are joined with steel hinges and sealed with premium vinyl for a gate that completely closes the car opening and eliminates pinch hazards. Just like the pet and baby gates, this kind of accordion gate generally carries the concepts of quality and safety as top priority.
The Accordion History
The accordion has a fascinating history. Its starts way back 4,500 years ago with the Cheng or Sheng in China, the first known instrument to use the free vibrating reed principle, which is the basis of the accordion’s sound production.
However, it was Cyrillus Damian, a Viennese instrument maker, who has often been credited with the creation of the first true accordion. According to numerous historical resources, he was the first to patent an instrument of that name, having received royal patronage for his invention in 1829. But later, reports have revealed that the first true accordion made its appearance in 1822 when Christian Friedrich Buschmann put some expanding bellows onto a small portable keyboard, with free vibrating reeds inside the instrument itself. He dubbed it the hand-aeoline and helped spread its fame in 1828 by touring with it.
From then on, several varieties of free-vibrating reed instruments were developed. Some of them are still quite well-known today. As the instrument received a growing popularity, the demand for instruction manuals started to grow. According to certain historical resources, the first textbook featured both the original music and arrangements of familiar pieces written by A. Reisner and was published in Paris in 1832. Several textbooks were produced since then.
Meanwhile, from 1830 onwards, the development of accordion continued at a rapidly accelerating pace. Several varieties of instrument were further developed, such as the bandoneon, the harmonica and chromatic type which still exist today. Perhaps one of the interesting developments from this period was the introduction of what subsequently became known as the Schrammel that comprises an accordion, two violins, and bass guitar. This model was often used at Viennese gatherings and can still be heard today.
In 1863, the first piano accordion was introduced to the public, and many performers regarded it as a means of liberating themselves from being confined to their massive and immobile walls of pipes. That time, one of the artists, Pietro Diero brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States and earned a reputation for himself as the father of the American accordion playing. During the early part of the twentieth century, several manufacturers of this reed instrument began establishing their companies and thanks to pressure from professional players that the standard size and shape of the instrument was formed.
Today, the accordion is truly an international phenomenon. More and more manufacturers of this instrument in the United States were established, but their output according to some researches is small compared to their European counterparts. The large contemporary producers of this instrument are located at Germany, France, USSR, and Italy, not to mention to the other countries.
However, it was Cyrillus Damian, a Viennese instrument maker, who has often been credited with the creation of the first true accordion. According to numerous historical resources, he was the first to patent an instrument of that name, having received royal patronage for his invention in 1829. But later, reports have revealed that the first true accordion made its appearance in 1822 when Christian Friedrich Buschmann put some expanding bellows onto a small portable keyboard, with free vibrating reeds inside the instrument itself. He dubbed it the hand-aeoline and helped spread its fame in 1828 by touring with it.
From then on, several varieties of free-vibrating reed instruments were developed. Some of them are still quite well-known today. As the instrument received a growing popularity, the demand for instruction manuals started to grow. According to certain historical resources, the first textbook featured both the original music and arrangements of familiar pieces written by A. Reisner and was published in Paris in 1832. Several textbooks were produced since then.
Meanwhile, from 1830 onwards, the development of accordion continued at a rapidly accelerating pace. Several varieties of instrument were further developed, such as the bandoneon, the harmonica and chromatic type which still exist today. Perhaps one of the interesting developments from this period was the introduction of what subsequently became known as the Schrammel that comprises an accordion, two violins, and bass guitar. This model was often used at Viennese gatherings and can still be heard today.
In 1863, the first piano accordion was introduced to the public, and many performers regarded it as a means of liberating themselves from being confined to their massive and immobile walls of pipes. That time, one of the artists, Pietro Diero brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States and earned a reputation for himself as the father of the American accordion playing. During the early part of the twentieth century, several manufacturers of this reed instrument began establishing their companies and thanks to pressure from professional players that the standard size and shape of the instrument was formed.
Today, the accordion is truly an international phenomenon. More and more manufacturers of this instrument in the United States were established, but their output according to some researches is small compared to their European counterparts. The large contemporary producers of this instrument are located at Germany, France, USSR, and Italy, not to mention to the other countries.
How to Make an Accordion Book
As stories have been told, the accordion book originates from Asia. It has long been considered as an ancient craft in many Asian countries and it was invented to accommodate scrolls that had become unmanageable due to their length and size.
Basically, the accordion book is composed of a continuous folded sheet of paper that is often enclosed between two covers. Just the accordion instrument, it can be either expanded outward or compressed or kept flat.
In terms of the paper, it is interesting to know that the paper employed for the inside sheets of the accordion book can be of the weight of drawing paper, heavy wrapping paper or colored construction paper. However, it can also be heavier like that of the tagboard or thin Bristol board. This paper, when used as a scrapbook, has the capability to handle as much mounted material as desired without bulging at the open edge.
The inside paper, on the other hand, which is folded into sheets may be similar as to that card stock cover or lightly smaller than that. As many of the experts say, if the accordion book is to stand, stiff paper the same size of the cover works effectively.
Having such qualities, the accordion book is considered best for exhibits and displays. The main reason behind this claim is the fact that you can stand them up and both sides can be viewed. Just note that the finished size of the accordion book greatly varies depending on the size of the paper that you use.
Materials Needed for Making an Accordion Book
If you are thinking for forming an accordion book, then you need get hold of these materials:
* Strips of paper cut to size
* Cardstock for covers
* Bone folder or wooden craft stick
* Glue stick
The Preparation
All you need to do with the preparation is to cut the paper and the cardstock.
The Procedure
The first thing to do is to fold the paper in half and crease the edge. In doing this, you can employ a bone folder, tongue depressor or ruler. Then, fold one end to meet the center fold, still creasing the edge of the paper. If done, reverse the direction of such fold, and fold the new fold up to meet the center fold. Now, fold the end to the center fold and repeat with the other end fold. If done, you will notice that you have formed an 8-page accordion book. But, if you want 16 pages, all you need to do is to keep folding in the same way, but always remember to bring the fold back to the center. Finally, glue the cardstock covers to the first and the last page of the text block. Here you can also use a bone folder, tongue depressor or a ruler for boning down the edges of the glued cover to the text block.
As easy as that!
Basically, the accordion book is composed of a continuous folded sheet of paper that is often enclosed between two covers. Just the accordion instrument, it can be either expanded outward or compressed or kept flat.
In terms of the paper, it is interesting to know that the paper employed for the inside sheets of the accordion book can be of the weight of drawing paper, heavy wrapping paper or colored construction paper. However, it can also be heavier like that of the tagboard or thin Bristol board. This paper, when used as a scrapbook, has the capability to handle as much mounted material as desired without bulging at the open edge.
The inside paper, on the other hand, which is folded into sheets may be similar as to that card stock cover or lightly smaller than that. As many of the experts say, if the accordion book is to stand, stiff paper the same size of the cover works effectively.
Having such qualities, the accordion book is considered best for exhibits and displays. The main reason behind this claim is the fact that you can stand them up and both sides can be viewed. Just note that the finished size of the accordion book greatly varies depending on the size of the paper that you use.
Materials Needed for Making an Accordion Book
If you are thinking for forming an accordion book, then you need get hold of these materials:
* Strips of paper cut to size
* Cardstock for covers
* Bone folder or wooden craft stick
* Glue stick
The Preparation
All you need to do with the preparation is to cut the paper and the cardstock.
The Procedure
The first thing to do is to fold the paper in half and crease the edge. In doing this, you can employ a bone folder, tongue depressor or ruler. Then, fold one end to meet the center fold, still creasing the edge of the paper. If done, reverse the direction of such fold, and fold the new fold up to meet the center fold. Now, fold the end to the center fold and repeat with the other end fold. If done, you will notice that you have formed an 8-page accordion book. But, if you want 16 pages, all you need to do is to keep folding in the same way, but always remember to bring the fold back to the center. Finally, glue the cardstock covers to the first and the last page of the text block. Here you can also use a bone folder, tongue depressor or a ruler for boning down the edges of the glued cover to the text block.
As easy as that!
Accordion for Sale
As you trudge around your neighborhood, you may notice advertisements posted perhaps on the windows, on the walls, or anywhere else with this line “accordion for sale”. Well, many people and music stores are now selling accordions for those who wish to own the instrument. Their number even increase as more and more people learn to appreciate the wonders accordion is capable of bringing. Accordion is in fact highly considered as one of the most renowned musical instruments worldwide, being widely used in concerts and professional performances throughout the world.
Now, if you are one of those people who have interest in owning accordion, or if you are currently looking for an accordion for sale, then look no more for I have mentioned below a few of the most trusted and widely visited stores online where you can find the best models of accordion for sale. If possible, check these out!
Accordion for Sale at Accordion-O-Rama.com
Accordion-O-Rama now carries hundreds of new and rebuilt accordions in stock. Perhaps what is best about this music online store is that they take used accordion that are worthy of restoration and expertly rebuild them. These rebuilt models then can easily pass for new. What’s more, their expert sales staff is glad to help you place an order for the right features and the right accordion. So, if you wish to own the accordion with the exact features you would like, then don’t worry because they can recommend you the specific instruments that are ready to sell. Today, they carry accordion for sale under different series, such as electronic accordions, diatonic button, piano accordions and concertinas.
Accordion for Sale at NetInstruments.com
If you prefer an over flowing list of accordion for sale, then Net Instruments is not doubt the right place for you. Here you will find a list of excellent accordions under the name Giulitte, Hohner, Saltarelle, Titano, and a lot more. Net Instruments is also nice enough to feature the accordion for sale and wanted by categories, thus you will find here the antique instruments and the newly built.
Accordion for Sale at MusicalInstrumentSales.co.uk
Finally, here comes the Musical Instrument Sales, which currently feature a listing of accordion concertina melodeon sales. Through this online store, you will find instruments made by Alessandri, Borsini, Delicia Carmen, Paolo Soprani, Pigini, and Sem. All of these accordions are in good condition and some are custom made. They all come with fantastic appearance, and for special offer. All the technical details are presented here for your own advantage.
Now, if you are one of those people who have interest in owning accordion, or if you are currently looking for an accordion for sale, then look no more for I have mentioned below a few of the most trusted and widely visited stores online where you can find the best models of accordion for sale. If possible, check these out!
Accordion for Sale at Accordion-O-Rama.com
Accordion-O-Rama now carries hundreds of new and rebuilt accordions in stock. Perhaps what is best about this music online store is that they take used accordion that are worthy of restoration and expertly rebuild them. These rebuilt models then can easily pass for new. What’s more, their expert sales staff is glad to help you place an order for the right features and the right accordion. So, if you wish to own the accordion with the exact features you would like, then don’t worry because they can recommend you the specific instruments that are ready to sell. Today, they carry accordion for sale under different series, such as electronic accordions, diatonic button, piano accordions and concertinas.
Accordion for Sale at NetInstruments.com
If you prefer an over flowing list of accordion for sale, then Net Instruments is not doubt the right place for you. Here you will find a list of excellent accordions under the name Giulitte, Hohner, Saltarelle, Titano, and a lot more. Net Instruments is also nice enough to feature the accordion for sale and wanted by categories, thus you will find here the antique instruments and the newly built.
Accordion for Sale at MusicalInstrumentSales.co.uk
Finally, here comes the Musical Instrument Sales, which currently feature a listing of accordion concertina melodeon sales. Through this online store, you will find instruments made by Alessandri, Borsini, Delicia Carmen, Paolo Soprani, Pigini, and Sem. All of these accordions are in good condition and some are custom made. They all come with fantastic appearance, and for special offer. All the technical details are presented here for your own advantage.
Accordion
An accordion basically is a musical instrument that had gained popularity throughout its history. It belongs to the handheld bellows-driven free reed aerophone family and is sometimes known as squeezeboxes. It is played by compression and expansion of a bellows, which generates air flow across the reed. It also has keyboard controls which reeds receive air flow and therefore the tones are produced.
Physical Features
The accordion of today’s world consists of a body in two parts. Each part has a rectangular shape and generally separated by bellows. On each part of the body, you will find a keyboard that contains buttons, levers or piano style keys. It is these buttons, when pressed, that travel in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the bellows, which is towards the performer. Well, it is worth noting that most of the modern accordions also have buttons that are capable of producing entire chords. This feature basically what sets concertinas’ buttons from the modern accordions as the former produce only single notes.
Speaking of concertina, it is interesting to know that this instrument is just a variation of accordion, but it differs from the modern accordion as its buttons never produce chords and travel parallel to the motion of the bellows, which is then towards the opposite end of the instrument. Between concertinas and the modern accordions, there are also differences when it comes to the internal materials, construction, mechanics, and tone color, but the most interesting fact is the basic standards of sound production are identical.
Types of Accordions
Accordions generally come in a number of different styles and key-note systems. These mainly include the Diatonic, Concertinas, Chromatic, and Piano accordions. I have here below brief specifications to these types.
Diatonic: This type is frequently used by many folks and dance groups because of its great sound output, simplicity, light weight and low cost, making Diatonic one of the most popular accordions in the world. Perhaps it is nice to know that the note pattern of its keyboard is typically similar to that of the mouth harmonica.
Concertinas: This instrument is noted for its unique shape, ranging from four to twelve sides, in cross-section. It has two keyboards, one at every end of the bellows. All of the buttons are individual notes, thus there are no fixed chords on concertina. Also, the different notes and systems vary so greatly that a performer of one system will almost not be able to pick up a concertina of a different system and play it without having to almost learn it from scratch.
Chromatic Accordions: This instrument could play a 46 note chromatic scale. Its button is not diatonic and has the greatest range of treble noted of any type available these days. Its size ranges from an accordion with 20 treble keys and 12 bass buttons to the modern chromatic models which have 6 treble button rows and 160 bass buttons. This is now very popular in Russia.
Piano Accordions: So far, this instrument became the first truly standardized universal type, since the development of the Stradella bass system. This then means that a performer can play any type without a change in system, making the piano accordion the easiest type to play.
Physical Features
The accordion of today’s world consists of a body in two parts. Each part has a rectangular shape and generally separated by bellows. On each part of the body, you will find a keyboard that contains buttons, levers or piano style keys. It is these buttons, when pressed, that travel in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the bellows, which is towards the performer. Well, it is worth noting that most of the modern accordions also have buttons that are capable of producing entire chords. This feature basically what sets concertinas’ buttons from the modern accordions as the former produce only single notes.
Speaking of concertina, it is interesting to know that this instrument is just a variation of accordion, but it differs from the modern accordion as its buttons never produce chords and travel parallel to the motion of the bellows, which is then towards the opposite end of the instrument. Between concertinas and the modern accordions, there are also differences when it comes to the internal materials, construction, mechanics, and tone color, but the most interesting fact is the basic standards of sound production are identical.
Types of Accordions
Accordions generally come in a number of different styles and key-note systems. These mainly include the Diatonic, Concertinas, Chromatic, and Piano accordions. I have here below brief specifications to these types.
Diatonic: This type is frequently used by many folks and dance groups because of its great sound output, simplicity, light weight and low cost, making Diatonic one of the most popular accordions in the world. Perhaps it is nice to know that the note pattern of its keyboard is typically similar to that of the mouth harmonica.
Concertinas: This instrument is noted for its unique shape, ranging from four to twelve sides, in cross-section. It has two keyboards, one at every end of the bellows. All of the buttons are individual notes, thus there are no fixed chords on concertina. Also, the different notes and systems vary so greatly that a performer of one system will almost not be able to pick up a concertina of a different system and play it without having to almost learn it from scratch.
Chromatic Accordions: This instrument could play a 46 note chromatic scale. Its button is not diatonic and has the greatest range of treble noted of any type available these days. Its size ranges from an accordion with 20 treble keys and 12 bass buttons to the modern chromatic models which have 6 treble button rows and 160 bass buttons. This is now very popular in Russia.
Piano Accordions: So far, this instrument became the first truly standardized universal type, since the development of the Stradella bass system. This then means that a performer can play any type without a change in system, making the piano accordion the easiest type to play.
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