After World War II, piano accordions quickly gained widespread appeal among working class people and returning soldiers alike. A typical diatonic piano accordion includes 37 treble keys and 96 bass buttons while some models may even produce multiple notes depending on which way the bellows is moving – known as bisonoric models.
Keyboard
Accordions can generally be divided into two broad categories, treble (treble side) or bass (4 or 5 sets of bass reeds with 3-4 octave musical range). Both variations come with their own set of styles and variations.
An accordion can feature anywhere from 10-30 different tone settings depending on its style. By changing these tones, one can alter its sound and volume while also changing timbre for expressive quality.
Some instruments feature additional reeds tuned out of tune with the main ones to produce an off-tune effect for more tremulant notes, while the keyboard may include couplers to activate additional reeds with higher or lower tones.
The accordion is an ideal instrument to introduce beginners to harmony, melody and rhythm, providing a natural gateway into this field of study. It can be played solo, as part of a musical group or to accompany singing; for children this activity can provide a fulfilling occupation that develops self-confidence, coordination and mental discipline.
Reeds
Pumping an accordion’s bellows releases air and particles into it, with some adhering to internal parts like the reed tongues and altering their pitch; other factors, like file marks or exposure to environmental contaminates may have the same effect.
Most piano accordions feature two eight-foot reeds that play at an equal pitch to create a French or European-style sound, with smaller instruments having three or four. Some accordions also incorporate additional sets that sound an octave lower for an added tremulant effect.
Most accordions feature pallets which convert button presses into movement of the reeds, while larger instruments feature master pallet switches which can be depressed with your palm to turn all banks of reeds on and create full accordion sound – this switch is usually located on one of its sides; piano accordions also come equipped with chin switches which enable performers to change banks easily with just their chin!
Bass
Many accordions include a bass button row that gives each key the tonic, major, minor, and diminished chords necessary for playing melodies without using treble buttons. Larger instruments have up to seven register switches on the bass side which control which reed ranks play; thus altering octaves and chord voicings of bass notes and chords.
These features make the piano accordion ideal for beginner musicians and children. Beginners and kids will gain an immediate sense of satisfaction while developing an understanding of musical structure and harmony at the same time.
Some small accordions, commonly referred to as ladies size accordions, only feature four sets of reeds, providing only a bass range of three keys – but still enough to play melodies with. They’re very portable and convenient for sessions or performances, while hybrid accordions offering bass range equivalent to that of 120 bass accordion are also available.
Bellows
A piano accordion contains bellows that expand and contract to provide airflow that powers its instrument. These bellows also contain grilles to amplify sound production as well as register switches that control tonal qualities of its tonal qualities.
Finding an air leak in a bellows is often easiest when held vertically with pressure applied at its corners, as air will often “bounce back” and disorient where exactly the leak originates from. If the bellows is in good shape, this solution can provide quick and cost-effective repairs.
Melodeon players that prefer dancey rhythmic tunes often turn the bellows all of the time; this helps maintain beat and keep them more closed than open. Try it yourself to hear how much of an impact this has on rhythm and sound! If a leather diamond on one corner of a tune has become damaged, a quick patch solution can be created using thin cardboard such as greeting cards, business cards or cereal boxes; simply wrap one around its edge before using a butter knife to secure its position firmly within its crease.