Information about the accordion
A box, keys and bellows make up the button accordion Its concertina-like box shape gives it its name. The player applies pressure to the outside of the box. This causes the bellows expand and contract, forcing air into the reeds that correspond with the keys being depressed. Each reed creates a different airflow pattern, and the pitch of each note is varied.
There are two types of accordion: the ‘piano style’ has a keyboard on the right-hand side of the instrument, while the ‘button’ style has buttons instead of a keyboard. Both button and piano accordions have a second set of buttons on their left side. These buttons can be depressed to play chords. Modern accordion players, unlike pianos, will usually follow a song’s melody with their right hand, and then play guitar chords using their left.
The left-hand buttons on a concertina only play single notes, not chords.
Most people think of the ‘piano accordion’ when they refer to a musical instrument. It was invented around 150 years ago and has been a popular instrument for folk musicians and buskers.
Buying an accordion
An accordion will likely cost you a lot. A non-imported traditional accordion could cost between PS2,000 to PS10,000. Even though handmade instruments are the best, even cheaper models have important parts that must be assembled by a craftsman. Professional players will likely have purchased hand-made reeds that sound better than the machined.
If accordions are well cared for, they can last a lifetime.
It pays to be knowledgeable about how to care for your instrument, given the rising cost of purchasing and declining number of craftsmen.
Looking after your accordion
- When not in use, keep your accordion in a protective case made for this purpose.
- It should be kept away from extreme heat, cold, or humidity
- It should never be left in direct sunlight
- Regularly clean it of dust and fingerprints
- It will be damaged by salt and water, so don’t put it out in the rain.
- Air dry the accordion with the bellows left open.
If you are fortunate enough to inherit an accordion or find one, you will need to wear a mask as the mould spores can get into your face.
