MI: LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: WOODWINDS: ACCORDIAN

History
Accordions and concertinas are instruments which evolved from the full-sized harmonium during the beginning of the 19th century. In Vienna, during the year 1829, Cyrillus Demian made the first accordion. However, the first piano accordion was not announced until 1911.

During the same time, an English scientist, Charles Wheatstone, developed the first concertina. He took his symphonium, an ancestor of the harmonica, and added to it, keys and bellows. The result was the birth of a popular instrument.

Description
Accordions are most commonly found playing folk or dance music. Occasionally, they can be found in orchestral works, but not too often. They are free-reed instruments and consist of two end keyboards, joined by bellows. By expanding and compressing the bellows, air is driven over the reeds and produces the sound.

Accordion Variations
Piano accordion: Easily recognized by a keyboard at one end, the piano accordion is a instrument of wood, cardboard, and steel. It can play very complicated parts and is often heard at dances and festivals, but rarely anything formal.

Concertina: This small accordion is made of wood, cardboard, and steel as well. It can be a relatively simple instrument, but those of professionals are very complex.

Button accordion: This instrument is also made of cardboard, steel, and wood. The buttons on either  side of the bellows make it very distinct. The buttons for the right hand play the melody, and the left-hand buttons play the harmony.

Comments

i have acquired a Royal, 120 button,24 key,white pearl accordian, serial#695-74.... I would like to find out the vintage, value,etc can you help thanks, kellie

Comments

The accordian is one of the rarest folk instruments in the world today. It is a shame because the accordian has a unique and enchanting sound. My grandfather has been playing the accordian since he was 6 years old. He is now 81 years old, and still plays. He was playing on the radio by the time he was 8 years old. This instrument is a part of history and should not be tossed aside.

Comments

The accordian is one of the rarest folk instruments in the world today. It is a shame because the accordian has a unique and enchanting sound. My grandfather has been playing the accordian since he was 6 years old. He is now 81 years old, and still plays. He was playing on the radio by the time he was 8 years old. This instrument is a part of history and should not be tossed aside.

Comments

I would like as information on Staldini Baby Piano Accordians as possible. I have one add would like a price on it. I have had it checked and it is an original. Please if anyone can help can you please e mail me. thank you.

Comments

I would like as information on Staldini Baby Piano Accordians as possible. I have one add would like a price on it. I have had it checked and it is an original. Please if anyone can help can you please e mail me. thank you.

Comments

i have recently aquired a piano accordian. i know how to play piano, so the black and white keys and their purpose is familiar to me, but i cannont figure out the use of the rows of small round buttons. can someone tell me how they are set up and how to use them. thanks in advance, mike.

Comments

I need a lot of information about any kind of accordian. If anyone can help me please e-mail me.Thank you.

Comments

Do you know when the piano accordian was invented, and when did it first appear in the US?

Comments

Do you know when the piano accordian was invented, and when did it first appear in the US?

Comments

Do you know when the piano accordian was invented, and when did it first appear in the US?

Comments

A picture of the accordian would be great.

Comments

A picture of the accordian would be great.

Comments

I have just begun to play a Frontalini 2-octave piano accordian. I realize the buttons are bass octaves divided by fourths but how are they traditionally incorporated. Also when does one use the bellows release button. Thanks

Comments

I have just bought a piano accordian with 120 buttons. I can play piano but I have no idea what to do with the buttons. Please help me. Thanks, Luke.

Comments

I have just bought a piano accordian with 120 buttons. I can play piano but I have no idea what to do with the buttons. Please help me. Thanks, Luke.

Comments

can anyone age my white pearl riosa accordian or give history on the manufacturer?

Comments

can anyone age my white pearl riosa accordian or give history on the manufacturer?

Comments

I have acquired a 120 button and 24 key Catino pearl white ivory made with gold trimming accordion and I would like to know the value and vintage of this instrument. Anyone with info. please contact me a.s.a.p. Thank You

Comments

I have acquired a 120 button and 24 key Catino pearl white ivory made with gold trimming accordion and I would like to know the value and vintage of this instrument. Anyone with info. please contact me a.s.a.p. Thank You

Comments

120 bass buttons create a circle of fifths. The dimpled key is C, Move up one diagonally, and you have a c chord. Up another is a Cminor chord, Up another is a C7th,as you move your hand up the keyboard in the same position the kinds of chords remain constant. The next group up is a G then D then A then E etc. The intervals are defined by the circle of 5ths. It's wickewd easy! Have fun.

Comments

120 bass buttons create a circle of fifths. The dimpled key is C, Move up one diagonally, and you have a c chord. Up another is a Cminor chord, Up another is a C7th,as you move your hand up the keyboard in the same position the kinds of chords remain constant. The next group up is a G then D then A then E etc. The intervals are defined by the circle of 5ths. It's wickewd easy! Have fun.

Comments

hiiii

Comments

Anyone have any luck finding info/history about accordians? I've just acquired a Frontalini that needs some repairs. Thanks, Ken

Comments

Comments

I have a Royal accordian that seems to be old. It works great. Can anyone give me some information on Royal made accordians.

Comments

i need a picture of all the notes on the accordian.finger possitions

Comments

I have a beautiful mother of pearl accordian. The keys are mother of pearl with what looks like gold specks. It reads "MOD 11 Made in Italy. A product of International. I would appreciate any comments. The case is tan tweed and looks to be 1920 or 30 era. Thanks!

Comments

I have a beautiful mother of pearl accordian. The keys are mother of pearl with what looks like gold specks. It reads "MOD 11 Made in Italy. A product of International. I would appreciate any comments. The case is tan tweed and looks to be 1920 or 30 era. Thanks!

Comments

Dear sir/Madam, I am after a picture of the keys on a piano accordion. I understand the keyboard side but not the button side. Thanks TRACEY

Comments

I need to know a good site that can tell me , how old, and how rare my frontalini piano accordian is? I am guessing its mid to late 40s, but need pics and info. please anyone

Comments

I need to know a good site that can tell me , how old, and how rare my frontalini piano accordian is? I am guessing its mid to late 40s, but need pics and info. please anyone

Comments

I need to know a good site that can tell me , how old, and how rare my frontalini piano accordian is?

Comments

you are gay

Comments

I am interested in purchasing a Pancordian as playedby Myron Floren.Any information would be appreciated