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The accordion is a rather complex musical instrument played by compression and expansion of a bellows, which creates air flow across wooden reeds. It has keyboard controls which receive air flow, thereby producing the tones. Similar to other musical instruments, the accordion has several parts that play different functions. These accordion parts, however, work together to produce the exact, great quality tones that the accordion is well-loved for having.
Here are the major parts of an accordion instrument:
The Bellows
The bellows are considered as the “heart” of the accordion. The bellows is the part that creates the volume by forcing air through the reeds. In fact, 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 important part of an accordion’s sound quality. The reeds are the ones that produce the accordion’s sound. This part consists of thin 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, specifically when air pressure is supplied from the bellows. It has plates that are mounted on reed blocks, which are typically made of poplar wood. Finally, this part has leather parts that work to moderate the flow of air.
Switches
The switches’ main function is to open or close one or more sets of reeds, through the register slides in the reed blocks. It is a fact that the more reeds in an accordion, the more switches become available.
Air Button
Another important accordion part is the air button, which primarily operates the valve that allows the bellows to open and close without the accordion making any sound. The air button is typically located on the side of the bass board, or in the very top bass button.
Valves
The valves, in general, are what allow the air to enter into the reed.
Treble Keyboard
This accordion part has basically a similar layout as the piano. Note that in this particular part, the lowest note is at the top when you look at it from the front.
Tone Chamber
The tone chamber, also called “Cassoto”, is actually the box into which a set of reeds is placed. Cassoto is usually the general term used for any instrument with reeds in a chamber. In fact, this accordion part gives the instrument a rich and full sound.
Grille
The grille covers the treble valves and other mechanisms of the keyboard. This accordion part is used to decorate the accordion, and the grille normally displays the brand name or logo of the manufacturer. Generally, it is vented to let a louder treble sound. This is also designed as a muting mechanism.
Tagged with: antique accordion • types of accordion
Filed under: Accordion