Does an accordion need to be tuned?
Accordions need tuning just like any other instrument. The type of tuning and how often it needs to be done depends on the make and model of the accordion but it’s best to take your instrument to a professional to have it done properly.
What is a tone chamber accordion?
High-end accordions often have a feature called a cassotto (Italian for “box”), also referred to as a “tone chamber”, in the treble (right-hand) reed section. In this design, certain reed sets (usually one set of middle reeds, and the set of low reeds) are mounted at a 90° angle to the remaining reeds.
What is a double cassotto accordion?
Double Cassotto means that you have 2 sets of reeds in the chamber, usually the bassoon reed (16′ ) and the’ in tune’ clarinet reed (8′). A single cassotto accordion has only one set in the chamber (the 16′).
What is a dry tuned accordion?
Most accordions have more than one reed per note. If all of these “voices” are tuned exactly in unison it is said to be Dry-tuned. If the voices are tuned differently ie one or more voices are tuned slightly sharp to give a tremelo effect they are said to be Wet-tuned.
How long does it take to tune an accordion?
Now say we require say on average 5 cycles to bring the reed within a reasonable margin of the desired pitch, then the total time required might as much as 10 mins per reed. In a standard accordion, there are about 450 reeds. So at the very least, this could take over 70 hours! So be prepared to spend a few days!
How many octaves does an accordion have?
3 octaves
They typically have around 3 octaves….Piano accordion.
| Classification | Free-reed aerophone |
| Playing range |
|---|
What is double octave tuning accordion?
Double Octave (“Straight Tuning”) Using 4′ (piccolo) and 16′ reeds gives a 2 octave spread so creating Double Octave tuning. The voicing also includes 8′ on pitch reeds. Double Octave accordions are characterised by a “dry”, organ like tone. Cassotto.
How fast is a musette?
The dance styles to music produced with this instrument are also called musette. Musette dance is a fast tempo dance of 2/4, 6/4, or 6/8.
What does musette mean in music?
small French bagpipe
Definition of ‘musette’ 1. a small French bagpipe of the 17th and 18th cent. 2. a soft pastoral melody, in imitation of the tunes played on this.
What is the small French accordion called?
Concertinas
Concertinas are small hand-held free-reed instruments that are unique from the previous accordion. Because of their compact size, these accordions are great for traveling and are often associated with sailors, who take the musical instrument on their voyage.
Are accordions French or Italian?
The propaganda of the time spoke of the accordion as a musical instrument invented in Italy, and as being “the pride of our industriousness and delight of the Italian people.” (Review Varietas – Rassegna Nazionale dell’Autarchia 1941).
How is the tuning on an accordion?
First of all, the tuning is dependent on the reed arrangement in the accordion. For a full sized professional accordion, there are typically four sets of reeds on the right hand side (a “4-reed accordion”). There are two different reed arrangements commonly used in 4-reed accordions.
What is the most common French musette tuning for an accordion?
The most common French Musette tuning of the three middle (clarinet) reeds is: If you are purchasing an LMMH Accordion you can only choose ONE tuning depth of Musette. however let me explain that one.
Can You tune the reed blocks on an accordion?
If you tune just the reed blocks on the OUTSIDE of the accordion, the tuning could change when the reed blocks are put back into the accordion. If you tune the reed blocks while they are on the INSIDE the accordion, the tuning should remain correct.
Are the reeds on an accordion pre-tuned?
Many times the reeds are pre-tuned before they’re installed into the accordion. Then, possibily a “good” manufacturer will tune the entire accordion AFTER the reeds are installed. This is one of the many reasons why a NEW accordion generally has better tuning than an old one. Everything is New and basically in tune.