Accordion keys work by controlling the flow of air through specific reeds to produce musical notes. The fundamental process involves opening a valve linked to a key, which allows air moved by the bellows to vibrate the reeds.
The Basic Mechanism
When you press a key or button on an accordion, you are essentially activating a mechanical link that opens a small valve. This valve acts like a gate, controlling whether air can reach a particular set of reeds.
Here's the core principle:
- Valve Control: Pressing a key opens a valve.
- Airflow: This open valve permits air to pass from the inside of the accordion, powered by the bellows, to the reed chambers.
- Reed Vibration: As air flows through, it causes thin strips of metal called reeds to vibrate.
- Sound Production: The vibration of the reeds creates the musical sound you hear.
As the reference states: The press of a button or key opens a valve to allow air to pass through the reed or reeds to make a sound when the bellows are pumped in or out.
The Role of the Bellows
The bellows are crucial to the accordion's sound production. They act as the instrument's "lungs," providing the necessary air pressure or suction.
- Pushing the Bellows: Forces air out of the bellows and through any open valves and their corresponding reeds.
- Pulling the Bellows: Draws air into the bellows and through any open valves and their corresponding reeds.
The direction and speed of the bellows movement affect the volume and sustain of the note.
Diatonic Accordion Specifics
While many accordions (like piano accordions) produce the same note whether the bellows are pushed or pulled for a given key, diatonic button accordions work differently.
According to the reference: In the diatonic button accordion, reeds are fixed in pairs so that one note sounds when air moves in, and a different one when air moves out.
This means:
- Pressing a key while pushing the bellows produces one specific note.
- Pressing the same key while pulling the bellows produces a different note.
This design allows a diatonic accordion to produce many notes with fewer buttons compared to a chromatic system, but limits it to specific keys and scales.
In summary, accordion keys are mechanical actuators that open valves, allowing bellows-driven air to vibrate reeds and create music.
