Our experience what makes a good diatonic accordion.

A freitoner accordion must be beautiful, have a nice sound, be tuned correctly and it must fit perfectly the first time round.

What does a good accordion need?

ACCORDION HOUSING

Diatonic accordion isn’t an acoustic instrument such as a guitar. So the housing isn’t relevant for making sound. The sound is produced by the reeds, so the housing doesn’t affect the quality of the sound even in the higher frequencies. It is important that it is accurately manufactured, dimension tolerances are very important, especially regarding seals. It must also look nice, be light and sturdy.

ACCORDION BELLOWS

The number of creases an accordion bellow has (14 or 15) does not affect the sealing. If the left hand is always “too short”, the problem is elsewhere.

REEDS

Accordion sound is produced by the reeds, which are attached to the reed plate by a special wax. Reeds and the reed plate together create sound. Reeds quality and material is very important as is the quality of the reed plate manufacturing. The type of wood used for making the sound producing parts of the accordion is especially important. Wood quality depends on where it grew, when it was harvested and how it was cut up. The wood must be top grade, without any flaws and the growth must be correct. These characteristics are mainly dependant on the environment of the forest. Tuning the accordion also plays a crucial role. Tremolo can always be adjusted to the costumer’s specifications. Reed quality also influences the amount of air used during playing.

TREBLE AND BASS SWITCHES

These are two complex mechanisms which must be correctly designed and assembled. The quality of assembly greatly influences sealing. After a few years of playing the quality of the switches becomes apparent. Switches which become loose after only a year of playing are not worth much. Every player can feel that underneath his fingers.

BASS TRUMPETS AND BASS

The number of trumpets does not influence the sound and serves more an esthetic function. The number and material of the trumpets affects the weight of the bass side, and it is felt by the player. The bass side must have a correctly made wooden sound chamber. That insures the quality and strength of the bass.  Bass intensity is also improved by implementing modern A’mano reeds which are manufactured using modern CNC wire erosion machines. They also reduce the amount of air used during playing.