Questions Re A Small 2.5-row Diatonic Accordion

[ragtimer]

I know this is not a concertina, but will describe it enough so someone can steer me to the correct Web site.

 

I just saw in the local antique shop a very small Hohner "Preciosa" button accordion, with two and a half rows of melody buttons on the RH and 8 bass buttons on the LH. The buttons are small and closely spaced, as on a concertina, much smaller than a melodeon's.

 

The first row of RH has 11 buttons that play the standard bisonoric diatonic (Anglo-like) scale. The second row of 10 buttons plays likewise, a 4th higher in pitch. However, its button that plays the 5th tone of the scale also plays that same note on draw, isntead of the 6th tone. Odd.

 

The 3rd row has only 4 buttons, which seem to be odd accidentals (like the 3rd row on an Anglo).

The LH buttons are 4 basses and 4 chords, different on push and pull -- a pattern I've seen before.

 

The instrument is *almost* playable -- everything is good except a couple of bass chords are choked, adn that odd 5th tone on the 2nd melody row. I suspect new leather valves are needed on the LH.

 

What is the proper term for this kind of instrument, and where can I learn more? It's so small, lightweight, and cute that it might follow me home --Mike K.

 

Edited to add: It seems this is a "2+ Row Club style", though new models have 12 basses, not 8.

It has no stop switches, but the melody seems to have two "wet" tuned reeds per note, an effect I do like.

Edited March 28, 2007 by ragtimer

[Richard Morse]

That's a "club" style button accordion. We've seen a lot of those come thought the Button Box, just like that one, MOTS, virtually all in the keys of C/F. They all have that button configuration and two reeds/note. The interesting thing is that the reeds are installed flat-on to the "soundboard" similar to a concertina's arrangement with the "2nd" reedset being *also* flat-on but *above* the first set, sort of like a stack of pancakes. And to get them all in there the reed plates are unusually narrow and they're butted pretty tight to each other with just a buttering of wax between them. Makes it harder to work on than typical boxes but not a problem for us.

 

I'd say - go get it!

 

-- Rich --

[ragtimer]

That's a "club" style button accordion. We've seen a lot of those come thought the Button Box, just like that one, MOTS, virtually all in the keys of C/F. They all have that button configuration and two reeds/note. The interesting thing is that the reeds are installed flat-on to the "soundboard" similar to a concertina's arrangement with the "2nd" reedset being *also* flat-on but *above* the first set, sort of like a stack of pancakes. And to get them all in there the reed plates are unusually narrow and they're butted pretty tight to each other with just a buttering of wax between them. Makes it harder to work on than typical boxes but not a problem for us.

 

I'd say - go get it!

 

-- Rich --

Thanks, Rich! I did indeed bring it home today, and the reed layout inside is just as you describe -- two layers lying flat (like your own tinas) on the soundboard. Bass side is usual accordion layout in stand-off cells. BTW, it was from your BBox web site that I learned it was a "Club", though I don't know that anyone is still makign them this small.

 

An odd feature is a push-in button on the bottom of the RH side, that operates a linkage inside which connects to -- nothing! I wonder if it once drove a register slide to turn off the "wet" reed layer?

 

Another odd hting is that the F/C bass button's chord plays an F7 chord -- either it's jsut way out of tune, or someone had it customized for Blues work! Also one bass pair plays Eb/Bb, and I don't see Eb useful even in key of F. Maybe more reeds way out of tune?

 

Finally, there is a thumb loop screwed to the melody side, maybe not original, which if used, doesn't let your hand reach the lower-pitched buttons. There are also the two big shoulder straps, just like on a large accordion, which may be what you're supposed to use to hold the RH side steady.

 

But the whole thing is so tiny -- just 8" across the keyboard -- that it seems a shame to use the big straps.

Anyway, thanks for hte info, and if I decide to get it truly playable (it's so close already), I'll keep the BBox in mind, --Mike K.

[Steve_freereeder]

The Hohner Preciosa melodeons/accordions (call them what you will) are indeed 'cute'. They were designed to be very portable - able to fit in a rucksack for carrying around the countryside on hikes and then played at inns and cafes along the way

 

If you want to know more about them, you caould always ask over at melodeon.net - there's sure to be someone there who has one or knows a lot more about their history.

 

http://melodeon.aimoo.com/

[malcolm clapp]

An odd feature is a push-in button on the bottom of the RH side, that operates a linkage inside which connects to -- nothing! I wonder if it once drove a register slide to turn off the "wet" reed layer?

 

 

This is/was a locking mechanism (you will note that there are no bellows straps as on other accordions to keep it closed when not in use).

 

Mine is broken; like yours, it connects to...nothing! However, I don't miss it and have resisted the temptation to add bellows straps or to try and fix it.

 

F7 is indeed a strange chord to find; I would suggest a breaking or rusty reed is likely.

 

C/F Club accordions do usually have that Eb bass and chord, which makes playing in the key of Bb much more satisfying.

 

 

MC

Edited March 29, 2007 by malcolm clapp

[ragtimer]

 

An odd feature is a push-in button on the bottom of the RH side, that operates a linkage inside which connects to -- nothing! I wonder if it once drove a register slide to turn off the "wet" reed layer?

This is/was a locking mechanism (you will note that there are no bellows straps as on other accordions to keep it closed when not in use).

 

Mine is broken; like yours, it connects to...nothing! However, I don't miss it and have resisted the temptation to add bellows straps or to try and fix it.

Thanks. I just figured it out last nite -- by accident! It had been jammed out of position, but after I put the "linkage to nowhere" back in its proper slot, it latched the bellows shut, till I pressed the mystery button. It works fine now. And now I know the odd-shaped hook on the bass reed block is not just a handle for servicing ease

I figure it would take a *lot* of experimenting (even at the factory) to get that bass-side hook adjusted to the right height to just snag the release bar, so I'm glad mine works!

F7 is indeed a strange chord to find; I would suggest a breaking or rusty reed is likely.

My thought too, unless someone deliberately had it tuned for blues -- but a straight F chord is so useful (especially when playing in F!) that I'd get it "fixed".

My bass chords are generally pretty gritty and sour.

C/F Club accordions do usually have that Eb bass and chord, which makes playing in the key of Bb much more satisfying.

MC

Thanks again. These little guys must have been played with wind instruments (clarinets, etc.) to favor the flat keys.

--Mike K.

[ragtimer]

The Hohner Preciosa melodeons/accordions (call them what you will) are indeed 'cute'. They were designed to be very portable - able to fit in a rucksack for carrying around the countryside on hikes and then played at inns and cafes along the way

 

If you want to know more about them, you caould always ask over at melodeon.net - there's sure to be someone there who has one or knows a lot more about their history.

 

http://melodeon.aimoo.com/

Thanks very mcu for the melodeon link! That site works very much like this Concertina Net.

I was able to learn a lot about "Club" accordions -- including the fact that my "wrong" draw note in the middle F row is part of the scheme -- the Germans call it "Gleichton" (same/like note).

 

Also, my Preciosa is even smaller and nicer than the Hohner Lilliput model, and its flat-mounted reedds give it a brighter sound, so it is said.

 

I also found a link to a very good tutor and facts booklet (online) re the Club system.

Now to get it playable -- Mike K.

[Wolf Molkentin]

Bump - will have one myself from next Sunday on, hopefully playable...!

 

(edited to correct the mark...)

Edited June 17, 2015 by blue eyed sailor