These are the simplest of the bunch. in theory. They just have one row of buttons to play the tune on. Many will only have one bass button and one chord button on the bass side. All of the buttons are bisonoric. That is they play a different note when you squeeze them than when you pull them. Don’t be put off it is exactly the same as a mouth organ. Hence the German name for these which is handharmonika. These come in a variety of keys, most usually C or G but all common keys are available.
Just because they have less buttons don’t assume these are easier to play, they are not. bellows control and air button dexterity are kings here it takes a good player to get a good tune out of these, there will often be notes missing that you need to fudge. if you are a beginner avoid these and get a two row, you need to be good to get a decent tune out of the old one row
These are great fun. Many English and irish tunes can be belted out on these. Almost all Cajun and Quebecois music is played on one of these accordions . Even if you have a whole raft of accordions you will still want one of these because they make you smile. They are great to pick up when you have been trying to learn some complicated dirge on your two row, because they remind you how much fun playing should be. Don’t think that their simplicity diminishes their stature, there are a lot of truly amazing players out there who only use one of these. Search for cajun accordion on youtube
- One row diatonic button Accordion or Melodeon (e.g Hohner HA114 . including cajun quebecois etc)
- Two row Diatonic Button Accordion or Melodeon (e.g Hohner Pokerwork including 2 1/2 row)
- Club Accordion (eg Hohner Cub IIB)
- Three row Diatonic Button Accordion (e.g Hohner Corona)
- Two row Chromatic Button Accordion (e.g Hohner Double Ray small)
- Chromatic Button Accordion (full size)
