Wet means a fatter sound, slower vibrations ( think of a wide toothed comb being strummed ).. Dry tuning is faster and closer ( think of a fine toothed comb being strummed ).

Wet is where you hear a larger difference in tuning between the two or more reeds..and the dry tuning is almost unison tuning..( sounding all like the same reed )..

Wet tuning is slow gargle.. Dry is fast gargle..

Metaphors aren't accurate..but the idea is there..

G:

Mike,

Wet means the two primary reeds are tuned farther apart in pitch. When you add the two, the ear hears the resultant pitch as an addition of the two sine waves. The difference in the pitch gives you a slight higher pitch signal that rides on the main note. This gives an effect known as tremolo, or almost a vibrato tone. It really is very pleasing to the ear IMHO. It does not seem to be popular among tradtional Cajun accordionists however.

I am working with my first LA handmade which is very dry. I started out with an Ariette which was very wet in comparison. While a vastly inferior instrument, the Ariette does have a very pleasing sound.

Hal

'Wet' is that characteristic musette sound in french piano accordion melodies.

Think of the sound track to the original 'Sabrina' with Bogart and you have it...

Peace,
Griff

When you hear it you will understand IMMEDIATELY. Don't sweat it!
-Andy