Dave Sousa, Chris Miller, Rick Ried, Ganey, Dana and others that are multi row players...

Listen, I messed my left arm up last Nov.
While the muscles are gaining strength back, that elbow still flairs up big time from accordion more than anything.

All I have is single rows... hence push and pull.
The best I can go is about 30 minutes of playing, and, at that I am feeling it in that elbow every time. While I wished I could play longer, it kicks my butt for days afterwards (tired of taking those fat motrin pills).

Question(s): The air flow on double row is bi-directional... that is, push and pull is the same note in both directions ... Yes / No?
Does the air fill on bellows happen with less use of pull and push than that of a single row diatonic?
Can the gravity of the bellows expansion (downward or outward motion) aid this push / pull on a double or triple. I guess what I am wondering; is the bellow action easier, harder, or no differance.

To me, triple row players have a tremendous amount of R. brain L. brain + dexterity going on. I may want to explore a double row because I just don't care to spend a decade getting in the grove of so many more buttons. Any suggestions?

I would appreciate everyones input, as I am scratching a surface on something that I am not real familuar with.... and, I don't want to bow out of playing due to that injury thing while single row is still painful. Advice?

Nonc D

Nonc D

Nonc D,
I have single rows, a Hohner Corona Classic 3 row, and a Tex Mex 3 row( from Larry Miller)
The easiest one to play push and pull wise by far is the Hohner Corona 3 row. much easier on the muscles
and basically just 3 rows stacked up on 1 accordion. Maybe a Hohner Panther would be the way to go- much
less $ than the classic and probably
about the same as the classic playingwise-
The 3 rows have do different notes on the push and pull, with a few exceptions, if I understand your question-
but you can do a longer run without changing direction than on the one row-more notes to choose from-
Hope this helps-
Gus

Yo Gus,

Are you my bud from VT?

-David

Hey David,
yes thats me-

Nonc,
I have spent only a little time on the triple row, but I can tell you that it plays similar to a single row. Each row is a single row accordion. Piano accordions and 5 row chromatic accordions give you the same note on the push and the pull, but I have watched Chris enough to know that it doesn't make it any easier on you. You really have to pumping those things to get the real "feel" of the music.

Uncle D,

I'm probably not the best resource for triple/two-row queries since I've just recently began to nork around with one -- now that Jr. Martin installed a very nice mic inside of mine. I don't know my way around on it like, say, Corey Ledet... I'm more like Jojo Reed on his very first cassette... no, not even up to dat yet.

Nonetheless, I find the bulkiness and the lack of my security of the thumbstrap more of a workout than the single-row. My left arm elbow and right wrist complains more on the 3-row. That *could be* due to the fact that the straps are a bit short.

But yeah, the 3-row lessens the amount of push/pull action, fer shure. That is, IF you know where those sweet spots are on the fingerboard! Good luck, Nonc! Betcha Chris Miller knows more about the 3-row facts than I do. Until then, use some WD-40 on dem joints an muskles, mon ami!

R!ck

Nonc D

You have touched on many issues.

2 & 3 row button accordions are all diatonic (different notes for push & pull).

The main chromatic accordions (push & pull being the same notes) are the piano accordion, the chromatic button accordion usually with 5 rows (& 120 basses), the duet concertina, and a chromatic bandoneon (there are also diatonic bandoneons).

The 2 & 3 row button accordions give you more notes for both the push and pull but not all notes are available in both directions. Ex. on a GCF, high C is only available on the push not on the pull.

If you get a 3 row, make sure you get one with right & left shoulder straps, it really helps over the one shoulder strap with thrumb strap.

But the bigger the accordion the heavier it tends to be.

I have a few piano accordions that are near 30 lbs. - beautiful boxes but heavy (I nicked name one - beast).

If you want to know more contact me and I can go over more of this stuff.

C'ya.

Ron W