Parts of an Accordion

The accordion is a reed instrument. Accordions have hundreds of individual parts, typically made of wood, plastic and metal. There are some universal components which all accordions must have, and others which vary depending on the accordion. An accordion's components are the bellows, body and pallet mechanism.

Bellows

The bellows is the wide space in the middle of an accordion, through which air is forced, causing vibration of the metal reeds inside. The accordionist controls the volume and quality of sound using the bellows.

Body

The body of the accordion contains the bellows, which is sandwiched between two wooden boxes. Each of these boxes contains reed chambers. Both sides are covered with a metal grille, usually decorated, to allow airflow.

Pallet Mechanism

The pallet mechanism controls airflow by enabling or disabling the vibration of certain reeds. This is how the accordionist controls which notes and chords are played.

Manual Systems

Most accordions have both right-hand and left-hand manual systems. Usually, the right-hand manual system uses a keyboard or button system to play the melody, and the left-hand system uses buttons arranged either by chords, using the circle of fifths, or as individual notes, allowing the accordionist to play an accompanying melody on the left-hand as well.

Straps

Large accordions usually are quite heavy and have leather shoulder straps. One strap for each shoulder allows the accordionist to stand while playing. All accordions have straps to keep the player's left hand in place, and to fasten the accordion when it is not in use.