John Weeks Moore

“ All exercises and melodies, fingered for the accordeon, with 6 keys, may be played with equal facility on those with 8, 10, or 12 keys, if the key-note, which is the second key on each of the latter instruments, be considered as the first, omitting, in the calculation, the lowest key entirely. The learner should be very particular in learning the scale ; for if well acquainted with the manner of producing every note in the scale, any piece of music can be played, as notes in the same situation are always made the same way. ”

“ The accordeon being so well known, any detailed account here of its size or shape seems to be unnecessary. The sounds are produced by the action of wind upon metallic springs. Each spring is fixed in a metal frame, and placed in a small groove or channel under the different keys ; the wind, passing either into or from the bellows, causes the spring to vibrate immediately when a key is pressed. The touch is particularly light, the articulation distinct, and the performer has the means of increasing or diminishing the tone it pleasure. ”

“ The bellows, by being gradually opened, augment or suppress the sound at pleasure : the quicker the motion, the louder the tone, and vise vers& Particular care should be taken not to move the bellows without a key or the valve being opened ; for should both be shut, and the bellows moved, the instrument, by being nearly air-tight, might be considerably injured. A figurative representation is added to all the following scales, which will enable persons, without much knowledge of music, to play on the accordeon. ”