Top 10 Questions for Accordion Tuner Interview

1. What are the main types of accordions and how do they differ in terms of their construction and sound?

The three most common types of accordions are:

• Piano accordions have a keyboard-like arrangement of buttons on the right-hand side and a bass register with buttons on the left. They produce a clear, bright sound that is often used in traditional folk music.
• Button accordions have rows of buttons on both the right and left sides, and they produce a more mellow, warm sound. They are often used in folk and ethnic music.
• Free-bass accordions have a bass register with buttons that are not fixed to a specific note, allowing for a wider range of bass notes. They are often used in jazz and classical music.

2. Describe the process of tuning an accordion.

1. Check the pitch of each reed

• Use a tuning fork or electronic tuner to check the pitch of each reed.
• If a reed is out of tune, adjust the length of the reed by bending or filing it.

2. Adjust the wax on the reed

• The wax on the reed affects its pitch and tone.
• Add or remove wax from the reed to adjust its sound.

3. Adjust the bellows pressure

• The bellows pressure affects the volume and tone of the accordion.
• Adjust the bellows pressure to achieve the desired sound.

3. What are some common problems that can occur with accordions and how do you troubleshoot them?

Here are some common problems that can occur with accordions and how to troubleshoot them:

• Leaks: Leaks can occur in the bellows, gaskets, or valves. Check for leaks by listening for air escaping or by using a soap and water solution to identify the source of the leak. Seal the leak using beeswax, rubber cement, or other appropriate materials.
• Sticking keys or buttons: Sticking keys or buttons can be caused by dirt, dust, or moisture. Clean the keys or buttons with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. If the problem persists, the keys or buttons may need to be adjusted or replaced.
• Broken reeds: Broken reeds are often caused by excessive force or impact. Replace the broken reed with a new one of the same size and pitch.

4. What is the difference between a wet and dry tuning for an accordion?

• Wet tuning involves tuning the accordion with the bellows wet with moisture.
• Dry tuning involves tuning the accordion with the bellows dry.

Wet tuning produces a brighter, more resonant sound, while dry tuning produces a more mellow, subdued sound. The choice of tuning depends on the desired sound and the type of music being played.

5. What are some of the different types of reeds used in accordions?

• Brass reeds: Brass reeds are the most common type of reed used in accordions. They produce a bright, clear sound.
• Aluminum reeds: Aluminum reeds are lighter than brass reeds and produce a brighter, more piercing sound.
• Stainless steel reeds: Stainless steel reeds are more durable than brass or aluminum reeds and produce a warm, mellow sound.

The type of reed used in an accordion depends on the desired sound and the type of music being played.

6. What is the importance of maintaining the bellows on an accordion?

The bellows are an essential part of an accordion, as they provide the air that flows through the reeds to produce sound. Maintaining the bellows is important to ensure that the accordion plays properly and lasts for many years.

• Keep the bellows clean: Dirt and dust can accumulate in the bellows, which can affect their ability to move smoothly. Regularly clean the bellows with a soft cloth and vacuum cleaner.
• Check the bellows for leaks: Leaks in the bellows can cause the accordion to lose air pressure, which will affect its sound and performance. Check the bellows for leaks by listening for air escaping or by using a soap and water solution to identify the source of the leak. Seal the leak using beeswax, rubber cement, or other appropriate materials.
• Lubricate the bellows: The bellows should be lubricated regularly to ensure that they move smoothly and easily. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other suitable lubricant to the moving parts of the bellows.

7. How do you adjust the action on an accordion?

The action on an accordion refers to the ease with which the keys or buttons can be pressed. Adjusting the action can be necessary to ensure that the accordion plays smoothly and comfortably.

• Tighten or loosen the springs: The springs under the keys or buttons can be adjusted to change the action. Tightening the springs will make the action heavier, while loosening the springs will make the action lighter.
• Adjust the key height: The height of the keys or buttons can also be adjusted to change the action. Raising the keys or buttons will make the action heavier, while lowering the keys or buttons will make the action lighter.
• Lubricate the action: The action should be lubricated regularly to ensure that it moves smoothly and easily. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other suitable lubricant to the moving parts of the action.

8. What are some of the different types of mutes that can be used with an accordion?

• Cloth mutes: Cloth mutes are made of a soft, absorbent material, such as felt or velvet. They are placed over the grille of the accordion to reduce the volume and soften the sound.
• Metal mutes: Metal mutes are made of a thin sheet of metal, such as aluminum or brass. They are placed over the grille of the accordion to reduce the volume and create a muted, mellow sound.
• Electronic mutes: Electronic mutes are devices that can be plugged into the accordion to reduce the volume or change the sound. They offer a wide range of sound effects and can be used to create unique soundscapes.

The type of mute used depends on the desired sound and the type of music being played.

9. What are some of the different ways to play the accordion?

The accordion can be played in a variety of ways, depending on the style of music being played. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Single-note playing: Single-note playing involves playing one note at a time, using the right-hand keyboard or the left-hand bass buttons.
• Chord playing: Chord playing involves playing multiple notes at the same time, using the right-hand keyboard or the left-hand bass buttons.
• Arpeggio playing: Arpeggio playing involves playing the notes of a chord one at a time, in a rolling or cascading pattern.
• Bass runs: Bass runs involve playing a series of bass notes in a rapid, ascending or descending pattern.

10. What are some of the most important qualities to possess as an accordion tuner?

• Musical ear: A strong musical ear is essential for being able to tune an accordion accurately.
• Attention to detail: Accordion tuning requires a high degree of precision and attention to detail.
• Patience: Tuning an accordion can be a time-consuming process, so it is important to be patient and methodical.
• Dexterity: Accordion tuning requires a certain level of dexterity, as it involves making fine adjustments to the reeds and other parts of the accordion.