Simple Accordion MIDI controller installation

[Kalop]

Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!

Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That’s what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.

Even now, I’m getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.

After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.

One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a “MIDI bug” for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura “borrow” for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.

Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn’t successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.

Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.

One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn’t stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.

Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.

Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it’s still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.

So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.

Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.

After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.

Don’t believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.

The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.

Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice –my American
Constitutional Freedom.

Enjoy it,
W.D.

[David Kastrup]

Kalop <***@comcast.net> writes:

[Simple Midi Controller]

Well, looks like there is no register support, no bellows dynamics, no
velocity sensitivity (not that I'd miss _that_), no bass support.

That's fine for keying in stuff into a note typesetting program. Not so
much for live music.

What kind of switches did you use?

[Alan Sharkis]

Hello David, Walter,

The subject line says, "Simple Accordion MIDI controller installation.

I wonder if Walter meant to also say, "historically accurate?"

I've been doing a little research about accordions in general and midi
and reedless accordions in specific. Back in the day, ca. 1998-9,
even what was available as factory-installed MIDI for accordions, let
alone retrofit kits, depended on key contacts so that none of the
features that David mentioned were available. I can't imagine easily
doing 120 basses with key-contacts -- can either of you?

Today things are different, but, of course, you have a choice. You
can go back to the early stuff, like Walter proposes, and learn a lot
about electronics and construction techniques in the process. Or, you
could go with modern retrofit kits that probably take a
factory-trained person to install and cost tons of money. But those
modern retrofits will give you stuff like:

magnetic contacts, even Hall effect stuff with which you can get
velocity-sensitivity (really only useful if you employ a lot of
non-accordion sounds, IMHO)

bellows pressure transducers and associated circuitry which will
give you the dynamics. (As I understand it, there are now
bellows pressure transducers that also detect bellows direction;
kind of important if you want to equip a diatonic accordion with
MIDI.

Mounting and positioning magnetic contacts and detectors for a whole
range of treble keys doesn't sound to me like a do-it-yourself job.
When I bought my SEM Ciao reedless, the dealer opened the grille and
showed me how to readjust a contact should it be jarred out of
position. I never had to do that, and I've had the accordion for a
few years. But just looking at it gave me a sense of what might be
involved in mounting magnets on key rods and sensors by their leads on
one long printed-circuit board. Ouch! The bass would actually
require less of those contacts, but would be no less tricky.

So, I wish Walter good luck with his project and thanks, David, for
bringing up those points.

Take care.

Alan

Post by David Kastrup
[Simple Midi Controller]
Well, looks like there is no register support, no bellows dynamics, no
velocity sensitivity (not that I'd miss _that_), no bass support.
That's fine for keying in stuff into a note typesetting program. Not so
much for live music.
What kind of switches did you use?

--

If you really want to bug me via email, remove the "_fish" from the address above.

__

You can read the FAQ for alt.binaries.karaoke at:
http://members.chello.nl/~j.a.komrij/faq.html

[David Kastrup]

Post by Alan Sharkis
Hello David, Walter,
The subject line says, "Simple Accordion MIDI controller installation.
I wonder if Walter meant to also say, "historically accurate?"
I've been doing a little research about accordions in general and midi
and reedless accordions in specific. Back in the day, ca. 1998-9,
even what was available as factory-installed MIDI for accordions, let
alone retrofit kits, depended on key contacts so that none of the
features that David mentioned were available. I can't imagine easily
doing 120 basses with key-contacts -- can either of you?

On many accordions, the bass button levers come out somewhere when
pushed. Mounting a set of contacts (spring wires) behind them on a
circuit board would seem reasonably doable. Of course, it will be work.
The alternative would be going for the pallets. With a standard bass,
24 contacts would be all you need, but likely the construction would be
less accessible and more hairy. Of course, you can then forget about
special MIDI messages to indicate actual button (in typical German
notation, E, E_, Fb, Fb_ are all different buttons and the same note).

Post by Alan Sharkis
Today things are different, but, of course, you have a choice. You
can go back to the early stuff, like Walter proposes, and learn a lot
about electronics and construction techniques in the process. Or, you
could go with modern retrofit kits that probably take a
factory-trained person to install and cost tons of money. But those
magnetic contacts, even Hall effect stuff with which you can get
velocity-sensitivity (really only useful if you employ a lot of
non-accordion sounds, IMHO)

I have an accordion keyboard which is usually velocity-sensitive, and it
annoys the heck out of me.

Post by Alan Sharkis
bellows pressure transducers and associated circuitry which will
give you the dynamics. (As I understand it, there are now
bellows pressure transducers that also detect bellows direction;

I should think that sort of trivial if you have pressure measurement.

Post by Alan Sharkis
kind of important if you want to equip a diatonic accordion with
MIDI.
Mounting and positioning magnetic contacts and detectors for a whole
range of treble keys doesn't sound to me like a do-it-yourself job.
When I bought my SEM Ciao reedless, the dealer opened the grille and
showed me how to readjust a contact should it be jarred out of
position. I never had to do that, and I've had the accordion for a
few years. But just looking at it gave me a sense of what might be
involved in mounting magnets on key rods and sensors by their leads on
one long printed-circuit board. Ouch! The bass would actually
require less of those contacts, but would be no less tricky.
So, I wish Walter good luck with his project and thanks, David, for
bringing up those points.

At some point of time I want to have a MIDI input device I can carry
around and play in natural position. So it is something on my mind.
Being able to feed a good MIDI keyboard with it for action is also not
off my mind.

[Kalop]

Post by David Kastrup

Post by Alan Sharkis
Hello David, Walter,
The subject line says, "Simple Accordion MIDI controller installation.
I wonder if Walter meant to also say, "historically accurate?"

--
David Kastrup

David and Alan, below you might find some answers to your questions
and answeres raised in this discussion. Thanks for very nice
response.

As far as the switches are concerned, I use right now contact spring
silver switches, and silver plated copper wire bars for the treble
side, and the contact springs wires switches for the bass side. When,
I save more money, I will put reed switches into bass side.
Magnets will be inside on flops under the reed blocks. The problem
is to find the correct size and powerful enough magnets that will
work with NC reed switches.
Historically speaking, I was involved with those projects at the end
of XX century. MIDI accordion become very sophisticated since then.

Doing switches for the bass side takes much different approach that
construction of the circuit matrix on the treble side. The circuit for
the treble side is usually provided by the supplier of the kit. In my
case, I did that circuit from the spare PC clean board that I got it
for free from the local manufacturer of etching PC boards. I got
plenty of that staff, covered with copper on one side, two sides and
clean on both sides.
Sometimes, they have the pieces of new stock that was passed to them
as not 100% quality for their use. Those clean boards are very good
for prototypes. Actually, fitting a new MIDI kit in vintage accordion
is like working with prototype.

I use completely clean PC board for treble switch circuit. I make the
connection wires on this circuit from the copper burglar alarm tape
that you could buy in many hobby shops for $5 a roll. The diodes and
other parts, I buy from electronic suppliers.

Magnetic switches are very expensive. One cost around $3.00, and the
magnet of good enough Gauss strength cost up to $2.00. Very good
quality reed switches and Hall Effect magnets are listed for five more
times of mentioned price.

So to equip simple MIDI accordion that I will use around the house
with all magnetic hall effect magnets and reed switches of both kinds
Normally Open, and Normally Close would be prohibitive. I use
Normally Close reed switches for the bass machine.

I was using Bonotron method to install switches on bass machine. There
is also so called Cordovox method that you can install spring, wire or
magnetic on the opposite side of buttons on the back if there is
enough space. The third method is installation of magnetic switches on
the flaps inside of the reed blocks and the switches of the long PC
circuit boards on both sides of blocks. I plan to do this method this
week, even though I don’t need bass playing side for my needs.
Just to do bass side with magnetic switches will cost me more than the
Arduino Project itself. I also spend lots of money to buy head female
and male connectors, parts for making power supply boxes, cables,
etc. Usually, you have to buy more than is needed, but this is good
for economy. Those connectors are very important part in MIDI
controller construction for present and future trouble shooting.

My MIDI accordion will not have bellow control dynamics, key press
control and velocity control, although using Arduino Projects it’s
possible to have the program change control, and the velocity by means
of wind control, but this would require to make something like a
“sandwich” MIDI unit consisted of two- three MIDI kits.

I do not need that. I need just simple unit, light, handy, that I
could use in home working environment with some composition music
program. That’s what I want to say, that I only work on simple MIDI
installation exclusively for myself. This time I will keep these two
accordions. It involves too much work, too much effort, searching for
parts, etc. It wouldn’t pay to sell to somebody even such accordion
for $1500 -1600. It’s unique small, handy, light and does the job.
What else do I need for home entertainment? Well, professional people,
who play outside need something that is lot more sophisticated.

Do not pay attention what I say about my needs. If you fell, that
you’re doing professional work playing for money, and purchasing of
$3M-$5M MIDI reedless accordion justifies your expenses – go ahead. I
would do it, if my need would require having such a gadget.

Enjoy it,
W.D.

[n***@gmail.com]

Post by Kalop
Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!
Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That's what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.
Even now, I'm getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.
After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.
One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a "MIDI bug" for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura "borrow" for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.
Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn't successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.
Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.
One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn't stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.
Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.
Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it's still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.
So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.
Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.
After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.
Don't believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.
The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.
Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice -my American
Constitutional Freedom.
Enjoy it,
W.D.

Hello!

I have purchased an arduino midi kit and finally after 2 years had gotten everything working in a prototype, but was too intimidated to begin installation. I definitely don't want to mess with any of the wood work in my accordion.
Recently I had the idea to 3d model just the 120 bass button board to make a compact thin digital button board interface. I am having a hard time finding any sort of instructions on how I would model out all the pieces- but if anyone has good sources or interest in working with me, I think we could potentially figure out the future of digital accordion playing.

Imagine something like this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Xkey/reviews
-for the bass buttons, with polyphonic aftertouch on the buttons. Using any other keyboard interface with a removable button board could allow for playing the accordion in entirely new ways. You could lay both sides down flat, and explain techniques to beginners easier. Anything is possible.

Paying over 1000 $ for a roland model is something that should be a thing of the past in my opinion. If it were an accessible commodity, music education in circle of fifths would be radically more interesting.

[ciao_accordion]

Post by n***@gmail.com
Hello!
I have purchased an arduino midi kit and finally after 2 years had gotten everything working in a prototype, but was too intimidated to begin installation. I definitely don't want to mess with any of the wood work in my accordion.

hello to you - glad you found the old newsgroup and have
looked into the archives for info

if you happen to be or can be in the vicinity of
Washington DC sometime this Year, i can give you
all the things you would need to take your project further

the gentleman who actually began this thread, when he
closed up "shop" for the final time, gave me a lot
of his unfinished projects and parts and stuff...

it so happens there is a half finished (arduino based)
Midi Accordion (the treble side is completed and working)
sitting here along with a bunch of extra parts... if you
would like to come by the Studio and see if it would
be useful to you, let me know... i would "gift" this
unfinished project to the right person in my old Friends name.

ciao

Ventura

[ciao_accordion]

Post by n***@gmail.com
Recently I had the idea to 3d model just the 120 bass button board to make a compact thin digital button board interface. I am having a hard time finding any sort of instructions on how I would model out all the pieces

you might also consider looking into "sourcing" and electronic Bass
assembly from Italy... FATAR srl. does nothing but make
Keyboards, and pretty much every OEM in Europe specs and buys
from them, as have ORLA and many others in CastleFidardo

i recall seeing some of their early 120Bass plates 20 years ago...
criss crossed springs and switches... i'm sure they have
much better assemblies now if you can talk them into selling you
1 or 2 of, like, whatever they provide to Logic Systems for
their reedless model and just adapt it to your needs

ciao

Ventura

[s***@gmail.com]

Post by n***@gmail.com

Post by Kalop
Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!
Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That's what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.
Even now, I'm getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.
After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.
One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a "MIDI bug" for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura "borrow" for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.
Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn't successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.
Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.
One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn't stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.
Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.
Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it's still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.
So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.
Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.
After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.
Don't believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.
The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.
Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice -my American
Constitutional Freedom.
Enjoy it,
W.D.

Hello!
I have purchased an arduino midi kit and finally after 2 years had gotten everything working in a prototype, but was too intimidated to begin installation. I definitely don't want to mess with any of the wood work in my accordion.
Recently I had the idea to 3d model just the 120 bass button board to make a compact thin digital button board interface. I am having a hard time finding any sort of instructions on how I would model out all the pieces- but if anyone has good sources or interest in working with me, I think we could potentially figure out the future of digital accordion playing.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Xkey/reviews
-for the bass buttons, with polyphonic aftertouch on the buttons. Using any other keyboard interface with a removable button board could allow for playing the accordion in entirely new ways. You could lay both sides down flat, and explain techniques to beginners easier. Anything is possible.
Paying over 1000 $ for a roland model is something that should be a thing of the past in my opinion. If it were an accessible commodity, music education in circle of fifths would be radically more interesting.

Hello,

I have installed midi control in Bass side of my Borsini accordion. Replacing Bass reedblock's with my "DIY Midi reedblock". System based on Arduino/ATMEGA micro-controller. If of interest I can give more info.

Staale

[ciao_accordion]

Post by s***@gmail.com
I have installed midi control in Bass side of my Borsini accordion. Replacing Bass reedblock's with my "DIY Midi reedblock". System based on Arduino/ATMEGA micro-controller. If of interest I can give more info.

hello Staale

congratulations on this accomplishment

that is where my old friend got stuck, and then
ran out of "time" was the Bass side. He too was
fitting the contacts into the bass reedblocks,
which is a clever way to do it, but had to
re-work it several times and never quite got it right

the Treble side works well, however, with his Arduino
circuitry and programming

his project is still here, and available, if you would
like to finish it - since you have "mastered" the Bass
side, you would have a complete MIDI Accordion in no time.

i am in the Wash. DC area

meanwhile, i hope you are enjoying your Borsini

ciao

Ventura

PS: while I appreciate the Arduino type modules, and
am happy to see some of you taking advantage of this
inexpensive and fun way to make a "MIDI" - personally
i am not doing experimentation like this anymore, as
i still have several working MIDI Accordions and a Roland FR3
which is also a nice controller. Any younger accordionists
who experiment with electronics are welcome to visit
and see if some of my leftover modules, kits, hardware
components and such might help them with their own projects

i do continue to work with and refine the audio systems
for Acoustic accordion, however, so if anyone needs assistance
in that area they are also welcome to come over

pss: this Summer i am touring with my "Virtual Cordovox" MIDI rack,
(which i assembled during my time with Roland several years back)
and doing all Rock and Roll for a change, so i do still use MIDI

[bob]

Post by s***@gmail.com

Post by n***@gmail.com

Post by Kalop
Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!
Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That's what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.
Even now, I'm getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.
After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.
One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a "MIDI bug" for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura "borrow" for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.
Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn't successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.
Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.
One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn't stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.
Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.
Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it's still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.
So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.
Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.
After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.
Don't believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.
The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.
Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice -my American
Constitutional Freedom.
Enjoy it,
W.D.

Hello!
I have purchased an arduino midi kit and finally after 2 years had gotten everything working in a prototype, but was too intimidated to begin installation. I definitely don't want to mess with any of the wood work in my accordion.
Recently I had the idea to 3d model just the 120 bass button board to make a compact thin digital button board interface. I am having a hard time finding any sort of instructions on how I would model out all the pieces- but if anyone has good sources or interest in working with me, I think we could potentially figure out the future of digital accordion playing.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Xkey/reviews
-for the bass buttons, with polyphonic aftertouch on the buttons. Using any other keyboard interface with a removable button board could allow for playing the accordion in entirely new ways. You could lay both sides down flat, and explain techniques to beginners easier. Anything is possible.
Paying over 1000 $ for a roland model is something that should be a thing of the past in my opinion. If it were an accessible commodity, music education in circle of fifths would be radically more interesting.

Hello,
I have installed midi control in Bass side of my Borsini accordion. Replacing Bass reedblock's with my "DIY Midi reedblock". System based on Arduino/ATMEGA micro-controller. If of interest I can give more info.
Staale

Hi Staale,
I'm interested in installing a Midi in my accordion with the "DYI Midi reedblock". I would appreciate any info on how you accomplished it.
thanks Bob v

[bob]

Post by Kalop
Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!
Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That's what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.
Even now, I'm getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.
After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.
One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a "MIDI bug" for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura "borrow" for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.
Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn't successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.
Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.
One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn't stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.
Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.
Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it's still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.
So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.
Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.
After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.
Don't believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.
The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.
Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice -my American
Constitutional Freedom.
Enjoy it,
W.D.

Hi,
Can you describe how you wired the bass side to your midi? It confuses me how the midi separates the left hand from the right hand.
Thanks, Bob Vee

[t***@gmail.com]

Hey I'm just looking around to se how I can make my chromatic according midi,can you help me?

[Walter Derlukiewicz]

Post by Kalop
Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!
Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That’s what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.
Even now, I’m getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.
After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.
One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a “MIDI bug” for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura “borrow” for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.
Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn’t successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.
Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.
One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn’t stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.
Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.
Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it’s still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.
So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.
Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.
After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.
Don’t believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.
The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.
Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice –my American
Constitutional Freedom.
Enjoy it,
W.D.

[Walter Derlukiewicz]

Post by Kalop
Simple Accordion MIDI controllers and the Freedom of Choice!
Sometimes people forget about you, but despite of that, you still
exist somewhere. That’s what has happened to me. I use to be very
active in rec. music. makers. squeezebox group, but after suffering
unrelated attacks partially by my inconsiderate stupidity, I retired
completely from the discussions on this Forum. In those old days, I
wrote a lot about MIDI Accordion controllers, that were of interest
to many accordionists. I talked also about chromatic accordions, in
System B and System C, because I was intrigued in that myself, and
thought about learning one myself.
Even now, I’m getting e-mails from time to time from people who found
somewhere on the Internet my stories about my personal experience
with MIDI projects, or the button accordions. despite of that, I lost
my interest in MIDI long time ago, and I also decided not to learn
how to play chromatic, since this would be like learning accordion all
over again.
After satisfying my curiosity with the MIDI accordion kits, and the
button accordions my retirement was quickly approaching. Since then,
I decided not to participate to write to this Forum. Now, I have
something to say again, since as I said in previous paragraph, my MIDI
stories still float around for such a long time.
One day my old friend Phil came to my house on the way to one of
local accordion schools and show me the new Roland v7. This was
like a “MIDI bug” for me, and brought my interest in MIDI accordion
once more. Since the time after I sold my MIDI accordions on eBay,
the new ideas sparkled in my mind. I was really surprise about
myself, after, after I got rid off those MIDI accordions, because
the MIDI lost for me its novelty, and there was no more curiosity in
those gadgets like it use to be. Ventura “borrow” for me the old
Ketron MIDI kit, so I could to try how it works. He did that
partially, because this unit was laying around collecting the dust.
He was very surprised, how I can live without MIDI accordion in my
life. At that time, I realized, that I actually need a small MIDI
accordion, especially for putting on the paper a musical notations
that come to my mind from time to time.
Well, I thought at this moment that the small MIDI accordion is the
best in my situation, but it has to be very light, and small and easy
to handle around the table top computer. Anyway, the project with
Ketron wasn’t successful. I had knowledge working with 4 +2 x 12, or 4
x 12 switch matrix scheme but basically, I was a newbie to the 8 x 8
or 8 x 9 matrix switches. While working with Ketron, I discovered on
my own how to make cheaply my own PC matrix board for the 8 x 8
switch scheme used by the Ketron. Ketron, even not provided such a
matrix or explain how the scheme would work.
Even having no success with Ketron, the experience and the
knowledge, I gained while working on it became very useful for me,
when I discovered recently the Arduino MIDI Project and the MIDI kit
clone that is based on Arduino. Those MIDI Project that are famous
all over the world, yet the people who really should know about it
are kept in the dark.
One of many projects that Arduio supports is the MIDI kit for Russian
accordion, and concertina. Naturally, I have chosen Accordion MIDI
project, and bought the basic elements of C/C+ program code, that
with some changes, I adopted to my Accordion MIDI project. It was
really nice experience of satisfaction, after I built this gadget
myself. It works as good as any commercial MIDI kit, that some
people want for it $800-$1500 nowadays. The world technologically
doesn’t stay in one place. When I was idle other people still were
searching for the best and cheapest solution to the outrageous
cost, even for the old type MIDI controllers. I discovered that long
sought solution for thousands of accordion players was finally
here. Arduino provided for me a new solution to the MIDI kit
projects.
Accordions finally are treated on equal basis as piano and other
instruments. Those people who can afford to buy very expensive
reedless units got what they want, but many people still search for
the light and handy vintage piano accordions that could be used as a
composition tools while working on the computer.
Despite of new discoveries, the basic MIDI controller is still the
same, and also as good now as teh previous 20 years. It still is
used by many players for the enjoyment around the house and for
creative MIDI composition. Using it for composition, it’s still
better for that kind of work, that those huge reedless boxes.
So, now, I have again the simple two MIDI accordions that as in the
past require MIDI cables, the Sound Module and the RCA cable to
carry the sound to the amplifier, but this is the best solution for
my needs, without spending thousands of dollars for extra features
that I do not need, and do not wish to carry around on me.
Just for comparison, the Bonotron simple MIDI kit cost me $483, and
the Arduino clone MIDI accordion kit cost me only $75 Euro, plus
another $50 for extra parts. The all cost was in the installation,
time spent, and waiting for the outcome if this will work
flawlessly like my older MIDI controllers. Yes, my work on those two
projects gave me a great success of accomplishment.
After that, the all kind of satisfying pleasures awaits as a payment
for sacrifice, spent time, and the satisfaction of successful
achievement for the gained skills and the attainment of learning
and the knowledge, and a lot of valuable experience. If you
think, that you can do it! Find on Internet Arduino Projects, and
look for clones of Arduino that resemble the MIDI controller cards
and start from there. You might loose $200-$300 in the process of
learning, however, you have to remember that any school costs
money, and nothing comes absolutely free of charge. Anyway, when you
finish such a project and find out later, that your friend has to take
his MIDI accordion, to the shop for the contact spring repair, or even
more times for the very expensive magnetic switches replacement, you
be glad that you can do those tasks yourself, that actually qualify
to be the basic electronic and mechanical skills that every
accordion technician/repairman should have.
Don’t believe that MIDI accordions that were purchased in stores
shell never brake on you. I know that they do, and many people
complain about it, yet come back to the same place, since they have
no other choice. Where they can go anyway? But, if you are
technically talented and electronically smart, you can do those
things yourself. Knowing that in Northern America, prices of all
kinds of services went through the roof, doing repairs and
installations yourself can save for you the bundle of real cash.
The Arduino Project is the way to go, for many talented and educated
electronically people, who were paying for the secrets of this
particular high technology, and charged monopolistic prices have
finally their choice in front of them. The Arduino Project was the
choice for me and could be for you.
Remember! Never use your best accordion to install in it any MIDI kit,
since the vintage accordions are like old houses. Doing remodeling
all kind of unexpected obstacles may wait ahead of any project.
The simple Accordion MIDI kit installation for me, might be not so
simple for you,
This article is not a recommendation or endorsement of Arduino
Project. This is only my way to show how things could be done in a
different way, while securing the freedom of choice –my American
Constitutional Freedom.
Enjoy it,
W.D.

Hi Ventura and all others accordion friends,

Don’t say “my old friend.” I might be old friend, but I’m still kicking around and live happy life. At the time as you remember me, my wife passed away, I also was very sick, and accordion or MIDI wasn’t not on my mind. Yes, I was very close to make working of the bass side, and the basses ere actually working, but the chords had such lifters that didn’t give enough space in opening to activate the glass reeds with small magnets. However, I enjoyed very much to work and doing something unknown and to learn new things through experimentation about how to adopt Arduino programming in C++ computer language to the accordions.
It has passed more than eight years since, I learned to use Arduino programming. The last version that I used in 2010 was Arduino version #23. Recently, I loaded version “Arduino- nightly,” and tried to satisfy my curiosity to see, if my old programs would work and at least compile some of them again into the machine language. What, I found out that since 2010, when I run my old programs, this time the lines are getting stuck in a couple of places, because that software had seen changes so many time. Now, I’m have no patience and time and desire to bother with it and re-learn new commands and ideas.
Anyway, if somebody in this group would like to experiment with doing own things with MIDI, or other interesting projects of that type, I advise him/her to look on internet for Mr. Scarff from Ireland the professor of robotics who still might have own internet page, and sell adopted Arduino based CPU-s for making accordion MIDI of all sorts. Last time, I have seen on his web page ATMega 2500, very sophisticated Arduino based board, that can support as much features in MIDI accordion as the factory made system. It’s not too expensive, if you have desire to work, experiment and to learn it. Of course, you must have some electronic skills to do it.
I met in my life some electronic engineers, who had no idea what I was doing and talk about it. My experimentation, was based on self-study and willingness to fail and succeed at the same time. Now, I enjoy playing only small 25-27 keys/2 bass Paulo Soprani accordion. I still have three smaller MIDI accordions that I made long time ago. They still work superbly. One small Stanelli 12 base accordion has special adaptation of MIDI on the bas side. Not every old accordion, could be adopted for the MIDI. I was using old accordions in my projects, that I didn’t care for them and if the project was not successful afterwards. In making own MIDI, the one has to be also superb mechanic and be able to do own parts. I would say that these days there might be one in 10,000 accordion players that can do that kind of work. If, you’re one of these people, I lift my hat toward you and wish you everything best in your work. Anyway, if you need any help in making MIDI projects, try to find professor Scarff, and you might learn from him more that from anybody else, that was involved in that kind of projects.

Best Regards,
Enjoy it, W.D.