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The Chemnitzer FAQ
How do I know if my instrument is a Chemnitzer?
There is considerable variation in the decorative style of Chemnitzers, but the shape will be the same, and the number of buttons will be as follows:
Number of Buttons Total Buttons in Each Row, Outside to Inside Left (Bass) Side Right (Treble) Side 38 5, 6, 5 7, 8, 7 39 5, 6, 5 8, 8, 7 51 5, 6, 7, 5 9, 10, 9 52 5, 6, 7, 6 9, 10, 9 Hint: The right side is the one with the air valve lever!
There are also a few other rare layouts, but keep in mind that a similarly shaped instrument with a different number of buttons from above may also be a Bandonion or a German Concertina of a different keyboard system (e.g. Karlsfelder).
Number of Buttons Total Buttons in Each Row, Outside to Inside Left (Bass) Side Right (Treble) Side 38 5, 6, 5 7, 8, 7 39 5, 6, 5 8, 8, 7 51 5, 6, 7, 5 9, 10, 9 52 5, 6, 7, 6 9, 10, 9 Hint: The right side is the one with the air valve lever!
There are also a few other rare layouts, but keep in mind that a similarly shaped instrument with a different number of buttons from above may also be a Bandonion or a German Concertina of a different keyboard system (e.g. Karlsfelder).
How do you say Chemnitzer?
Pronounce the "ch" as a "k," so it's: /KEM-nit-sur/.
The instrument is named after the city of Chemnitz, Saxony (Germany). The city's name has a Slavic origin "Kamenica," related to "kamen" (stone).
(Thanks to Frank Müller of Chemnitz for these facts!)
The instrument is named after the city of Chemnitz, Saxony (Germany). The city's name has a Slavic origin "Kamenica," related to "kamen" (stone).
(Thanks to Frank Müller of Chemnitz for these facts!)
Where can I buy a new Chemnitzer?
In the U.S., there are two manufacturers of new instruments:
The Echo Concertina is made by Bob Novak:
Bob Novak
2925 Klondike Ave No.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(651) 777-8127
The Hengel's Concertina is made by Jerry Minar:
Jerry Minar
213 First St. S.E.
New Prague, Minnesota 56071
612-758-4797
Expect to pay about $9,000 for a new American instrument. If you are interested in a "starter" model, and want to buy new, there are some Italian makes available. I cannot speak for the quality of those instruments.
The Echo Concertina is made by Bob Novak:
Bob Novak
2925 Klondike Ave No.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(651) 777-8127
The Hengel's Concertina is made by Jerry Minar:
Jerry Minar
213 First St. S.E.
New Prague, Minnesota 56071
612-758-4797
Expect to pay about $9,000 for a new American instrument. If you are interested in a "starter" model, and want to buy new, there are some Italian makes available. I cannot speak for the quality of those instruments.
Where can I buy a used Chemnitzer?
A good starting point would be to contact accordion dealers in your local area and ask. Your success will likely depend on your geographic area.
Although used Chemnitzers often turn up at online auctions such as eBay, it is very easy to get burned on such a transaction, unless you know what questions to ask the seller. Many sellers I have seen on eBay know so little about the instrument they're selling, that they can't even answer basic questions. I would never bid on an instrument at auction unless I could see the instrument in person and try it out.
Dan Gruetzmacher sells used concertinas and maintains a list of stock on his website:
http://www.gruetzmacherconcertina.com/
Castiglione Accordions has an online listing of used concertinas:
http://www.castiglioneaccordions.com/
Although used Chemnitzers often turn up at online auctions such as eBay, it is very easy to get burned on such a transaction, unless you know what questions to ask the seller. Many sellers I have seen on eBay know so little about the instrument they're selling, that they can't even answer basic questions. I would never bid on an instrument at auction unless I could see the instrument in person and try it out.
Dan Gruetzmacher sells used concertinas and maintains a list of stock on his website:
http://www.gruetzmacherconcertina.com/
Castiglione Accordions has an online listing of used concertinas:
http://www.castiglioneaccordions.com/
Where can I rent a Chemnitzer?
I don't know of any dealers offering rentals, however you might ask at places that offer instruments for sale.
How much should I expect to pay for a Chemnitzer?
This depends on many factors, but for a 76-key (38-button) double-reed concertina that needs some work, expect to pay about $150. For a new 104-key (52-button) American-made quadruple reed, expect to pay about $9,000. In-between types will be whatever the market will bear. Since the closing of Star Concertina (in Cicero, Illinois) in August 2000, I have noticed a considerable increase in prices of instruments at auction.
Where can I get my Chemnitzer fixed or tuned?
Many of the tools and skills required for accordion repair will also apply to Chemnitzers, so a reputable accordion technician should be able to handle many repairs. If there are specialized parts missing, you may gave a harder time. Regardless, it's a good idea to ask for references to make sure your technician can handle the job.
One aspect of tuning and repair to be especially careful with is the tuning and replacement of long-plate reeds, which are used in most older, and the better quality recent instruments. If a technician only has experience with accordion reeds, they may not know how to work with long-plate reeds.
One aspect of tuning and repair to be especially careful with is the tuning and replacement of long-plate reeds, which are used in most older, and the better quality recent instruments. If a technician only has experience with accordion reeds, they may not know how to work with long-plate reeds.
Who can help me restore an old Chemnitzer?
This is a tough question, because of the issues with parts mentioned above. Anybody I've encountered who's tried this has learned it by experience.
How much is my Chemnitzer worth?
There are many factors to influence the value of an instrument. Compare your instrument to similar ones being sold. The features to note are:
- Number of keys
- Manufacturer
- Age
- Number of reed sets (double, triple, quad)
- Type of reeds (long-plate, waxed-in, pin)
- Type of action (wooden, aluminum with plastic bushings, aluminum with threaded brass bushings, aluminum with swaged brass bushings, etc.)
- Amount and type of decoration (inlay, rhinestones, mother-of-pearl, etc.)
- Key
- Condition/playability
- Recent repair/refurbishment by a professional
- Tuning
How can I learn to play Chemnitzer?
There are a couple of instruction books available, one by Silberhorn and one by Wolfe. They are available at some online dealers and occasionally turn up at auction sites.
If possible, find other players in your area. I find this is a good way to learn and improve together. Teachers are few and far between. If you locate one who is accepting new students, please let me know so I can include their contact information here.
If possible, find other players in your area. I find this is a good way to learn and improve together. Teachers are few and far between. If you locate one who is accepting new students, please let me know so I can include their contact information here.
What is special about sheet music for Chemnitzer?
First of all, it's arranged so that:
Note that the special sheet music is not necessary! I find that "fake book" type music works well if it's in a good key and has an appropriate range. Since the right-hand notes and buttons are in a one-to-one relationship, and the bellows direction is usually dictated by the chords, the number notations are really unnecessary.
- It's in a reasonable key.
- It will fit within the range.
- It doesn't use a note that's available only on press of the bellows at the same time as one that's only available on draw.
Note that the special sheet music is not necessary! I find that "fake book" type music works well if it's in a good key and has an appropriate range. Since the right-hand notes and buttons are in a one-to-one relationship, and the bellows direction is usually dictated by the chords, the number notations are really unnecessary.
Where can I get sheet music for Chemnitzer?
You can download quite a bit of free sheet music at concertinamusic.com.
You can buy sheet music from the old Vitak-Elsnic catalog is now available online through Todd Harris.
You can buy sheet music from the old Vitak-Elsnic catalog is now available online through Todd Harris.
What is the meaning of single, double, triple, quadruple reed?
This simply indicates the number of reeds that sound simultaneously in the right hand when depressing one button. The left hand is not so straightforward however. Doubles usually have two reeds on each side. Triples and quads will often have one less reed on the left than the right so that the accompaniment doesn't overpower the melody. A triple with three reeds on both sides is often called a "full triple." Also, many instruments have an extra set of extra low reeds for left hand buttons 1, 5 & 10. These are usually called "contra bass."
Single reed is extremely rare, and is usually enocuntered only on old instruments, or other types of concertinas. Adding more reeds does several things:
Single reed is extremely rare, and is usually enocuntered only on old instruments, or other types of concertinas. Adding more reeds does several things:
- Adding reeds in unison increases volume.
- Adding reeds tuned an octave above or below the first set will create a fuller, brighter sound.
- Adding reeds in unison that are slightly out of tune adds tremolo or "wave." to the sound.
What is the meaning of the differetnt types of tuning: wet, dry, Minnesota, Chicago, Musette, etc.?
- Wet simply means tuned with tremolo.
- Dry means tuned without tremolo.
- Minnesota is essentially dry tuning, but with a slight detuning to one of the treble sets that gives the notes a stronger attack, without a heavy tremolo.
- Chicago is a moderate tremolo.
- Musette is a heavy tremolo.
How do I tell how many sets of reeds are in my instrument?
With some experience you can make a good guess based on the size of the instrument and type of reeds, but the only sure way to tell is to open it up and look.
Try to correlate one valve pallet (the thing that lifts when you press a button) to the reed blocks beneath. From there, you can see how many sets of reeds will be sounding. Keep in mind that there will be a reed for each direction, one on top of the plate and one on the bottom. This still counts as one, since they won't sound simultaneously. Remember to look at both left and right sides, since they may be different.
Try to correlate one valve pallet (the thing that lifts when you press a button) to the reed blocks beneath. From there, you can see how many sets of reeds will be sounding. Keep in mind that there will be a reed for each direction, one on top of the plate and one on the bottom. This still counts as one, since they won't sound simultaneously. Remember to look at both left and right sides, since they may be different.
What do the switches do?
They turn the different sets of reeds on and off. This allows a variety of tones from one instrument. There is no standard set of switches.
What is the meaning of the "key" of an instrument?
The key tells you what note will come out of the instrument for a given button. Originally all instruments were made in the key of C (also known as "5-press-A"). Instruments are now made in other keys to facilitate playing with instruments such as horns and woodwinds.
How do I determine the key of an instrument?
There are two systems commonly used for naming the key of a concertina, and either can be applied to any concertina; it's a matter of personal preference. They are referred to here as "Concert" and "5-Press". Here is an explanation of each, along with a description of how to determine the key of an instrument based on that system:
Concert System: I call this scheme "Concert" because it is the same system used in describing the key of orchestral instruments such as horns and woodwinds; in the orchestra, the absolute pitch is called "concert". The key of each instrument is the tone in concert pitch that is notated as "C" on the staff. The way to determine the key is to play a C (such as right hand press 2/0 button) and compare to some absolute reference (like a piano). The chart below also shows what note is produced by playing the #5 button on press of the bellows.
5-Press System: This system is similar to the way key is indicated on a button accordion, Anglo concertina, or harmonica. The key tells you what note you will get if you press the #5 button on either side and press the bellows. Incidentally, if you press the 5-6-7-8 buttons, you will get the same-named major chord. Often this is stated as, "This is an A box" or "Number 5 press A." For clarity, it's wise to state the key by both methods, for example: "This is a key of Eb instrument (#5 press C)."
The following table cross-references the two key naming schemes, shows what keys are easiest to play on an instrument in that key, and indicates how common such an instrument is:
Concert System: I call this scheme "Concert" because it is the same system used in describing the key of orchestral instruments such as horns and woodwinds; in the orchestra, the absolute pitch is called "concert". The key of each instrument is the tone in concert pitch that is notated as "C" on the staff. The way to determine the key is to play a C (such as right hand press 2/0 button) and compare to some absolute reference (like a piano). The chart below also shows what note is produced by playing the #5 button on press of the bellows.
5-Press System: This system is similar to the way key is indicated on a button accordion, Anglo concertina, or harmonica. The key tells you what note you will get if you press the #5 button on either side and press the bellows. Incidentally, if you press the 5-6-7-8 buttons, you will get the same-named major chord. Often this is stated as, "This is an A box" or "Number 5 press A." For clarity, it's wise to state the key by both methods, for example: "This is a key of Eb instrument (#5 press C)."
The following table cross-references the two key naming schemes, shows what keys are easiest to play on an instrument in that key, and indicates how common such an instrument is:
| Concert | 5-Press | Easiest Keys to Play In | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | A | G, D, A | * |
| C#/Db | A#/Bb | Ab, Eb,Bb | - |
| D | B | A, E, B | 0 |
| D#/Eb | C | Bb, F, C | + |
| E | C#/Db | B, F#, C# | 0 |
| F | D | C, G, D | - |
| F#/Gb | D#/Eb | C#, G#, D# | 0 |
| G | E | D, A, E | 0 |
| G#/Ab | F | Eb, Bb, F | + |
| A | F#/Gb | E, B, F# | 0 |
| A#/Bb | G | F, C, G | + |
| B | G#/Ab | F#, C#, G# | 0 |
Notes:
* The most common key.
+ Common.
- Less common.
0 I've never seen it.
* The most common key.
+ Common.
- Less common.
0 I've never seen it.
What are long-plate reeds
Long-plate reeds are the original type of reeds used in bandonions and chemnitzers, and are generally the most desirable type of chemnitzer reed. Long-plate reeds are reeds that are riveted in groups (often 20 or sometimes more) to zinc or aluminum plates. These plates are then screwed to the wooden reed blocks, with leather gaskets for air-tightness. The tone is also affected by the fact that long-plate reeds are usually nearly rectangular in shape, and the reed blocks for long-plate reeds are lighter in weight than those for other types.
What are waxed reeds?
Waxed reeds are similar to accordion reeds: Reeds are riveted in press-draw pairs to small aluminum plates which are attached to the reed blocks with a special wax. Their tone is affected by the wax itself, by the fact that they are often trapezoidal in shape, and by the increased weight of the reedblocks required for this type of reed.
What are pin reeds?
Pin reeds are a compromise between long-plate and waxed reeds. The reeds themselves are accordion style, similar to the waxed reeds, but they are held in place with screws.
What is the difference between a Chemnitzer Concertina and a Bandoneon?
The most significant difference is the keyboard layout, which has some similar notes at the core, but varies significantly around the edges. Most bandoneons are double-reed, octave-tuned with one middle and one high reed per note. Also, the decorative style of a bandoneon is usually more subdued, while chemnitzers often tend toward flashiness.
What is the difference between 76-, 78-, 102-, 104-key concertinas?
The number of buttons, of course! Having more buttons gives you a greater range, and makes more notes accessible in both directions of the bellows.
What's the best way to record a Chemnitzer?
I've tried different ways, and it seems you really need to have a microphone at each end of the instrument. This allows you to control the balance of treble and bass sides, and have a stereo image. The type of microphone really depends on your budget. You can have them on stands near the instrument, but they should be of a type (e.g. condenser) that has a fairly broad response to accomodate the motion of the ends. I've also had good results (though with less natural stereo image) with small gooseneck condensers attached to the ends of the instrument.
If your instrument has an internal microphone inside the bellows, I would not recommend using it for recording as the tone is not very natural.
If your instrument has an internal microphone inside the bellows, I would not recommend using it for recording as the tone is not very natural.
What's the best way to amplify a Chemnitzer?
If your instrument has an internal microphone in the bellows, it was put there just for this reason. Plug it into your amplifier of choice and go. Bass amplifiers tend to work well, since the tone of the internal microphone is often very tinny. I have also seen the miniature gooseneck microphones used for amplification, but you should make sure the concertina signal doesn't go into the monitors, otherwise you'll have feedback problems.
Aside from Polka Bands, who's using a Chemnitzer?
I'd love to have a long list here, so suggest some bands if you know of them. Right now, I only have a few to offer:
- David Eugene Edwards of Sixteen Horsepower and Woven Hand (Rock/Alt-country/Americana)
- Brian Erickson (Jazz)
- Guardian Alien (Hard Rock)
