(This one is for me). An accordion with non-piano keys is called down here at the De la Plata River, a BANDONEON. This instrument is the heart of the tango orchestra, as well as a soloist instrument or accompanied by guitars. Its sound is as melancholic as tango could be. It lacks the brilliant and merry harmonies you may usually hear in an accordion, but there is nothing (event not a cello) similar when you have to express deep and sad feelings. Traditional authors mention the sound of the bandoneon as a cry rather than as a sound. With a wide range of octaves (don't know exactly), the bandoneon was the main instrument for many concertos and symphonies in the recent 30 years. The most important artist was ASTOR PIAZZOLLA, who died recently, author and player who was highly recognized all over the world (he played at main concert halls and made some contribu- tions to jazz fusion with Gato Barbieri and others too).

Yo may find a complete description and history of this instrument just by searching the word bandoneon in Yahoo. There are many sites in English, where you may also find links to great interpreters, especially of argentinian music.

Please note that bandoneons belong to the real tango, that is played at Buenos Aires, Argentina (where I am from) and not to the saloon-tango that was danced by Valentino. When the bandoneon sings, the accompaniment is violin, viola, counterbass and piano. No drums. Feel free to ask me anything about argentinian music. I am no expert, but I am very close to the sources. Best regards - escamillo@ciudad.com.ar