hi ranks & carol, a melodeon does not have a specific sound to it. reeds are reeds, but, some are better than others. the parrot is a good basic instrument, has some nice options and very reasonably priced. my friend is quite pleased with "the bird" , a recent acquisition. if you want to do tex-mex then get with the program. only do the melody, its the job of the guitar to supply the bass. some guys even take out the basses and glue the holes shut so no air leaks out. not advisable.... back to bellowing - control the bellows and you rule the world.please avoid shift changes mid note and gulping. to confuse you even more notes do not sound exactly the same in both directions. not an issue for most traditional music. long live the free reeds.