what french melodeon?

Subject: what french melodeon?
From: Alexis
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 07:30 AM

I want to purchase a melodeon (accordion diatonique) for someone in France.
Would I be needing a G/D or a G?C or a B/C please?

I don't understand the french do - sol stuff.

Any help gratefully recieved

thanks

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Lester
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 07:56 AM

G/C is most common

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Alexis
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 08:10 AM

Thanks.
What is the language the french use to describe melodeons then? They certaintly don't understand keys (ie D/G etc)
And what does it mean?
Wikipedia has some intersting information regarding having a 3 row (for the accidentals to allow minor keys?) melodeon.

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 08:16 AM

From what I have seen they often use solfege instead of keys, and use tablature to a much greater extent than the UK.

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Alexis
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 08:25 AM

What is solfege please ?

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Lester
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 08:35 AM

Suppose I should have said sol/do rather than G/C but they are the same thing :)

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 08:49 AM

the sol-fa system

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: treewind
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 09:50 AM

They call it "un accordéon diatonique"
(as opposed to accordéon chromatique which in France usually means a four-row C system continental chromatic)

And I'll agree that G/C is the commonest key for two row instruments in France, and they would call it sol/do.

Anahata

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Fidjit
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 10:30 AM

Try one of these

Bernard Loffet

You can listen to them and choose one.

Chas

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 10:27 AM

Hi, Alexis

The French system starts with on the major scale:

do re mi fa so la ti do ('So' is sometimes called 'Sol.')

Then they act as if the only key in the world is C major. C major is the simplest key, the one that uses no sharps or flats.

C D E F G A B C

Therefore,

C = do
D = re
E = mi
F = fa
G = sol
A = la
B = ti
C (high) = do again

This is why G/C is the same as sol/do.

Do you recall the end of the 'Do re mi' song from The Sound of Music, where they sing a little tune using these syllables? That is an example of solfege.

It is not logical that when they have a row of buttons in the key of G, that they call it 'sol.' If it is in the key of G, then G has become 'do.' But it's best not to argue about it. Two world wars are enough.

By the way, you don't need a third row to play minors. You play minors by using the same notes and starting on the sixth note of the scale.

I do think that a musical instrument is such a personal thing (weight of instrument, size of keys, spacing of keys, sound preference) that you should let the recipient go to sellers and select the instrument beforehand.

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Alexis
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 11:23 AM

Thank you so much for the help Leeneia, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain (instead of a one liner )

I thoroughly agree with you last sentence, unfortunately, as it is my son's money and he hasn't any, this is the driver. I have located an erica in G/C which is in his price range (as in not a huge amount of subsidy from me!)and will inspect tomorrow.

As I play accordion, I will be not entirely blind.

Again thanks

Alex

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 11:30 AM

Ah! I'm glad to know that you play accordion already. You will definitely be an informed buyer.

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Alexis
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:10 AM

Just picked up a lovely condition erica. Only wear is where clothing buttons maybe, have worn some of the gold paint away from the bellows. Its in red. German made. £180.
Very happy. Thanks for the help

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: GUEST,baz parkes
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 12:37 PM

That sir,is a result

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 01:01 PM

But the melodeon is of German origin, and the piano accordion of French origin; and when we get a T.V. article on France, or watch the Tour de France, it's nearly always the latter playing in the background..?

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 03:17 PM

Most musicians have little patience with politics. No matter where an instrument came from, if it's the right instrument for them, they want to play it.

Even to the extent of deviating from what is seen on TV.

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Tootler
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 05:40 PM

But the melodeon is of German origin, and the piano accordion of French origin; and when we get a T.V. article on France, or watch the Tour de France, it's nearly always the latter playing in the background..?

That's because the media tend to deal in clichés. In fact the diatonic button accordion (melodeon in UK speak) is widely played in France and it is certainly well suited to the French tunes I have played.

Subject: RE: what french melodeon?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 05:26 PM

I believe the C/F is quite popular too in France. having played there a few times (on my B/C) I found that FFing key seemed to be used quite a lot!