A reedless accordion is exactly what it sounds like: an accordion without reeds. The reedless accordion is used as a controller of an electronic sound source that may be internal or external, MIDI is used in most cases. To be able to use the accordion as an accordion, a bellows sensor may be included to provide control information that is used to simulate the normal bellows action. If successful, a reedless accordion will sound and behave as a real accordion but with an additional selection of many other sounds as well.

The market for reedless accordions is rather small today, concentrated towards professional performers. However, prices are decreasing and the instruments are becoming more versatile, as a result more amateur players may buy a reedless accordion as a second instrument. The light weight may be an very important factor, but its ability to mimic many different types of accordions ie: French Musette, Italian, Scottish, Slavic, Tone Chambered, Jazz and others make it extremely attractive. Additionally the ability to use headphones during practice may be of importance to many players living in densely populated areas.

Reedless accordions are available from several accordion producers today, complete or as separate kits to be retrofitted into an existing accordion. The list of features is constantly growing, in a manner similar to the development of electronic keyboards and synthesizers. 

Some of our Friends of FBCAC have recorded reedless music posted on this web site for free download click on their names to hear these amazing instruments.

Feature	Standard acoustic	Reedless
Weight (full-size) Weight (small-size)	~12 kg / 26 pounds (lbs.) ~7 kg / 15 pounds (lbs.)	~8 kg / 16 pounds (lbs.) ~4 kg / 9 pounds (lbs.)
Sounds	Authentic	Never really authentic but remarkably close. They also include a huge selection of different accordion sounds as well as the normal sounds of a MIDI instrument.
Response	Authentic	Depends on the implementation of the key switches and the bellows control. Solid state magnetic or optical switches are used to ensure reliable and carefree operation. The bellows sensor is usually a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the bellows relative to the outside environment or relative to an internal  reference vacuum. Below are examples of magnetic switches using a small permanent magnet and a detector. The picture in the middle is a pressure sensor.
Tuning	Fixed, re-tuning may be needed.	Always in tune. Different accordion sounds with various wetness may be selected. Transposition of semitones or octaves.
Bass section	Standard Stradella, melody (free) bass or converter system.	Standard Stradella, melody (free) bass or converter system. Some models use stand-alone switches instead of a mechanical bass mechanism, giving the flexibility to switch bass arrangement using software.
'Noise'	May disturb neighbours or rest of the family.	Headphones may be used.
Portability	Heavy but stand-alone.	Light-weight but requires electrical power and amplification. The Roland FR 7 has a built in amplifier and speaker that makes totally self-contained
Cost	Depends on condition, new or used, the number of reed sets etc. $1500-$10000+ for a new instrument.	Has been even more expensive than a new accordion but the prices are dropping. ~$3000-$7,000 including sounds, ~$1500 for the cheapest controller without any sounds. Retrofit kits are available that may be used to convert an existing accordion to a reedless for about $1000, not including the work.

Reedless accordions are available from several accordion producers today, complete or as separate kits to be retrofitted into an existing accordion. The feature list is constantly growing, similar to the development of electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Examples of available models are:

Model	Information
Cavgnolo Odyssee, the perhaps most famous reedless accordion with several models, wireless MIDI etc.	http://www.accordion.co.uk/cavagnol.htm http://www.musicmagicusa.com/cavagnol.htm sound files from Jean Louis Noton CD's at http://www.cincfr.com/noton/
Orla Trio/Quartet MIDI Virtual accordion.	http://www.orla.it/ (sound files for XM800 at http://www.orla.it/media/demo_eng.htm) http://www.castiglioneaccordions.com/orlavox.html http://accordionsusa.com/orla.htm Review of the Orla Quartet Reedless (see also the image of accordion sounds below, included in the XM20 sound card)
Master Melody, Millennium, Symphony etc.	http://www.mastersound.it/
Petosa Millennium	http://www.petosa.com/millennium/millinfo.html (including sound files)
Iorio "K/KSR" series reedless "Accorganette"	http://www.syn-cordion.com/ http://polka-store.com/directory/NJ/njersey.htm