chromatic button melodicas for traveling

[Deleted member 48]

this is a very good idea, if you can only find an accordina with a side mouth piece.
This man fixed it very nicely:
Accordina : Maris Wedding

Now, he can also use the thumb (very important if you want to use an accordion method. The thumb is the most important finger on the accordina and on the CBA, in my personal opinion)

Its not perfect, because I presume the extra tube has some air loss, and also the sound has been changed.
But basically this is a very good idea if you can not attach a top mouth piece onto the accordina.

André Borel was too much focused on the mouth harmonica and wanted his accordina to be held horizontally like a mouth harmonica. It was all about jazz and show attitude.
Its better to hold the accordina vertically, but you dont have the cool looks...
Its a choice between looks and fingering, I would choose ease of fingering.

 

[Deleted member 48]

if anyone would like to try making an accordina at home or in collaboration with professional luthiers, here is the US patent and detailed technical drawings:
http://www.google.com/patents/US2461806

Chromatic harmonicon
US 2461806 A

Publicatienummer US2461806 A
Publicatietype Verlening
Publicatiedatum 15 feb 1949
Aanvraagdatum 21 feb 1946
Prioriteitsdatum 17 dec 1943

Uitvinders Andre Borel
Oorspronkelijke patenteigenaar Andre Borel

Have also a look at an earlier design, dated 1902:
http://www.google.com/patents/US708805
- Robert FIELD A. HANSUN.

MOUTH ORGAN.

(Appl cat on ledFh 24 1902)