how do i perform bass jumps while opening or closing the bellows?

[accordian]

I've been playing the song lambada and have gotten used to jumping between buttons however how do i get around sliding/moving my left hand (not just my wrist) if the strap is tight enough that the accordion is'nt falling on my hand but then if it's tight enough for that then when I try to move my hand down it grabs at my hand

 

[Geoff de Limousin]

Perhaps 'inertia' is your problem... or lack there of.

I think I understand what you are describing. In another post you said you are playing a 32 bass accordion. If this is the case then perhaps it does not weigh enough, especially the left hand box, to stay steady when you shift your hand. Combine this with a strap material that tends to stick to your skin, shinny leather or plastic, and you have the makings for unsteadiness.
When the sticky strap is too tight you cannot slide you hand. When you slaken off the strap the left box moves when you don't want it to.

A heavier ( and bigger) left hand end will not react so easily to hand shifts and a strap and end box material that does not stick to your hand will allow a tighter adjustment of the strap.

My favorite accordions all have a simple leather belt for the left hand, shinny side outwards, and a polished wooden end plate. One accordion where I was finding sliding problems I cured by gluing chamois leather to the inside of the strap.

 

[Sebastian Bravo]

If this is the case then perhaps it does not weigh enough, especially the left hand box, to stay steady when you shift your hand.

I think the best solution to the problem is to use better straps with that useful back strap
I played a Student VM 48 bass, and had the same problem, lightweight accordions move a lot when you change the bellows direction. So i put a back strap, and the problem was solved completely.

 

[StargazerTony]

Hi.
My problem was that my left hand gets sweaty and sticks when trying to slide. My instructor suggested that a buy a cheap, thin, cotton glove, cut out the fingers, and wear that while playing. I got a package on 15 ambidextrous gloves for about $8 at a discount store that works perfectly. The 30 will last me for some time. I found that if I didn't cut out the thumb, it helped me guide my hand much better. I seem to recall there was a thread about playing gloves here some time ago.

 

[jozz]

What jump(s) exactly? The original song has its biggest one from Dm to Bb. Or do you play lots of alternate basses?

Otherwise I'd say pivot the hand over the wrist slightly until the fingers have landed on the Bb, then you can safely slide the wrist in to get your hand straight again if needed. However you don't stay down there very long as next the C comes up very quickly, right?

 

[accordian]

thanks for all your help guys.

I was having difficulty with going from dm to Bb i found that as one of you suggessted to me that my hand was sticking alot. so thanks for all your responses I also found that sliding was the best method and then sliding back to d when needed

 

[Dingo40]

I’m currently learning a piece that involves fast jumps, in the left hand, all the way from from Ab to G (!). I’m only an intermediate player, but determined practice is getting me there. The more of these jumps you master over time, the easier it gets! (Start slow <EMOJI seq="1f642">?</EMOJI>)
Also, leather-faced bass straps are a pain, as they grab onto your arm/back of the hand, especially in hot weather (sweat). I found the cure for this was a made to measure fabric sleeve (co-opt your wife or mother) using eg, velour or satin for the outside layer stiffened with a felt (2 or 3 mm thick) inner layer, both layers sewn together. (See my post in “Accordion Chat). <EMOJI seq="1f642">?</EMOJI>
Slip one of these sleeves over your bass strap for pure playing pleasure!<EMOJI seq="1f604">?</EMOJI>
It’s a wonder they’re not available off the shelf.

 

[accordian]

Did you cut the fingers off as i’d Image it’d feel a bit weird