To Midi or Not to Midi?...

[Walker]

Hi Guys,

First post, so please be gentle...

I have a Roland FR4X and a Roland BK7M (band in a box) that "plays along with me" - driven by the bass+chords etc - which I have to say I thoroughly enjoy, but unfortunately to the detriment of my acoustic accordions, which sadly are not getting played much at the moment. At some stage, because of the amount of technology on the FR4X, I dread the day that it develops a fault. Honestly, who of us over the age of 60 REALLY trusts modern technology?.

So I have started to think about adding treble and bass microphones together with midi out from the bass (only) to my acoustic accordion.
I don't want the acoustic accordion to generate non-accordion sounds etc, so I don't want an ugly midi control panel on the acoustic accordion, just the line out and midi out ports at the base of the accordion.

Also, I am looking for something with internal (to the accordion) rechargeable batteries etc that would drive the electronics etc.
Is this achievable? or am I imagining something that doesn't exist?

Frank G

I don't mind offering a musically-countercultural opinion on MIDI here, though please remember it's just my thoughts and not intended to be insensitive towards MIDI or digital accordion enthusiasts or hurt anyone's feelings.

I'm in my early 40s, I've tinkered with MIDI accordions, from the full 'left and right side' setup to the simple 'bass/chords only' version. I've never stepped into the world of digital accordions. I just don't want to get hooked into the reedless instrument with its galaxy of weird and wonderful sounds. Sure, I understand the appeal of using MIDI to create a full sound when you're the lone entertainer or part of a small group at a gig. It's certainly easier to sound impressive with MIDI backing you up.

However, I've never been completely satisfied with this musical approach. Even as a kid, when the MIDI concept was already fully-fledged, something about it felt off. It always seemed like a Boomer's 'solution' from the early electronica age. It must have seemed revolutionary at the time, but now, it's somewhat cringe-worthy. To be fair, it's probably just a good 'compromise' to make a few bucks at a gig with less musicians needed - in a world where people are budgeting ever less for 'non-essentials' like musical entertainment.

As I age, I'm gradually distancing myself from MIDI. I think it's best to go back to the older ways of simply playing traditionally crafted acoustic accordions. I'm always amazed that it's the 'mature' gentlemen on this forum who seem to be the biggest fans of digital accordions, but perhaps if wisdom comes with age, I'll get the appeal eventually. Until then, I'd say, leave the one-man-band act behind. If you must keep the bass/chord-only MIDI, fine, it's understandable from a gigging perspective - but it's way cooler to find a friend or two who can play instruments - bass, guitar, or even a real drummer. It's just more fun that way.​

 

[dak]

As I age, I'm gradually distancing myself from MIDI. I think it's best to go back to the older ways of traditionally crafted accordions. I'm always amazed that it's the 'mature' gentlemen on this forum who seem to be the biggest fans of digital accordions, but perhaps if wisdom comes with age, I'll get the appeal eventually. Until then, I'd say, leave the one-man-band act behind. If you must keep the bass/chord-only MIDI, fine, it's understandable from a gigging perspective - but it's way cooler to find a friend or two who can play instruments - bass, guitar, or even a real drummer. It's just more fun that way.

Old age is when your friends stop playing for one or the other or the ultimate reason. Keeping a playing configuration up that will be able and willing to come together for gigs becomes harder. The arranger-style music for sure is better for entertainment than self-entertainment. But the choice is not a matter of principle but rather of utility.

I've been playing the Pifa from Händels Messiah in church on the 2nd day of Christmas as the lead violin. That's fun, and that's the instrument I've grown up with. Easy to sightread for me. And now I am working on playing it on the accordion. A duet and a bass line. I have to actually work on that, and of course the result is not the same as with a string ensemble, but I don't need a bunch of others to revel in the music.

I can probably do a multi-track violin recording at least of the melody lines, but that is kind of the ultimate form of entertaining others rather than yourself. It would be interesting to see how people like the various versions: of course there will be purists who will only accept the single-take version. But that doesn't mean that the general audience would be most appreciative of that variant.

Similar with MIDI-directed accompaniment.

 

[colinm]

For me, being able to carry out repairs on a mechanical instrument is a huge advantage, electrics, electronics and computer programming are all work of the devil.
I accept the stradella bass system is not perfect, but it is a superb invention.
The only advantage of a midi system is that it is easy to remove, and I have removed several.

 

[Rosie C]

I accept the stradella bass system is not perfect, but it is a superb invention.

I tend towards musette and oom-pah and yes, the Stradella is perfect. Particularly in the last few weeks as I've learned to use the counter button row, so for virtually every tune I can condense the bass part to 3 or 4 columns of buttons.

 

[dak]

I tend towards musette and oom-pah and yes, the Stradella is perfect. Particularly in the last few weeks as I've learned to use the counter button row, so for virtually every tune I can condense the bass part to 3 or 4 columns of buttons.

"The Stradella" is what one is playing with MIDI bass, so I don't really see the point that is supposed to be made here. In particular since most players don't appear to even bother with button articulation in order to draw out more of internal dynamics and phrasing independent from the treble side, the kind of magic that a digital accordion does not implement.

Make no mistake, I am pretty solidly invested in the acoustic side of things, but many of the anti-electronic arguments I see are making me scratch my head. Kind of like I am pretty solidly male but don't get the point of trying to find or invent viewing angles for looking down on women. It's just reducing the number of people you can profit from interacting with in mutual respect.

 

[Rosie C]

"The Stradella" is what one is playing with MIDI bass, so I don't really see the point that is supposed to be made here.

I'm making no comment on MIDI, only replying to Colin on the elegance of the Stradella - whether that's on acoustic or electronic instruments. Despite having played accordion for about 18 months now, I'm still only just getting to grips with the button board and how best it can be played - so forgive my beginners enthusiasm!