The true “Box” of the bellows powered organs. The Melodeon (also known as Diatonic Button Accordion) can be found in many folk traditions around the world and has a long association with Irish music. Unlike the piano accordion, this sounds a different note depending which direction you are blowing with the bellows. The rows of buttons are tuned much like the individual holes of an harmonica where blow and suck changes the note, the buttons on the other end provides bass and chordal accompaniment. Melodeons come in a range of keys so make sure you know which one is ideal for the music you want to play before making a purchase.
Who you should listen to: Seamus Begley, Dermot Byrne, Sharon Shannon