Chromatic Keyboard For Sale

[Libby Cowen]

The most popular accordion played in Irish traditional music is the Irish button accordion or the 'box'. The most commonly played model is a 21 or 23 button box, with a two row layout fingerboard on one side and 8 bass buttons on the opposite side. Each row of buttons on the melody keyboard produces the notes of a single diatonic scale. The bass buttons on the bass keyboard are arranged in pairs. One button of each pair will sounding the root note of a chord, while the corresponding button will play a full major triad.

Irish button accordions are typically tuned to B/C or C#/D. This simply means that the outer row of buttons is in the key of B, while the inner row is in C, or the outer row of buttons is in the key of D, with its corresponding inner row in the key of C#. This configuration makes all the notes of the chromatic scale available.

As you can see from the selection below, we cater for every level of accordion player, from beginner to advanced. We stock only the best button accordions, including Paolo Soprani accordions, and produce our very own best sellers - the McNeela Button Accordion Range.

A button accordion is a distinct type of accordion where the melody-side keyboard comprises a series of buttons. Unlike the piano accordion with piano-style keys, button accordions vary in keyboard systems, tuning, action, and construction, offering a wide range of options.

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Mengascini's range of (chromatic) piano accordions (new) for sale. Mengascini is an Italian manufacturer that has been in the business of crafting high quality accordions for half a century. Their accordions are used by professional players from around the world.

Mengascini's range of chromatic button accordions (new) for sale. Mengascini is an Italian manufacturer that has been in the business of crafting high quality accordions for half a century. Their accordions are used by professional players from around the world.

Our unique Lekholm DM48X MIDI controller harmonica has a dedicated following among chromatic harmonica players and innovative musicians who want an expressive alternative to MIDI keyboards. The DM48X builds upon the proven DM48, which has nearly 500 users worldwide, while adding multiple new features including wireless connectivity.

The Lekholm DM48X Digital Chromatic Harmonica is a multichannel MIDI wind controller for harmonica players or anyone who wants an expressive alternative to MIDI keyboards. Twelve independent pressure sensors detects positive and negative pressure (blows and draws) and puts players in control of a world of electronic sounds, silently at night or loud on stage with instant key changes. Highly adjustable with a built-in tuning editor for custom scales. Control and modulate using your breath plus the configurable ribbon controller. Three buttons are configurable as "sliders" for quick transposition or as MIDI control keys for even more modulation possibilites. All settings are easily accessible through an improved menu system on the built-in OLED screen. Pair with your iOS device or connect to a computer, via USB or Bluetooth. The DM48X is a pure MIDI controller without onboard sound synthesis.

We ship anywhere worldwide by tracked parcel. Instruments are typically dispatched within three working days and shipping takes around one week to most destinations. Do not hesitate to contact us if needed before ordering.

Note that the DM48X is a MIDI controller without onboard sound synthesis, and third-party synthesizer software or hardware is needed for a complete setup. Some setup suggestions are given in the user manual and the FAQ, but we cannot provide support for products beyond the DM48 itself. Potential buyers are advised to first consult these texts.

The instruments are assembled by hand in Gothenburg, Sweden. The casing is produced using high-quality SLS 3D printing, which gives it a slightly rough surface. The mouthpiece is manufactured in aluminum by precision CNC machining, and has a smooth semi-matte anodized surface. Each unit is shipped with a USB cable and a custom protective case.

Bending
Only one parameter is measured: air pressure. Traditional bending is therefore not possible. A pressure-controlled bending feature is available, where bends are triggered by strong blows/draws. Bending threshold and sensitivity are adjustable. Additionally, the DM48X features a ribbon controller, allowing the left index finger to be used for bending as well as modulation (e.g. vibrato).

Feel/response
In contrast to an acoustic harmonica, one cannot use mouth geometry, hands, and classical bending/overblows to modulate the sound. MIDI breath data is however transmitted continuously, such that sound intensity can be modulated throughout the duration of a note. The DM48X responds and transmits MIDI data almost instantaneously, but total latency depends on what software and computer is being used.

Slider
Rather than mechanically redirecting the airflow, the slider is electronic. The DM48X has an improved slider with a longer stroke length, which is generally perceived as being better and closer to the feel of a regular chromatic harmonica compared to the original DM48 slider. Older instruments can be upgraded to the new slider (contact us for more information).

Wireless MIDI
The DM48X supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) MIDI, allowing it to be wirelessly connected e.g. to any Apple device (simply connect from within your music app). The built-in battery provides about 5 hours of wireless playing. Note that the data rate of BLE MIDI is intrinsically much lower than USB MIDI. While latency over BLE MIDI is a tad lower than USB, most players find it to be acceptable in typical playing situations as long as the DM48X is within a couple of meters of the host device. Note that multichannel mode on the DM48X (e.g. MPE) can sometimes produce large amounts of MIDI data per time unit, thus surpassing the limits of the wireless link.

Peripherals
The DM48X is a MIDI controller without sound synthesis. Similar to a MIDI controller keyboard, a synthesizer (software or hardware) is needed to generate sounds. The DM48X can be connected directly to a computer via USB, which will also charge the built-in battery. An Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (not supplied) allows wired connection to an iPad/iPhone. Iphones/iPads can power the DM48X, but will not allow the built-in battery to be charged. With newer iPhones without headphone socket, a USB hub plus a USB headphones adapter is additionally needed to connect a pair of headphones (Bluetooth headphones have latency issues). A MIDI USB host adapter is needed to connect the DM48X to a standard 5-pin MIDI connector. A third-party mini pitch controller is available from Brendan Power.

Suitable synths/sounds
Like other electronic wind instruments, the best results will be achieved with sounds that are specially adapted for the purpose. The acclaimed Yamaha VL70-m virtual acoustic modeling synth sounds great and works really well with the DM48X, but note that it is monophonic. Patchman Music has a large selection of quality wind-controller-adapted sound patches for various hardware and software synths. The SWAM virtual wind instruments from Audio Modeling are outstanding in terms of realism and a joy to play with the DM48X. Note that some of them are now available on iOS through the GeoShred app or stand-alone, finally making SWAM portable and also very affordable. Wind instruments in GarageBand are a decent budget option. The Acoustic Electro Waves wind synthesizer plugin for Reason is great together with the DM48X, and works on both Mac and Windows machines. Together with Reason in demo mode (song loading disabled, but otherwise full functionality at no cost) it is a bargain at $13. ThumbJam on iOS is another good budget option that conveniently handles DM48X multichannel data correctly by default, for independent breath pressure control of each hole. MPE synths/patches can also be used with the DM48X.

Harmonica sounds
Decent realistic harmonica sounds can be achieved with physical modeling synths as well as sample-based software instruments. However, the DM48X cannot be expected to replace or convincingly emulate an acoustic harmonica.

In the media
See our press archive for a selection of articles, interviews and other news features about the DM48/DM48X. Learn more about the DM48 story in an episode of the Harmonica Happy Hour Podcast.

This journey starts a couple of years back, when I wanted to replace my old and crusty keyboard. I did some research for a good mechanical keyboard, and I did not care much about LEDs and Macros at the time. A quick search landed me on a Corsair MK67 keyboard. The keyboard itself was ok, but nothing to write home. I immediately noticed that there was no official software for Linux to manage the RGB. I found an old and semi-supported project on github. But back then, I did not care much. I managed to set it to all white, and off I went.

Since I live in Taiwan, I got my hands on a Ducky Shine 6 keyboard. Now, that hardware was really good. Heavy, sturdy, very positive clicking on the switches. Nice LED colors. Sure, once again, the software was only for Windows. Reading the manual, I found out that all Ducky keyboards can be completely programmed without software, directly using the keyboard itself. Easier said that done though, as changing colors, brightness, effects, and saving presets is not a fun experience. Again, I set it to all white, and moved on.