Bandovalo — Bandoneon Knowledge, Experts & Resources
Welcome to Bandovalo – the Home of Bandoneon Music.
I explain the bandoneon in clear, practical ways and help you act fast: step-by-step guides, short videos, and a curated expert directory for repair, new builds, lessons, and accessories. I focus on the bandoneon, and I also cover accordion and harmonika here on the site.
Start here:
About Me
I’m Valentin, a bandoneon player and the person behind Bandovalo.
The bandoneon is a free-reed instrument: metal reeds vibrate as the bellows move. I turn complex topics into clear steps and share what works in practice.
You get guides, 20–30 second videos, and a curated network of repairers, builders, teachers, and shops. If a reed is out of tune or you plan a new instrument, you’ll find a trusted next step fast.
Want to know me better?
Learn: Guides & Blog
Learn the bandoneon step by step — without jargon.
Bisonoric means the button plays different notes on push and pull; unisonoric means the note stays the same. I explain the main systems and button layouts (Rhenish, Einheitsbandoneon, Kusserow, Péguri), add practice tips, and provide note maps you can use right away.
Find Experts: Service, Repair & New Builds
I run a curated directory for free-reed instruments with a focus on bandoneons, accordions, concertinas, and harmonicas. Repair fixes faults, restoration brings older instruments back to life, and tuning adjusts reeds for accurate pitch.
Repairs
Builders
Learning and Lessons
Accessories
You find the right contact fast — builders for new instruments, teachers for lessons, and trusted shops for accessories.
Not sure which option fits? Read the FAQ or contact me.
Why Bandovalo
I focus on clarity and action. You get bandoneon-first knowledge and a vetted network, so you can move from question to solution fast.
- Bandoneon-first, inclusive of free-reed family.
Most guides target the bandoneon; I also cover accordion, concertina, and harmonika. Start with my bandoneon guides. - Actionable & current.
Learn with practical guides, watch short videos, and reach real experts. - Curated network.
I verify entries by references and results — quality beats size. Jump directly to repair, tuning, and builders for free-reed-instruments.
New on the Bandoneon Blog
Here are the latest two bandoneon articles. Short reads with practical tips you can use right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers, written in plain English. I explain terms and link to my blog articles and important pages.
To care for your bandoneon, keep it in a dry, temperature-stable environment and away from moisture or direct sunlight. Always close the bellows gently after playing, clean it regularly, and handle straps and buttons with care. Routine professional check-ups help maintain its long-term condition.
Reade more care and maintenance tips in the Bandoneon Insight Room.
No. The bandoneon button layout varies by system and region. Unlike the accordion, there is no single standard. Some layouts have 71 buttons, others more or fewer. Learning your instrument’s exact map is essential, as positions can change from one model to another.
For detailed button charts and system variations, see my Bandoneon Structure article.
The main accordion and bandoneon differences are their systems, layouts, and timbre control. Accordions are mostly unisonoric, meaning each key plays the same note on push and pull. Bandoneons are usually bisonoric, so one button gives two different notes. Accordions use a piano or Stradella keyboard plus register switches, while bandoneons rely on button-only layouts and bellows technique for expression. Reade more about the differences here.
Bandoneons aren’t mass-produced, so finding one takes research and patience. You can buy restored vintage models, handmade instruments from specialized builders, or secondhand from trusted musicians. Before buying, check for build quality, the correct tuning system (like Einheitsband), and overall condition.
Need a direct contact instead? Find bandoneon and accordion repair/builders or contact me.
Plan Your Next Step
Tell me your goal and constraints. I give you a clear next step — not theory. Example: if a reed is out of tune, I point you to a local tuner; if you’re choosing a builder, I share vetted options and what to check before you commit.