Digital Flex Accordion
The idea for this project came to me when I realized that the button accordion I know how to play is too heavy to carry around casually behind me. I'd like to have a compact, lightweight instrument that fits in a backpack and doesn't require any major periodic maintenance.
First prototype: The Digital Accordina
The project started in 2017 with early prototypes which had only one keyboard and positioned more like an Accordina-like solo instrument:
The traditional accordina is a variety of the melodica, a portable, lightweight wind instrument but with a button accordion layout instead of piano keys.
My electronic accordina behaved like a normal accordina, but had several advantages. Breath sensitivity could be easily adjusted in different ways. Because the instrument is completely electronic, it offered a wide range of possibilities for performance, effects, flexibility in settings, and connectivity.
I had been playing the instrument in an orchestra as a bass player for 2 years.
Next step: The Digital Flex Accordion
I have recently reworked the Digital Accordina and added the second keyboard so that it does behave more like a button accordion now. Despite the fact that there are now two keyboards, the instrument has become even more portable.
As it is extremely flexible in use and digital, obviously, I called it Digital Flex Accordion.
The Digital Flex Accordion has no bellows actually, since there's no need to pump air through any reed boxes to make it produce any sound. Instead, it has a breath controller that allows a musician to control the volume of the sound by blowing into the mouthpiece. The musician can emphasize expressive places by varying the volume.
This instrument is extremely compact and has everything a musician needs built-in. No external boxes and equipment! It is now a portable companion that fits in a backpack for seamless travel, whether to a party or the beach, without extra seat or luggage costs on airplanes.
Additionally, the Digital Flex Accordion eliminates typical acoustic accordion issues like valve leakage and mechanical issues, ensuring maintenance-free longevity.
One of the most inspiring features of the instrument is the built-in auto-accompaniment. With it, musical exploration reaches new heights. You select the harmony by pressing chords with your left hand, while your right hand drives the melody with your inspiration.
Features
- About 2 lbs (1 kilogram) and a mere 11x8x1.6 inches (27x19x4 cm) in size (the same as US letter), fits in any backpack.
- Built-in 2W speakers.
- Rechargeable battery, battery life of over 8 hours, USB or DC socket fast charge.
- Light push force buttons, typical button accordion key size and positions.
- 6 rows left keyboard, 5 rows right keyboard, both with customizable layout.
- Keyboards are velocity sensitive. The faster you press the buttons, the sharper the sound. Adjustable sensitivity. It is possible to disable the feature if one don't need it.
- Breath controller, adjustable sensitivity and breath curve shape. The sensor is isolated from possible condensate and saliva by design. It is possible to disable the feature if one don't need it.
- Built-in Bluetooth audio input for backing tracks mixing from a smartphone.
- Wireless audio transmitter, receiver available as accessory.
- Stereo headphones output.
- Sustain pedal input.
- Ergonomic straps that replicate the design of a traditional accordion.
- USB device (MIDI class). Can be used with any computer, no drivers needed. Tested on Mac, Linux, Windows.
- An analog joystick for pitch bends and effects manipulation, located in the left half of the instrument.
- Integrated effects, from reverb, choruses to distortion.
- The device is controlled by a keyboard and a display located on its rear panel:
Some demos
Sergey Antonovich (me :)) presenting features of the Digital Flex Accordion: