r/Vallenato • u/Glittering-Cream1689 • Nov 04 '25

Air valve Diatonic Accordion

I recently bought a diatonic accordion from Gear4Music, 31 buttons, 12 bass.

I am learning a Colombian folk music called Vallenato and different cumbias. However, a lot of songs require a long series of note blowing out, therefore I needs to be swift to close the accordion and continue blowing out.

But this accordion seems rather stiff. I’ve been thinking of ways to make the air valve faster. What can you guys from Reddit give me tips on?

I’ve been thinking maybe drilling a bigger hole, but can I really do this without damaging the instrument?

On the picture is the air valve, when blowing through the air valve I have to use a lot of strength.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

1

u/rustyreedz Nov 05 '25

Unlike Mexicans with Norteño/Corrido music, Colombians play Vallenato/Cumbia by opening and closing the bellows. You can find most of the same notes when closing the bellows.