Welcome to the new BluesBox home page. We first went on the web in 1996, introducing our acoustic pitch bending technology for free reed instruments, and since then, we have built more prototypes, greatly improving the technology. We now introduce, The Moon is Blue, the first CD recorded using an acoustic pitch bending accordion. The recording is in the jazz idiom, by internationally recognized accordionist, Kenny Kotwitz, who has expertly put together an album of the highest musical, technical, and creative quality. Visitors can learn more about this album and play sound samples here.
Right: The first professional-grade acoustic pitch bending piano accordion. The instrument is a prototype made by modifying an existing Bell accordion with BluesBox technology. This instrument can be heard on The Moon is Blue, the latest CD by Kenny Kotwitz, internationally recognized jazz accordionist.
Western free reed technology
Keyed free reed instrument builders, for the last 175 years in the west, have been careful to make the reeds sound clean, with constant pitch and timbre when played. Although many builders have noticed the popularity of the harmonica - a keyless free reed instrument - and it's ability to modify the sound of the musical tone, none have successfully incorporated such features into their own instruments. But all that is changed. Technology is now available that allows players of accordions, concertinas, bandoneons, and other free reed instruments to add another dimension of expression to the sounding musical tone. Ironically, in this modern world, with its plethora of electronic audio effects, we now witness the birth of a basic acoustic effect that promises to expand the adaptability and popularity of its parent instrument.
Pitch bending capability in keyed free reed instruments is not a trivial feature, and it's incorporation into a successful commercial product is not a simple endeavor. We are thus open to suggestions, comments, and questions from you visitors, so please feel free to feed back.
These are exciting times for modern free reed instruments!
Right: The first professional-level pitch bending diatonic accordion, made by modifying an existing accordion with BluesBox technology. The conventional instrument was built by Clarence "Junior" Martin and was modified by Tom Tonon so that all four reed sets bend in unison.
Left: The first professional-level pitch bending three row button box, made by modifying an existing instrument with BluesBox technology. The conventional instrument was built by Saltarelle, as the Horizon, and was modified by Tom Tonon, with the two mid range, wet-tuned reeds set to bend in unison.
Guide to this site
Beginnings For a description of how our pitch bending technology got started.
for Musicians Are you a musician who would like to work with us in popularizing this technology through the use of prototypes and the making of recordings, appearances, etc.? If so, check out this page.
Recordings For information and sound files from our new CD.
