Meisel-Bandonion
System: C/B-Griff
unisonoric, logical
(Collection Oriwohl, Nr. 29)
Manufacture: Schönherr Matthes (Olbernhau/Saxony), around 1925. (Aluminium and zinc plates with steel and brass reeds).
The combination of the C/B fingering on the bandonion goes back to Max Meisel. Meisel did not invent a new keyboard system, but rather transferred two two already known systems to the bandonion and merely changed the starting rows of the C/B fingering. But this also seemed worth protecting: D.R.P. 915586 dated 9 July 1925.
Left manual: B fingering as known from the button accordion, but rising in pitch from bottom to top. So upside down to the normal B fingering.
This too was probably modified at the customer's request. Meisel's patent contains a Bb fingering with B in row 2.
The honeycomb grille is sawn from a single piece.
Right manual:
C-Griff mit c in Reihe 3
According to Oriwohl (Das Bandonion, S. 164), Meisel's patent shows a C fingering with c in row 2. This change was probably modified at the customer's request.
The hand position at right angle to the keyboard is not ideal for the C fingering, because it actually requires an oblique position. Melody runs are therefore more difficult to play, especially in the upper manual range, as the fingers have to cross or jump. (compare Hybridbandonion)
And again one of the once numerous manufacturers from the Erzgebirge in Saxony:
"Schönherr & Matthes
Bandonion- und Konzertina-Fabrik
Olbernhau i./Sachsen"
Manufacture: VEB Bandonionwerk Carlsfeld (formerly Alfred Arnold), around 1950. (H: 27cm; D: 31cm)
Bandonions with a five-row C/B fingering were still produced in the GDR around 1950. This instrument comes from the VEB Bandonionwerk Carlsfeld, which was built from the traditional but in 1948 expropriated and nationalized company Alfred Arnold.
Right side:
3-choirs with one register ((16')+8'+4')
As Meisel patent C fingering with c in row 2 inside. The low 16' chorus can be activated with the short metal lever (top centre). The longer one to the right operates the air flape.
Left side:
2-choirs (8'+4')
As Meisel patent B-fingering with B in row 2 inside, but upside down with regard to pitch direction, ascending to the top of manual.
