How Many Rows?
The basic melodeon has one row of 10 treble keys, and 4 bass keys. This type provides a cheap (but limited) way to begin the melodeon. Some people find a one row in G useful, because it plays an octave below the G row of a D/G. An instrument in D is highest in pitch followed by C, A, and G, which is the lowest. More useful is the two row, which is the most popular and useful option. The outer row is tuned either a 4th (diatonic system) or a semitone (chromatic system) below the inside row. A two row will usually have eight basses. Sometimes an extra half row is added on diatonics to give a wider range of notes. A three row, gives a third available key in diatonics, or alternative fingerings in chromatics, but many players find three rows a bit bulky.
