One of the biggest challenges for accordionists is how to amplify the sound. Well I have long struggled with this and have finally found a solution I am happy with! This does not mean I am not looking at other ideas but for now I am happy!

Lets look at each hand separately. Although internal mics are easy and convenient they are in my opinion a poor sound, muffled and not a true representation of the sound.  Now theright hand doesnt really move too much so a stand mounted mic is ok. But with so many mics on the market what do you choose?! Well I have tried many and as you might have guessed have settled an a rather special mic! Not cheap but gives a great sound. I now use a Neumann KM185, hyper cardioid mic but with such a pure sound. It always gives me a great sound and I just love the freedom it gives me. You might say that being stand mounted restricts you but I find the opposite, if I need a close mic sound I can move close, but can also move away for more subtle mic effects. Give it a try with the mic of your choice!

Now we can’t do the same with the left hand as it moves all the time. Again internal mics sound muffled and boomy so that is not for me. What I have settled on is 2 AKG micro mics. They now make the C516 mic but I have the older C416. Both work fine and can be used with a battey pack called the B29l. I however prefer to get away from battery and rely on phantom power so I use the MPA V L phantom adapter. I have installed this in the left hand internally, wired in to two small XLR sockets for each mic, giving my the convenience of easy plugging but retaining the separation of the AKG boom mounts.

Well that’s my solution, if you would like any more information or help, drop me a line!

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