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The Commodordion: Swede creates C64 accordion with floppy bellows

31.10.2022

Translation: machine translated

The Commodordion is a retro instrument that has to keep moving like an accordion. But in contrast, it produces 8-bit sound.

Linus Åkesson is a musician and retro tinkerer from Sweden. His latest project consists of two Commodore 64s, some old floppy disks and tape. His instrument, called Commodordion, produces live 8-bit sound. As its appearance suggests, it is played in a similar way to an accordion. Only that it might be a little harder to hit the keys.

On the right keyboard of the Commodordion, Linus plays the melodies of the Maple Leaf Rag from 1899, on the left the accompanying chords. Accompanying rhythms and tracks are also possible with the instrument and can be switched on if required. To create new basslines and other content, it has a programming mode. Before playing, the Commodordion must first boot up and load software. This is done without a monitor twice at the touch of a button using a datasette emulator - in other words, a virtual tape drive. The bellows consists of cut-up 5.25-inch floppy disks, gaffer tape and a microphone. The more air rushing past the microphone, the louder the music plays.

With his latest project, Linus is blowing the same horn as Paweł Zadrożniak with his Floppotron. Or Youtuber "Look Mum No Computer" with his Furby Organ and his Gameboy Mega Machine respectively. However, the Commodordion is easier to carry around. Those hoping for future live performances by Linus will nevertheless be disappointed. At least this version of the instrument he will not play often, as it is ergonomically poor and puts a lot of strain on the left hand in particular when playing, he explains.

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