Russia/Music/Instruments Pg 3
Bayan
The bayan is a Russian version of the accordion, with rows of buttons on both the left and right sides. Many players consider that this arrangement gives the player more flexibility than the piano-key arrangement on the more familiar accordion, and that rapid and complex passages can be played with greater ease. The reed structure is different from the piano accordion as well. Also the differences in internal construction give the bayan a different tone color from Western instruments, and the bass has a much fuller sound. Because of their range and purity of tone, bayans are often the instrument of choice for accordion virtuosi who perform classical and contemporary classical music.
© Gans 2011