Saltarelle Etincelle 3-Row Melodeon Diatonic Accordion ADG

The Saltarelle Etincelle ADG is one of the smallest professional 3-row melodeons available today

The Saltarelle Etincelle ADG is a compact 3-row diatonic accordion designed for players who want extended musical possibilities without moving to a large or heavy instrument.

With 33 treble buttons, 12 basses, Tipo a Mano reeds and a weight of only 3.7kg, the Etincelle offers serious 3-row capability in a body size closer to many traditional 2-row melodeons.

This particular instrument is in A/D/G, a versatile layout often chosen by players exploring English, French and continental folk music, as well as musicians who want more harmonic and melodic options than a standard 2-row system can provide.

Watch and hear the Saltarelle Etincelle ADG in action to get a feel for its fast response, compact handling and lively character.

Quick Overview

The Etincelle lives up to its name - meaning “Spark” in French - with a lively, responsive character and a surprisingly full sound from such a compact instrument.

It exists for players who want the flexibility and harmonic options of a 3-row melodeon without the bulk usually associated with larger systems. Many 3-row instruments become noticeably heavier and wider, but the Etincelle keeps the immediacy and comfort of a compact folk melodeon while expanding the musical range considerably.

Sound and Character

The 2-voice treble setup gives the Saltarelle Etincelle ADG a bright, agile and articulate sound with excellent projection and clarity.

The Tipo a Mano reeds respond quickly, even under lighter bellows pressure, making the instrument feel lively, expressive and easy to shape musically.

Its sound suits dance music, session playing, French repertoire, English folk tunes and advanced melodic work particularly well. It has the quickness and sparkle that many players look for in a responsive compact melodeon.

At Squeezebox Marketplace...

At Squeezebox Marketplace we have long admired Saltarelle melodeons for their combination of character, practicality and musical response.

The Etincelle stands out because it delivers genuine 3-row capability without asking the player to accept the size and weight of a much larger instrument. For experienced players who want more notes, more options and more harmonic freedom while keeping the feel of a smaller box, it is a particularly interesting choice.

Playability and Comfort

At only 3.7kg, the Etincelle is exceptionally comfortable to play for long sessions, standing performances, festivals and travelling musicians.

The compact dimensions make it especially appealing to players who want the flexibility of a 3-row system while maintaining the comfort and portability of a smaller melodeon.

This is the kind of instrument players often look for after discovering they have outgrown some of the limitations of a standard 2-row box but do not want to carry a significantly larger accordion.

Bass End and Harmonic Flexibility

The 12 bass layout provides strong accompaniment options while keeping the instrument compact and well balanced.

Importantly, the Etincelle includes a thirds stop on the bass end as standard. This allows the player to remove the thirds from the chords, giving cleaner and more flexible accompaniment options.

That matters in real playing. Thirdless chords are especially useful for modal tunes, minor-key ambiguity, contemporary folk arrangements and playing sensitively alongside other musicians.

Instrument Scope

The A/D/G layout gives the Etincelle a broad musical range for players who want more than a standard 2-row melodeon can offer.

It is especially suitable for musicians who want to explore cross-row playing, extended melodic patterns, French and continental repertoire, and more flexible accompaniment choices.

Although compact, this is not a limited instrument. It is a serious 3-row melodeon for players who already know what they want from a responsive, portable and musically flexible box.

Who Is This Instrument For?

The Saltarelle Etincelle ADG is ideal for:

• Experienced melodeon players wanting a lightweight 3-row instrument
• Players moving beyond a standard 2-row system
• Musicians exploring French, English and continental folk traditions
• Session players needing flexibility without unnecessary weight
• Festival musicians and travelling performers
• Players who value fast reed response and compact handling
• Musicians looking for a small 3-row accordion with professional features

Key Features

• Saltarelle Etincelle 3-row melodeon
• A/D/G tuning
• 33 treble buttons
• 2-voice treble setup
• 12 basses
• Thirds stop on bass end
• Tipo a Mano reeds
• Compact body similar in scale to many 2-row instruments
• Only 3.7kg in weight
• Fast, lively and articulate response
• Includes Squeezebox Marketplace Deluxe Padded Gig Bag and padded straps

Specifications

Model	Saltarelle Etincelle
Instrument Type	3-row diatonic accordion / melodeon
Key	A/D/G
Treble Buttons	33
Rows	3
Treble Voices	2
Basses	12
Bass Register	1 register to remove thirds
Reeds	Tipo a Mano
Dimensions	24.5 x 16.5 x 29.5 cm
Weight	3.7kg
Included	Squeezebox Marketplace Deluxe Padded Gig Bag and padded straps

What Makes the Etincelle Different?

The Saltarelle Etincelle occupies a very interesting position in the melodeon world. It offers the flexibility of a 3-row system while remaining genuinely compact and lightweight.

Many players looking at advanced 3-row instruments expect additional size and weight as the price of versatility. The Etincelle challenges that assumption by delivering a highly portable instrument that still feels professional and musically substantial.

The combination of 33 treble buttons, 12 basses, Tipo a Mano reeds and a thirds stop makes this a serious player’s instrument rather than simply a small accordion.

Comparison

Players considering the Etincelle may also look at instruments such as the Castagnari Benny and other compact 3-row melodeons.

The Saltarelle Etincelle has its own feel and purpose: compact, direct, lively and built around practical harmonic flexibility. The standard thirds stop gives greater freedom straight from the factory, particularly for players who use modal tunes, minor-key ambiguity and more open chordal accompaniment.

If you are comparing brands and build styles, you may also find our guide to Saltarelle vs Castagnari melodeons useful.

Explore More

You can explore our wider selection of melodeons for sale, including beginner, intermediate and professional instruments.

You can also browse our full Saltarelle melodeons and accordions collection.

If you are still deciding what type of melodeon is right for you, our Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Melodeon explains the main choices in plain English.

Included With This Instrument

• Squeezebox Marketplace Deluxe Padded Gig Bag
• Padded shoulder straps
• Professional inspection before dispatch
• Setup check by Squeezebox Marketplace

A serious 3-row melodeon in an ultra compact format

The Saltarelle Etincelle ADG proves that advanced musical capability does not need to come in a large or heavy package.

Fast, responsive and genuinely portable, it is a fascinating option for players wanting expanded musical possibilities while keeping the comfort, immediacy and physical ease of a smaller melodeon.

For the right player, this is not simply a compact 3-row melodeon. It is a highly practical professional instrument built for musical freedom without unnecessary weight.