The button layout of a standard 2 row 8 bass D/G melodeon generally falls into one of two categories, termed third or fourth button start. This refers to where the main scale starts on your melodeon, either on the third or fourth button counting down from the chin end of the melodeon.
If you’re you’re not sure which flavour of melodeon you have, it’s straightforward to find out. Looking at the inside (G) row, count down three buttons from the chin end of the melodeon, get a little air in your bellows and press that third button, pushing the bellows inwards.
Check the note that sounds against the sound file, given below. If notes match then you have a third button start melodeon.
If the note doesn’t match, move your finger down one button and try the fourth button. Again, press the button while pushing the bellows inwards. If the notes match then you have a fourth button start melodeon.
The image below shows the third and fourth buttons of the G row to help make sure you have the right buttons.
Once you know which flavour of melodeon you have then you’ll know which edition of ‘The Melodeon Tutor’ you need.
The melodeon, showing the third and fourth buttons of the G row, where your melodeon scale may start