The Bandoneon is an instrument that belongs in the Concertina family. It is a square-shaped double-action instrument invented by Heinrich Band (1821-1860) in Krefeld, Germany. His first models had more than 88 notes. Today's models have 71. Mr. Band intended his instrument to be used mainly to play religious music in church services as well as popular music. The instrument is played by pushing and pulling the instrument back and forth while pressing the buttons on the sides of the instrument. It does not have any piano-type keys like some accordions do.

In the 1870s, this instrument was taken to Argentina by German sailors and soon became a popular instrument there. The Bandoneon plays an essential role in the "Orquesta típica" (Tango orchestra). This is a band who plays popular music, and in Argentina features 3 or more bandoneons.