While the Chemnitz concertina was brought to the USA by emigrants, particularly to the Chicago area, the bandoneon found a new home in South America, especially in Argentina. The melancholy sound of the instrument enriched the tango, which originated in the brothels and dives of Buenos Aires and was greatly distrusted by ‘high society’.
The Argentinians called the instrument brought by the immigrants “bandoneón” in Spanish. However, this instrument could not be manufactured in Argentina. Instead, thousands of bandoneons were produced by the Arnold company in Carlsfeld in the Ore Mountains and exported worldwide. Today, Argentinians say that the bandoneon is the best German invention!