How to Buy the Perfect Accordion

Your Guide to buying the best Accordions

Overview

An Accordion is a versatile instrument that can be found in many different musical styles. From classical to jazz to folk, it can provide a unique and vibrant sound. Buying an Accordion can be a daunting task, as there are many different types of Accordions to choose from. This buying guide will provide helpful information on different types of Accordions, how to choose the right Accordion for your needs, and what to look for when shopping around. Whether you are an Absolute Beginner, a seasoned Professional, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you find the perfect Accordion for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size – Accordions come in different sizes, from small 14-key models to full 120-key models. It is important to consider the size of the accordion that you want to purchase and the size of the room in which you plan to use it.
  2. Weight – Accordions can be quite heavy and may require more than one person to carry. Consider the weight of the accordion if you plan to transport it frequently.
  3. Cost – Consider the cost of the accordion and if you are able to afford it. Accoridons can vary in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
  4. Type – There are different types of accordions such as Stradella, Piano, and Diatonic. Consider the type of Accordion that will be best suited for your playing style.
  5. Brand – Different brands of Accordions offer different features such as tone, action, and durability. Research the various brands to compare their features and find the one that best suits your needs.
  6. Accessories – Consider the type of accessories needed for your Accordion such as straps, cases, and reeds. Do research to ensure you are getting the best quality of accessories for your accordion.
  7. Warranty – Consider the warranty that is offered with the Accordion, as this will ensure that it is covered if it is damaged or needs repair.

See the most popular Accordions on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Rich and Versatile Sound - Accordions produce a very rich and unique sound, making them great for a variety of different musical styles including traditional folk music, jazz, and Latin music.
  • Portability - Accordions are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport and bring with you to gigs.
  • Flexible Range of Notes - Accordions are capable of producing a wide range of notes and can be used to play melodies, chords, and solos.
  • Great for Solo Performances - Accordions are perfect for solo performances as they can provide both the melody and accompanying chords, making them great for entertaining small audiences.
  • Low Maintenance - Accordions require minimal maintenance and do not require tuning.
  • Inexpensive - Accordions are relatively inexpensive compared to some other instruments, making them a great option for those on a budget.

Cons

  • Price: Accordions are generally expensive instruments, typically costing several hundred dollars at a minimum. They can range up to thousands of dollars for a high-quality model.
  • Size and Weight: Accordions are large and heavy, making them difficult to transport and store.
  • Maintenance: Accordions require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, which can involve tuning and reed replacement.
  • Complexity: Accordions are complex instruments with multiple parts that require practice to master.

Best alternatives

  1. Concertinas - A small, portable, hand-held musical instrument similar to the accordion, but with a smaller set of keys and buttons.
  2. Melodeons - A type of small button accordion mainly used for traditional Irish and Scottish folk music, and occasionally in other music genres.
  3. Bandonions - A portable, rectangular-shaped concertina, usually with two sets of reeds, played by both hands in a manner similar to an accordion.
  4. Bayans - A type of chromatic button accordion developed in Russia in the early 20th century.
  5. Harmoniums - A type of free-reed organ that generates sound as air flows past a vibrating piece of thin metal in a frame.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tuning Lever - A tool used to adjust the tension of the accordion reeds.
  • Bellows - One or two accordion air chambers that fold together to create sound when air is forced through.
  • Grille - The perforated metal covering over the treble and bass reeds.
  • Bass Buttons - Buttons on the right side of the accordion that control the bass notes.
  • Treble Buttons - Buttons on the left side of the accordion that control the treble notes.
  • Straps - Straps that hold the accordion on the player's body.
  • Accordion Case - A hard or soft shell case used for storing and transporting an accordion.
  • Accordion Wax - A wax used to lubricate the reeds and keep them from becoming dry and sticking.

Common questions

  1. What is an accordion? An accordion is a small, portable, bellows-operated musical instrument used for playing chords and melodic lines. It typically has a keyboard and several buttons that can be used to produce different musical notes.
  2. What are the different types of accordions? There are three main types of accordions: diatonic, chromatic, and piano accordions. Diatonic accordions are tuned to a single key, typically the key of C. Chromatic accordions have several buttons that can be used to play in different keys. Piano accordions have a full-sized keyboard that can be used to play in any key.
  3. What sizes are available for accordions? Accordions come in a variety of sizes, from small, pocket-sized models to large, full-sized models. The size of the accordion will determine the sound it produces and the range of notes it can play.
  4. What is the difference between a concertina and an accordion? The main difference between a concertina and an accordion is the type of bellows used. Accordions use a circular bellows and concertinas use a linear bellows. Concertinas have a narrower range of notes than accordions and are typically used to play folk music.
  5. How much should I expect to pay for an accordion? The price of an accordion will depend on the size, type, and quality of the instrument. Entry-level models start at around $100 and professional-grade models can cost several thousand dollars.
  6. What accessories will I need in order to play an accordion? The most essential accessory for an accordion is a strap, which is used to hold the instrument in place. Other accessories include a case for storage and transport, a tuning tool, and cleaning supplies.
  7. Where can I learn to play the accordion? There are several options for learning to play the accordion, including online courses, private lessons, and group classes. You can

Trivia

An interesting fact about the accordion is that Charles Dickens once wrote an article about the instrument, published in 1852. He praised it for its versatility, describing it as a 'royal instrument of music'. He wrote that it had been 'heard with delight in every court in Europe, and its melody has been adapted to the music of all nations'. This article is thought to be the earliest description of the accordion in English literature. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.