The accordion is a family of box-shaped free-reed aerophone instruments driven by bellows. They are often referred to as a ‘squeezebox.’ The concertina and the bandoneon are related instruments, as are the harmonium and the reed organ. The latter two are often larger and are played resting on a surface or the floor.
One of the many benefits of living in the times that we do is the ability to learn any musical instrument that we want. The accordion is, however, often overlooked. People view it as being somewhat limited to folk music. This is far from the case and we can see examples of the accordion in jazz, classical, rock and pop music.
Buying an accordion can be quite frustrating if you’re not familiar with the instrument and the different variables available to you. Here is a quick summary of our pick of the best accordions for different types of players:
 | 1.Best Accordion For Beginners – Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion An affordable, lightweight, and compact accordion with 12 bass notes. Comes with padded support straps. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2.Best Professional Accordion – Tula 209 Chromatic Button Accordion Built by giants of accordion manufacturing. 92 treble buttons are split over 5 rows with 100 bass options. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3.Best Affordable Accordion – HOHNER 1305-RED Piano Accordion A loud and smooth piano key accordion that’s quality far surpasses its price. 5 registers and comes tremolo-tuned. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4.Best Button Accordion – Russian Tula Button Accordion An eye-catching, loud, and rich tone makes this 55 treble-key accordion a great choice. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5.Best Piano Accordion – Hohner Bravo III Piano Accordion A lightweight, 34 piano key 72 bass button with 4 voices and 2 bass registers. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 6.Best Electric Accordion – Roland FR-1XB Premium V-Accordion Lite An electric accordion with USB and MIDI connectivity and onboard speakers. Choose from piano keys or buttons. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 7.Best Accordion For Kids – Schylling Kids Accordion A well-built, children-friendly instrument that is more than a mere toy. Comes with playing instructions and a songbook. | Buy on Amazon |
Best Accordions Reviewed
Best Accordion For Beginners – Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion
The Rizatti Bronco RB31FW Diatonic Accordion is a solid lower-end beginner model, perfect for learning the instrument. The RB31FW is a standard diatonic accordion with 31 treble and 12 bass notes. It plays in the keys of F/Bb/Eb and has two reeds.
As a compact, lightweight and affordable instrument, it proves a superb choice for learners from a wide range of musical styles. If you’re still trying to find your feet (reeds?) in the world of accordions, it is probably sufficient for you. The sound quality is satisfactory given the attractive price. However, it may not suit more discerning instrumentalists.
Pros:
- Affordable price.
- 31 treble and 12 bass notes; the right amount for those starting.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Padded straps included.
Cons:
- The sound quality isn’t the best.
Best Professional Accordion – Tula 209 Tulskiy Bayan Chromatic Button Accordion
The Tula 209 Tulskiy Bayan Chromatic Button Accordion far outdoes itself. Even though it’s on the expensive end of the spectrum, you get far more than you pay for. As already mentioned, the accordions from Tula are legendary, especially any Tulskaya Garmon.
As far as professional accordions go, this instrument is an economical choice. It comes replete with many features that can be quite hard to find on a chromatic button accordion.
The Tula 209 has 5 rows of buttons on the treble side, with a whopping 92 buttons. The bass has 100 buttons for you to choose from, giving you many harmonic possibilities to play around with.
Pros:
- One of the most reliable accordion makers around.
- 92 treble buttons and 100 bass options.
- The quality far surpasses the price.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Best Affordable Accordion – HOHNER 1305-RED
The Hohner 1305-RED Hohnica comes with a range from G to E. It’s a fantastic instrument aimed at students. 72 bass notes and 34 piano treble keys and 5 registers allow you to shape your tone to your needs at any given moment.
Hohner is such a giant in the world of accordions, this instrument surpasses its price tag. Even as a beginner’s instrument, it will take you far beyond into intermediate realms and even small performances. It contains improved key response and a resonant construction. All this makes this instrument pretty loud.
The tremolo-tuned reeds are another superb bonus from Hohner.
Pros:
- Smooth piano keys.
- An affordable instrument that doesn’t compromise on quality.
- Renowned accordion manufacturers.
- Loud clear tone.
- 5 registers.
- Reeds are tremolo-tuned.
Cons:
- Could benefit from extra keys.
Best Button Accordion – Russian Tula Button Accordion Bayan Etud
The Russian Tula Button Accordion, traditionally used for playing Russian folk music, is versatile enough for any style of music. Its eye-catching design has a richness and depth of sound to match. This is as you’d expect, as Tula, where the instrument is made, is one of the epicenters of high-quality accordion construction.
The sound is bright, with powerful lower frequencies. The dimensions and weight are sure to be comfortable for the player. This is remarkable considering the features, tone, and sheer volume of the instrument.
The treble side comes with only 55 buttons, which some might consider a rather small amount. It is, however, down to the personal preference of the player. The bass has 100 buttons which are (surely) enough for just about anyone.
Pros:
- Gorgeous eye-catching appearance.
- Deep and rich tone.
- Extremely loud.
Cons:
- On the expensive side.
- The treble side has only 55 buttons which some consider too few.
Best Piano Accordion Hohner Bravo III Piano Accordion
Hohner Bravo III Piano Accordion is a top-quality instrument at an affordable price. The 34 piano keys are tremolo tuned G-E. There are 5 treble registers, 72 bass buttons, 4 voices, and 2 bass registers. The length of the keyboard is 16.”
Included are attractive and adjustable textile straps to help ward off fatigue and muscle stress when playing. Purchasing this piano accordion also means you’ll be buying an instrument from one of the top manufacturers out there.
The Bravo III Piano accordion only weighs 8 kilos, which makes it below average weight. There’s also a bigger Bravo III 96, that features 96 bass keys and 37 piano keys, should you need a little bit extra space.
Pros:
- 34 piano keys and 72 bass buttons.
- 4 voices and 2 bass registers.
- Lightweight.
- Includes textile straps.
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Electric Accordion – Roland FR-1XB Premium V-Accordion Lite
Roland claims to have revolutionized the world of music with their V series of accordions. Whilst this is a little over the top, they certainly have expanded the potential of the accordion.
The Roland family of electric accordions offers great flexibility and are all lightweight and compact. Improvements included better bellows circulation for improved sensitivity and precision. All this can ensure that this electronic instrument never loses the feel and soul of the original acoustic instrument, whilst still having USB connectivity.
Onboard speakers are included as is a friendly user interface and 7-segment LED display. Choose from free bass or standard; buttons or piano.
Pros:
- Roland is a giant in electronic instruments manufacturing.
- An electronic instrument with MIDI connectivity expands the musical potential of the accordion.
- USB connectivity.
- Choice of button or piano; standard or free bass.
- Onboard speakers.
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Accordion For Kids – Schylling Kids Accordion
The Schylling Kids accordion is a quality-built children’s instrument. It’s small and compact enough for little ones without feeling delicate and easy to break. It measures 75” wide. The small number of keys on the accordion makes it perfect for learning without getting overwhelmed.
This accordion is diatonic and in the key of C. Whilst you may not have the freedom to play complex songs on this instrument, the sound is good. It sounds more or less like a full-size instrument, all things considered.
Pros:
- Durable build.
- Sounds good and more than a simple toy.
- Easy to play and learn on.
- Comes with instructions and a simple songbook.
Cons:
- Requires a certain amount of arm strength and coordination, only making it suitable for ages 7-10.
- The songbook only contains 3 songs.
Accordion Buying Guide
History of The Accordion
The French missionary Joseph-Marie Amiot introduced the Chinese sheng ( a type of Jew’s Harp) to Europe. This ushered in the beginning of free-reed instruments, including the harmonica and the accordion. The accordion in its earliest form was developed in the 19th century, reportedly in Berlin. By the late 1840s, Tula in Russia was already producing 10,000 instruments a year.
Yet, it was the English inventor Charles Wheatstone who married the ability to play melody and chords in one instrument, the concertina. It was patented in 1844.
What Are Some Of The Best Accordion Brands?
A good place to start is by looking at some of the best professional accordion brands out there. So without further ado let’s jump ahead and look at some of the giants of accordion manufacturing.
Hohner
Founded in the 1850s by Matthias Hohner. This musical manufacturer is also known for its mandolins, acoustic and classical guitars, and basses, amongst other instruments. But, it is their accordions that are their pride and joy. Their line of accordions includes diatonic and chromatic models. They have long proven popular amongst players or different genres. They also produce many accordion-related accessories and are popular with players of all levels.
Weltmeister
Weltmeister dates back to the mid- 19th century. They’re a company that focuses on accordions. Their catalog contains all types of accordions and accessories and is highly regarded by many players.
Tulskaya Garmon
The first accordions made in Russia were in the 1830s in Tula. It was here that Ivan Sizov made the prototype of the acclaimed modern Tula accordion. The company began in 1808 when the Shkunayev brothers made reed pipes and harmonicas. By 1866, 50,000 instruments were being produced in Tula and neighboring villages. By 1874, yearly production surpassed 700,000.
Roland
This Japanese digital instrument maker may be a surprise addition to this list for many. They’ve been making some quality-sounding digital accordions for years now. Their professional quality instruments can function as MIDI controllers, opening up a whole other world of possibilities for this instrument. If musical and sonic innovation is your thing, then consider checking out Roland’s digital accordions.
What are The Pros and Cons of Different Types Of Accordion?
It is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of accordion. This way you can make an informed decision about the accordion that best suits your musical and expressive preferences.
Piano Accordion
The piano accordion is one of the most popular types of accordion and is what comes to mind for many when thinking of the instrument. Whilst they’re a newer invention than their buttoned relatives, they’ve overtaken the latter in popularity.
Piano accordions feature 25/45 piano keys to play melodies on the right and bass keys on the left. They’re often more affordable than button accordions. Their popularity means there are more options to choose from.
Pros: They’re straightforward to learn if you’re already proficient at the piano.
Cons: Can be pretty bulky. They have fewer treble notes than button accordions.
Concertinas
Concertinas are smaller hexagonal instruments. English concertinas are chromatic and Anglo concertinas are diatonic.
Diatonic Button Accordion
Diatonic button accordions use a diatonic scale. Each button creates a different pitch depending on whether the bellows are being pushed or pulled. They are one the most popular types of the accordion. They contain bass notes and chords on the left side. The right side contains 1-3 rows, with one row playing a scale in a given key. The rows correspond from the left to right side, meaning you can’t play out of key.
Pros: More compact than other types of accordions.
Cons: Less versatile than chromatic accordions. Often only contain natural notes (no flats or sharps.)
Chromatic Accordion
Chromatic accordions, like their diatonic siblings, are button accordions. They have a chromatic scale instead of a diatonic one. They often have 3-5 rows of treble buttons. The chromatic accordion isn’t as popular as the piano accordion.
Pros: Gives you the option to play in any key.
Cons: More difficult to play than other accordions.
Electronic Accordion
An electronic accordion can be plugged in. Aside from sounding like an electronic accordion, you can also use it as a synthesizer and sampler. If you want to extend the potential of your accordion playing and move away from the constrictions of an acoustic instrument, then this could be something to consider.
MIDI Accordion
A MIDI accordion is like an electric accordion. They still have reeds so you can play them as a standard acoustic accordion. They are suitable for recording by linking it up to your DAW.
What is Dry Tuning Vs Wet Tuning accordion?
Wet tuning is when two reeds are tuned slightly off from each other to create a discreet vibrato sound. Wet tuning is sometimes known as ‘musette tuning.’ Wet tuning is common in many types of folk and world music. Dry tuning, on the other hand, is when two reeds are tuned together to produce a clean sound. Dry tuning is the go-to method for when an accordion is used in jazz or classical music.
What Are ‘Voices’ In An Accordion?
The voices or choirs refer to the number of reeds in an accordion. Most have at least 2 sets, but some have up to 5 sets of voices or choruses on the treble side and up to 4 on the bass. The more voices/choruses you have the more sonic options you have at your creative disposal.
Registers are different ways you can change between sounds. Choruses can be played at the same time to create different sounds.
How many keys should my accordion have?
For beginners, a smaller size accordion is recommended, such as one with 24 or 48 bass keys. Whether you choose a button or piano accordion is down to personal preference. Both can serve beginners well and provide much room for growth and freedom of expression.
chords vs free bass accordion, which is better?
Another factor to consider is whether you want each button on the left (bass) to correspond to a chord or a single note. The Stradella System refers to each button playing a full chord. Free bass accordion’s bass buttons play single notes. This allows you to form your own chords by pressing multiple buttons simultaneously.
Free bass allows greater harmonic opportunities for your music, allowing you to play inversions and more exciting chords. The downside is it’s much harder to play. But if you know what you’re doing, your musical output can become more harmonically advanced by opting for a free bass model. For a beginner to the instrument and one without much music theory knowledge, it could be quite overwhelming.
Either way, sticking to a smaller number of notes when you’re beginning should help your musical understanding grow. When you have a firmer grasp on what you’re doing you could consider upsizing.
To Sum Up
The accordion is a popular instrument that spans the globe in its reach. Not long after its invention, the accordion’s popularity soared, which is why we see it popping up in so many different styles of music all over the world.
The accordion is not the simplest of instruments to learn, and it is worth bearing in mind that they do need a certain amount of maintenance. If you’ve already fallen in love with the accordion, then this shouldn’t be too much for you. For beginners, we recommend to start with Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion, because it is affordable and lightweight. The padded support straps will also help with practice.
Accordions are far more musically versatile than many people believe. They’re used in more than simple folk music. If you listen out, you’ll hear them in all genres of music, ranging from pop to rock, jazz, classical, and beyond. Your imagination is your only limitation.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
