Best Accordions For Beginners

Are you in search of the best accordions for beginners?

Accordions are known to be beautifully crafted pieces of musical instruments. But as beautiful they are, they are equally expensive, which makes it hard for a lot of enthusiasts to get their hands on one on budget. In other words, di ding the best accordions for beginners is not a walk in the park.

Even though they are expensive, there are still many aspiring musicians out there who want to learn how to play the accordion. But for beginners, things are a lot more different. Most importantly, it is best if they pick out the relatively cheaper but sturdy model that can last them for some time. But again, finding the best accordions for beginners is not an easy chore, which is why we have taken the trouble of searching and reviewing the best accordions available for beginners right now.

But what is it that you need to look for in an accordion? Keep reading to find out.

Buyer’s Guide/ Criteria For Buying Accordion:

Size And Weight:

Accordions are not precisely lightweight instruments. They are heavier than what you might expect and big. Hence, you need to figure out what size is most suitable for you and whether you can carry it with ease, especially if you are going to use them for traveling or concerts because it is not easy to carry these instruments for a long time. Moreover, as you are starting to learn to play it, it will be better if you stick to the lightweight ones that could be carried easily.

Type Of Reeds:

For a top-of-line accordion, the reeds have to be of good quality, the most flexible, and the thickest type. Plus, you need to search for the accordion with 5 to 6 reed blocks on the treble side for a more comprehensive tuning range.

Type Of Accordion:

There are different types of accordions available for purchase. For example, a typical piano type comes with fixed with right-hand treble piano keys and bass on the left-hand side with bass keys. This is the most popular type with 24 to 45 piano keys.

On the other hand, you have the button accordion, perfect for beginners due to its ease of use. Typically, there is a single note button’s on the treble side, and all the buttons are fixed on the treble side. On the other side, all the brass buttons are situated, which can number from 12 to 120. This is a bit of professional advice to use button accordions for beginners.

Diatonic Or Chromatic:

Another classification of accordions is the typical diatonic accordion and the chromatic accordion. There are not a lot of differences, but some make a notable impact. For instance, the pitch of both types is different.

Acoustic vs. Electronic:

Yes, there are electronic accordions, but to be honest, they are not exactly common. In fact, they are considered controversial in classical and traditional music. But again, they can replicate a lot of different tunes; no, nothing is wrong with that. However, their versatility is still not enough to beat the conventional acoustic accordion. They are loud and produce specific sounds characteristic of these instruments.

Number Of Buttons:

Accordions come with a different number of buttons. The minimum is 12, but that does not give enough flexibility. 48 buttons are familiar enough as they have the required flexibility with the reduced size and weight. These accordions are great for playing C, G, and F chords.

Next is 72 button accordion, which has great flexibility but is difficult for beginners. This is actually the highest most players go for. However, there are accordions with more buttons, 96 and 120 to be exact. The former one offers four treble reed sets, which makes them unique. And the last one is suitable for Italian or classical music. However, there are accordions with 185 buttons, so there is a debate about the final number. Nevertheless, as a beginner, it is better to stick to the 48 buttons or 12 for a child.

Playing Skills:

Are you a beginner, intermediate, or expert/ professional? Because if you are a beginner, then button accordions will suit you best with their easy playability. But on the other hand, for a professional, the piano type is far better. But this list is for beginners, so even though you will get the suggestion of both types, it’s better if you choose the button accordion.

Details:

Details like brand, material, finish, number of buttons, and other things also matter in the final price.

Now that you understand what you need to look for, let’s move on to the best accordions for beginners.

Comparison Table

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Best Accordions For Beginners:

1. Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion:

It is impossible to have any list of accordions without any product from Hohner. Hence, the first entry on the list of best accordions for beginners is the famous Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion. This ready-to-play instrument produces loud and clear tones that give a flavor to the music. Moreover, this is the perfect accordion for beginners, as it gives you complete control over the music and comes in budget.

In short, this is a beautiful instrument used for making beautiful music.

Specs:

• Brand: Hohner Accordions
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 19 x 11 x 18 inches
• Weight: 14 Pounds
• Style: Diatonic Accordion
• Comes only in the key of GCF.
• Type: Diatonic
• 31 buttons
• 12 bass buttons
• double strap brackets.
• Straps, Cleaning Cloth, and Hohner Diatonic Method Book included
• No Gig Bag
• 90-day warranty for repair of manufacture defects only

Key Features:

• Type: Diatonic
• 31 buttons
• 12 bass buttons
• double strap brackets.

Pros:

• Straps, Cleaning Cloth, and Hohner Diatonic Method Book included
• most affordable three-row accordion is in the key of G/C/F

Cons:

• playing is a bit difficult due to this being a diatonic accordion

2. Hohner Compadre GCF Accordion:

The next entry on the list of best accordions from beginners is Hohner, the Hohner Compadre GCF Accordion. The best thing about this particular model is that it is not just for beginners; it is also perfect for experts. So you will not need to upgrade your instrument so soon after your skills get better.

The perfect 2-voice model accordion is also considered the best budget accordion, making it better than ever. Add in the redesigned wide open grille for greater volume, smooth playability, and celluloid fingerboard; you are in for a treat.

Specs:

• Brand: Hohner Accordions
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 22 x 13 x 23 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Number of notes: 62
• Buttons: 31
• Button rows: 3
• Class: diatonic
• Voices: 2 (MM)
• Tone colors: 1
• Keys: G/C/F
• Standard basses: 12
• Size: 31 x 19 cm / 12.2” x 7.5”
• Standard bass voices: 5
• Color Options: Orange; Red; or black
• Reed plate quality: standard
• Straps: Standard straps
• Case: Gigbag

Key Features:

• Number of notes: 62
• Standard basses: 12
• Standard bass voices: 5

Pros:

• 31 treble buttons, 12 bass buttons, and a celluloid fingerboard.
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• It is a bit small.

3. Roland FR-1X Premium V-Accordion Lite:

Out next entry is not exactly what you will consider an in-budget product. Although the Roland FR-1X Premium V-Accordion Lite is suitable for beginners, it is not exactly made for beginners. This is a piano-type instrument with many modern features like USB functionality, advanced bellows-pressure circuitry for enhanced sensitivity and precision, new-generation speakers onboard, expanded 7-segment/3-character display; this FR-1x piano-type instrument is just incredible.

Add in the fact that this is a lightweight accordion, and you get a perfect instrument decked with all the modern features you will rarely find in any other. On a side note, this specific model also comes in button type so that you can check that out too.

Specs:

• Brand: Roland
• Model Name: FR-1X-BK
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 24 x 22 x 15 inches
• Weight: 15 Pounds
• Color: Black, Red
• Style: Piano
• Full range high-quality speakers on board in the bass reflex box: 7 W x 2
• Right hand: 26 Keys velocity-sensitive (starting at B key)
• Left hand: 72 bass buttons velocity-sensitive
• USB memory port for Wave/MP3 player, new-sounds upload, data loading/saving
• Standard and Free Bass modes
• 16 Accordion Sets
• A professional look with a 7-segment LED
• display and a friendly user interface
• 16 Orchestral sounds
• 4 Virtual Tone Wheel presets
• 8 User Programs
• Expected battery life under continuous use: 5-hours (speaker ON mode), 8-hours (speaker OFF mode) *With using Ni-MH 2000mAh batteries
• Straps included

Key Features:

• USB memory port for Wave/MP3 player, new-sounds upload, data loading/saving
• Full range high-quality speakers on board in the bass reflex box: 7 W x 2
• Professional look with friendly user interface and 7-segment LED

Pros:

• USB availability
• Digital features like memory, speakers, etc.
• Headphones can be used.

Cons:

• There is nothing wrong with the instrument itself; it’s just that the manual comes in Japanese, which is, well, hard to understand for any non-native. Hence, the manual is useless.

4. Roland FR-1XB Premium V-Accordion:

The next entry in the list of best accordions for beginners is actually from the same series as the previous entry. However, contrary to Roland FR-1X, the Roland FR-1XB Premium V-Accordion we are mentioning here is the button type. As for the rest of the features, they are mostly the same. However, experts claim that this is the best accordion for beginners and pros, so again, you will not need to upgrade your skills.

But why so many features like speakers and USB availability? It’s because both of these are electronic accordions.

Specs:

• Brand: Roland
• Model Name: FR-1XB-RD
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 22.3 x 20.6 x 14 inches
• Weight: 22.1 pounds
• Color: Red, black
• Style: Button
• Number of buttons: 62
• Essential Action: Right hand: 62 buttons, velocity-sensitive, Left Hand: 72 bass buttons, velocity-sensitive
• Speaker Power: 2 x 7 Watts
• USB availability
• 7-segment LED
• Number of Sounds: 16 Accordion Sets (including 4 User Sets), each one including 14 Treble Registers, 7 Free Bass registers, 7 Bass/Chord registers, 7 Orchestra Free Bass registers, 7 Orchestra Bass registers, 7 Orchestra Chord registers
• Voices of Polyphony: 128
• Song Recorder: Audio & MIDI
• Storage Type: USB Flash Drive, Internal
• Connectivity: USB, MIDI
• Straps included

Key Features:

• Storage Type: USB Flash Drive, Internal
• Key Action: Right hand: 62 buttons, velocity-sensitive, Left Hand: 72 bass buttons, velocity-sensitive
• Song Recorder: Audio & MIDI

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• USB availability
• Numerous digital features

Cons:

• Manual is useless unless you can read Japanese.

5. Rossetti, 31-Key Accordion (ROS3112-FBE-BK):

Moving on, we have the ROS3112-FBE-BK by Rossetti. This particular model is deserving of its place in the list of best accordions for beginners due to its many qualities. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also designed to be comfortable. With the adjustable shoulder straps, padded hand straps, and a specially made case for protection, you can rest assured that this instrument will last for a while.

Specs:

• Brand: Rossetti
• Dimensions: 18.2 x 17.8 x 12.7 inches
• Weight: 18.51 pounds
• Material: Pearl, Leather
• Type: Button Accordion
• 20 fold bellows for bigger sound
• Sheepskin bellow corners for longer life
• Two adjustable padded shoulder straps
• Adjustable hand strap
• Premium case with lock (room to leave straps attached)
• Slide lever air valve for best intake
• Custom grill design for bigger sound
• Pearlescent buttons
• Straps and case included

Key Features:

• 20 fold bellows for bigger sound
• Custom grill design for bigger sound
• Slide lever air valve for best intake

Pros:

• Single strap hooks on each side for easy strap attachment
• Upgraded button design for smooth operation
• Italian style decorations and pearlescent finish

Cons:

• None

6. Fever F3112-R/W/R Button Accordion:

This is actually Fever F3112-R/W/R Button Accordion with 31 Keys and 12 Bass on GCF Key with a red, white finish. Surprisingly, this is one of those underestimated instruments that most don’t remember. But, with its beautiful design and bright harmonics, this is truly one of the best accordions for beginners.

Like the previous entry, this one is made for comfort with its adjustable straps. The building is sturdy and long-lasting, and the design is done to produce a loud sound—another pretty but functional accordion for beginners.

Specs:

• Brand: Fever
• Material: Pearl, Leather
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 17 x 10 x 17 inches
• Weight: 17 Pounds
• Color: Red/White
• 31 Treble Keys
• 12 Bass/Chord Buttons
• 20 fold bellows for bigger sound
• GCF key
• A slide lever air valve makes for faster air intake
• Sheepskin bellow corners for longer life
• Straps and padded case included
• Two leather adjustable padded shoulder straps

Key Features:

• Sheepskin bellow corners for longer life
• Single strap hooks on each side for easy strap attachment
• Adjustable hand strap

Pros:

• Italian Style decorations and pearlescent colors give it a beautiful look
• Acoustically designed grill cloth offers a bigger sound than many of the other comparable accordions.
• Upgraded button design for smooth operation

Cons:

• Bellows’s action starts stiff, but it improves with time and age.

Top Picks:

Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion:

A beautiful and ready-to-play accordion with smooth playability.

Hohner Compadre GCF Accordion:

Perfect for both beginners and experts.

Roland FR-1X Premium V-Accordion Lite:

It’s an expensive choice, but considering all the features it comes with, it’s worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Which type of accordion is easy to play?

Ans: According to experts, if you are starting to learn how to play the accordion, then the suggestion would always be the button type. This is because the button accordion has smaller buttons that are placed close together. This makes them easy to play compared to piano accordions once you learn to do so. However, if you know how to play the piano, then the piano accordion will be a better choice. This is because it is difficult to memorize the buttons, more so if you have piano skills. The button accordion only works for those who don’t have any training in playing the piano.

Q: How much is a decent accordion?

Ans: A beginner accordion will cost you around $500 to $600, and it can go upwards if you can afford it. But for professional and custom-made instruments, the price can go to upwards of $15,000.

Q: How do I choose my first accordion?

Ans: You need to keep an eye out for the following factors for a beginner.

• Type of accordion
• For a beginner, lightweight is best.
• Again, stick to low price tags for beginners.
• Tuning
• Appearance
• New or secondhand
• Reeds

For more details, scroll up to read the buyer’s guide.

Q: What type of accordion should I buy?

Ans: No music style is developed yet for a beginner unless you have experience with any other instrument. So music style is out, which leaves your skills. We have already mentioned the types but stick to the lower numbers for keys. 48 keys are more than enough for learners.

Q: Is the accordion challenging to play?

Ans: Like any other instrument, the accordions also need your time, attention, and dedication to the process before you can play the accordion. So the answer is no; compared to other instruments, the accordion is not extremely challenging to play.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, our list of best accordions for beginners. Accordions, by nature, are expensive, but as a beginner, they start small. If you can afford expensive ones, it is good for you, but it will be better to buy a low-cost but sturdy instrument that will last you for the first few years before upgrading.