Options to choose from
There are numerous accordion brands on the market, from which the most famous brands are from Italy. German and Russian accordions can also be found on the market. Accordions are also made in other parts of the world. Even if the Italian accordions are held the most famous and kept as the best instruments, there are a big variety of manufactures elsewhere, too. Long manufacturing traditions do not always indicate quality. As competition intensifies, various manufacturing choices have been made, which also has an effect on the accordion’s final quality. When choosing an accordion, it is worth to ignore the country of manufacture and brands. Focus on the practical factors. Nevertheless, it is good to know a little about the accordion market’s main lines. The bullets below is done according to major historical lines. The grouping by instruments mechanical properties is discluded from the list.
- Historical accordions. Accordions made before the 1950s. Still at 1940s, the accordion’s mechanisms were similar to the mechanisms done in the 1930s and earlier. Before the early 1930s, some famous German brands such as Herman Büttstädt or Hohner where big on the markets. Italian and French accordions where also produced. The value of historical instruments varies greatly between different manufacturers and even models.
- Cheap accordions. Cheap accordions were introduced to the markets, especially in the early 1950s. Most of the accordions in Europe were made in Germany and Italy. The so-called Soviet-era tourist accordions, especially in the 1970s, are at their own low-standard level. Even if the brand name is Western, accordions can have be made in the Far East. However, a cheap accordion does not mean that it is bad for its owner. Cheap accordions were cheap when they where new – and they still are.
- High-quality accordions Most accordions made in Italy can be placed in this category. Also the best German accordions are high quality. The high quality accordions are usually expensive. However, the value of musical instruments drops considerably with age. Poor condition will lower the price too.
Where to start?
When buying an accordion, it is important to think about the requirements that the instrument should meet. In general, the selection criteria are the number of voices, the keyboard used, the needed voice range, the weight, the price and the sound. Each of these factors can be set as a separate starting point, but the choosing the instrument is a matter of fitting all needs together. Everybody emphasize the features almost automatically. If willing to have all possible options, you might end up hitting the wall.
Below is the accordion buyer’s checklist:
- Find out for yourself what you really need and why
- Determine your appropriate budget
- Check availability (used and/or new accordions)
- Weigh potential purchase risks (e.g. private vs. professional salesperson)
- Test the accordion properly (tuning, sound, mechanisms, air tightness)
- Look inside the accordion and evaluate the condition and cleanliness of the interiors
- Try several accordions, compare
- Purchase the suitable accordion
The first limitation in choosing an accordion, before setting other requirements, is the physical size of the player: the accordion must not be too big for the player. It is a bad thing to have a too big accordion, especially for a growing youngster. Too big instrument will cause the young player to have a poor playing position, which can lead to various pain conditions in the body over time. It must be remembered that the playing position exists without the accordion, but with the instrument, the position looks and feels natural. In other words, the instrument must not be the determining factor for the playing position. When geting old, carrying and lifting a heavy accordion becomes more difficult, so a smaller instrument can be a good solution to continue your hobby. The disadvantages of a small accordion during the study phase are the limited sound range: not all voices can be played with a too small keyboard.
Since the accordion is mainly played in a sitting position, a good indicator of the maximum height of the instrument is the distance between the level of the thighs and the armpit. To measure this interval, do the following: With the accordion in your lap, place both feet firmly on the ground. Place your right hand on the accordion so that your elbow is on the right side of the bellows and your palm extends to the bass air button. If the upper arm is horizontal or slightly below, the height of the accordion is good. Keep your body as relaxed as possible.
The height of the instruments varies a lot. Depending on the model, the chromatic Dallapès made in the 1910s and 1920s are around 40 cm in hight, while the floral, tie and functional models made in the 1930s are up to 50 cm high. Today, so-called full-length accordions are very often 42-45 cm high. Piano accordions are higher than keyboard accordions due to the large keys. In this case, the height of the instrument may increase up to 53 cm. The height of concert instruments is often between 45 and 50 cm.
In the case of large concert instruments, the correct playing position is emphasized and the operating characteristics replace the physical size wished as a more important component. In these cases, the mentioned way of making a height measurement may not apply. Alongside the concert instrument, it is good to keep a smaller instrument, as it is not comfortable to play camp fire gigs on a valuable and heavy bayan.
Voices
You can start looking for an accordion based only on how many sets of reeds there are, but with this mindset, the target group includes all other age groups except young players (who is using only one voice accordions). By searching for how many voice the accordion is having, you are searching for different tone colours. A 10-year-old cannot be given a 4 voice accordion due to the weight of the instrument. Accordions suitable for children include 1 and 2 voice instruments, and for students and hobbyists, 3 and 4 voice instruments are noteworthy voice options. A 5 voice accordion is also possible for students and hobbyists, but in that case the reason for the 5th voice is probably the sound colour. Through size and weight, we can also reflect the amount and need for voices. The 1 and 2 voice accordions are from 3 to 9 kg, the 3 voice is from 9 to 12 kg and the 4 voice is from 10 to 15 kg. Free bass accordions are slightly heavier than standard bass accordions. By an estimated the standard bass accordions have a maximum weight around 12 kg, the 5 voice one is slightly heavier than the 4 voice one.
Voices can be in a tone chamber (cassotto) and they can be set regulary on the the sound board (surface sound model, non-cassotto model). Cassotto voices are softer in sound than non-cassotto voices. In terms of weight, the cassotto model is a bit heavier than the surface sound models.
In terms of voices, you should generally think about the voices and the voice combinations you need. For some, the so-called tango and waltz sounds are important. In this case, a 4 voice accordion is a good option. On the other hand, a student of classical music does not need tremolo sounds, unlike many dance music players, in which case a 3 voice free bass accordion is a viable option. What voices and combinations do you need? Is it necessary to have 14 register switches in the treble if not all of them are needed?
Voice range
Voice ranges and certain voice combinations make the buyers individual requirements. Professionals, as well as advanced level players, are having a higher level of standards than hobbyists: the voice range has to be wider. In treble and bass, the reed response and pressure tolerance must be in appropriate balance to each other. The bigger voice range and more sets of reeds you want, the higher price and weight the accordion gains.
The hobbyist does not have to worry much about the adequacy of the voice range. When there are 3 or 4 sets of reeds, the voice range in the treble is likely to be sufficient, often 46 to 47 voices. Today, the model range is so extensive that there are infinitely different accordion options for every age. Nevertheless, it could be said in general that full-size free basses have more than 50 notes in the treble. In a concert accordion there are 64 voices.
Keyboards
There are numerous keyboards in use. In order to choose an accordion, it is essential to know which keyboard you want to play with. The most common keyboard used in Finland is the so-called Finnish keyboard, which is a modification of the C system. Various keyboards are used around the world. Please check https://vapaalehdykka.net/melody-side/?lang=en
In the Finnish market, the repertory of button accordions are wider than piano accordions – button accordions can be found from small to large instruments. There are not as many small piano accordions available for children as there are button accordions. However, in many other countries the case is just the opposite. The reason for this is, for example, local history, market demand and supply, but also the size of the keyboard for piano accordions. Piano accordions are an inferior to button accordions in terms of ergonomics. This is due to the space required by the piano keyboard and how it spreads above and below the accordion’s body, forcing the player to take a certain kind of playing position. With piano keyboard there is less possibilities for finger position variations than with button accordions, specially with accordions with more than three rows on melody side.
Sound colour
Every player has their own perception of good sound, so there is no need to go into more detail and describe what different sounds and instruments sound like. A few common things are listed below for clarification of sound issues:
- Cassotto sounds are softer than non-cassotto sounds.
- With different kind of register combinations comes different sound colours. What voices do you need?
- In general, it can be said that the size of the accordion affects the sound. It should be noted, however, that small accordions and accordions with small amount of metal can sound as good as free bass accordions.
- The sound is affected by the material used in the accordion. In general: hard surfaces like metal and plastic makes a harder sound, wood and other soft materials make the sound softer. The grill has a surprisingly large effect on the sound. Try different instruments.
- You can ask the tuner to change the tuning in the direction you want. The most audible sound can be influenced with tuning.
When looking for the right kind of sound colour, you should try a wide variety of instruments. All big accordion events are great opportunities to try, as several retailers are gathered in one place, making comparison easier.
Price
The accordion keeps its price moderately well, so buying a particularly good instrument is an investment. Compare the prices of new and used accordions to avoid overpricing. You might make real discoveries. You can search for the different accordion prices online. In addition to this, there are usually advertisements in the national accordion magazines, and used accordions and their prices can also be found on the dealers’ website.
Used accordions are generally cheaper on the private market than if purchased from speciallised stores. Unlike many music store, private individuals generally do not guarantee the functionality of the accordion. It should also be noted that the sales person may even be an accordion sales professional in forum sales, in which case the price of the instrument may be higher than from individual sales persons. It is also not uncommon for a music vendor to present themselves as an individual in an online sales situation. Through numerous online sells, the starting price of an accordion could climb up very fast. When looking for an accordion, use your time and compare prices carefully. It’s easy and fast with today’s technology. The professional dealer is easily identified by the simultaneous display of multiple accordions and the location of the notifier.
Choosing the first instrument for a child is important for four parties: the buyer, the novice user, the accordion seller, and the teacher. Often, the first accordion suggested by the teacher is purchased from a retailer or directly from the teacher. Teachers generally have a good understanding of a suitable accordion for a novice child player, so it is worth listening to the teacher. It is a good idea to consider an accordion recommended by your teacher, but you should also ask your retailers about similar instruments so that you do not choose an accordion after seeing the first option. The comparison provides a basis especially for the prices of small accordions. Prices for beginner accordions start at around € 500 (in the Finnish market), but the price level can rise rapidly up to a few thousand euros. Retailers generally have a larger stock of used accordions than individual teachers, among which there may be very inexpensive alternatives. Only new instruments may be found in the teacher selections.
The buyer is often interested in the price, not so much in the quality of the accordion and its features. However, it is a wrong way to think that the first instrument can be any cheap tourist accordion that may be badly out of tune and have a lot of minor flaws. It is a small wonder if with such an accordion the child’s interest in the hobby can be maintained until the next accordion is acquired.
The accordion is a musical instrument that is constantly in contact with the body when playing. For this reason, it is of paramount importance that the instruments can be properly tested before buying it. Accordion companies and events are therefore better places to buy than from online sales.
During the 2010s, the accordion market has formed a so-called encounter problem. The older generations are shrinking, so a lot of their old accordions go on sale. As a result, the prices of standard bass accordions are quite low nowadays. At the same time, several young accordionists start with free bass accordions. These accordions are not as common on sales on the used accordion markets as standard bass accordions, and therefore prices can be moderately high. However, many companies offer loan accordions, which is a good thing for players.
Things to look for when searching for a new accordion
When looking for a good accordion, it is advisable to demand a player with a decent overall function, where the price-quality level is right. The customer is able to evaluate the player as a whole, but unfortunately only many technical solutions make the player good, not so much the materials used. The best instruments have used the right kind of materials with the right kind of technical solutions, which has improved the durability and sound quality of the player. There is a lot of talk about the long traditions and quality materials in the instrument building, but in terms of these, these are very inaccurate and tell nothing about the quality of the instrument. It is good to get to know this in more depth.
It is good for the customer to be demanding so that he gets what he wants. The customer’s own quality control is a good extension of the importer’s and manufacturer’s quality control. Listed below are a few points you should check before buying this player:
- All sounds sound good and are in tune before the player is received. Try languages with varying pressures and go through the octaves. High and low sounds must ignite with a small airflow and must not become blocked too easily – strain the player. Demand good languages.
- The suspension of the keys must be suitable for you (force suitable for pressing the key down). Try different keyboards, including the bass keyboard, as there are differences between them. In addition to pressing, listen to the sounds of machine operation.
- Tongue benches can be made of plastic or wood. Plastic string benches can be found mainly on cheap instruments.
- The player does not leak air. Check the corners of the bellows and the joints of the bellows to the frame. No leaks or ghosting should occur when playing under high pressure.
- The treble keypads are made of aluminum. The key arms can be made by twisting or stamping into shape. The stamped keypads are much more durable when twisted. This is also true for joints of stems going into the cassotto shaft. However, it is more important than the manufacturing method to check the clearances of the machinery. The keys must not move much without the flap moving.
Some things will only be noticed over a longer period of time. Ask for experiences from forums and vendors on different brands. The free magazine’s forum has a separate section where you can visit to write about your experiences with musical instruments. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- The keys are screw-tight and do not come off over time. Glued keys are more difficult to service.
- The player stays in tune well. If the player does not want to stay tuned, the rivets may be poorly made or there may be a problem with waxing.
- No leakage points (eg plastic flaps may curl over time).
Used accordions
Used accordions are sold in accordion shops as well as in the private market. When buying from a private person make sure the player is
- in tune,
- not stolen (New instruments come with warranty papers and quality seals. Follow the forums and Hanuri magazine.),
- in good condition for their age,
- serviced (actual tuning and inspection service, not just replacement of straps with new ones).
Check before you buy:
- functionality of languages as in new instruments,
- the condition of the tongues, at least visually,
- proofreading (especially instruments older than 10 years),
- waxing of language benches (especially instruments older than 10 years),
- non-swaying of the keys (Especially the clearance of the bass drive over time. The vertical movement of the keys without feeling the spring force is a sign of a lack of maintenance and the need for it).
When checking the language benches, you need to open the player. You will need pliers or a screwdriver depending on how you fasten the bellows. Hold the player in a standing position and remove the rivets from the vicinity of the bellows on the treble side, taking care not to get any traces of tools on the body or rivet. There are usually six but sometimes eight staples. Keep the rivets or screws in order so that you can put them in the same holes when attaching the bellows. When the rivets are loose, lift the treble off. Before performing this operation, it is a good idea to remove the straps from the frame to make working easier.
You can see all the tongues at a glance without removing the tongues. The general condition of the languages should be checked. Dark spots on the tongues are a precursor to rust. There must be no rust. If you want, you can try the flexibility of the languages in medium and large languages. Loose tongues indicate heavy use of the player, and staying alert can be a problem. You can also evaluate the quality rating of languages. However, do not touch the tongues with your fingers, as the tongues may have a protective oil layer left at the factory. This really only applies to new players. Visually check that the distance between the tip of the tongue and the tongue plate is evenly increasing between the tongues. Highly bent languages are easy to notice. When playing, this is observed as a variation in the sensitivity of the sounds to ignition.
A few reasons to be careful …
Here are a few more illustrative pictures as to why you should look inside the player before purchasing.
In the attached instrument, handyman Jantunen has decided that this accordion will never be opened again. It should be said that it took 20 minutes to detach the bellows from the bass with the power, knowledge and skills of three people. The bellows detached from the treble section without major problems. Reportedly, the model player was no longer repaired.
Luckily in the accident was that the player had cost only 200 marks. There had, however, been one positive, or not so positive, thing about the complete sealing of the bellows over time: the player had fallen into the lake, but no water had entered the inside of the player. It is also surprising that the bass tongues had not been touched, with a few exceptions.
In addition to the fastening method, inside there was a tongue plate installed in the wrong direction, as well as valve skins made of artificial leather themselves with plastic springs. The plastic springs were surprisingly uniform. The smallest strings are translated upside down in the treble relative to the other strings, but only the smallest strings with brass or aluminum-clad brass are used. In this case, the tongues are so small that no valve leather or plastic is used.
Although the instrument is a cheap tourist piano accordion from Germany, it proves well the surprises that can be found inside the instrument. Although the tongue plates were attached with a silicone-inspired material, a few tongue plates fell out of place as the instrument was examined. So don’t buy an accordion without trying and seeing it with your own eyes. In online sales, it’s easy to draw people by showing pictures from another player. Demand a trial opportunity and terms that are favorable to you. In the case of accordions, when the prices are cheap, make sure the condition of the product.
If you are not sure about the origin of the player or you suspect the seller’s obedience, do not make the transaction. If in doubt, check the seller’s identity and make a note of the seller’s identity for any further clarification.