Have you decided to learn how to play the accordion?
Well, that will undoubtedly be a rewarding experience. The accordion is a very unique and versatile instrument.
You just have to practice on the accordion that is suitable for you.
To make your buying process easier, we’ve found the 10 best accordions for beginners.
We included different brands and types of accordion, so there’s something for everyone.
And our accordion buyer’s guide will take you through all the things you need to factor in to choose the right model.
So, let’s begin!
10 Best Accordions For Beginners
1. Rossetti, 31-Key Accordion​
This model is one of the best accordions for beginners and students.
First of all, the Rossetti Button accordion looks very stylish. It features distinctive Italian-style decorations and pearlescent colors.
It’s available in different colors, so you can choose the one that fits your character.
But this accordion also provides a great playing experience.
The bellows produce a big sound. They offer smooth action, and they have sheepskin corners so they’re durable as well.
The Rossetti 31-key Accordion comes with a padded case and shoulder straps.
And it’s quite affordable compared to some other options on the market.
Pros
- Eye-catching
- Well-built
- Affordable
- Comes with the accessories
2. Bayan Tula 209 B-system Stradella
If you’re looking for a high-quality accordion, you should check out the Bayan Tula 209 B-system Stradella.
This bayan (a type of chromatic accordion) is made in Russia by Tulskaya Garmon. When it comes to bayan, it’s one of the best accordion brands.
Therefore, this model offers ultimate comfort and quality of sound. It’s suitable both for beginners and more experienced players.
It’s rather lightweight so you can practice for a long time without feeling fatigued.
It also has a very appealing design; it’s distinctive but classy.
Moreover, it features five rows of buttons with 100 bass buttons and 92 treble buttons.
It’s a bit pricey (it costs around $1,500), but you can rest assured you’ll purchase a reliable instrument that will last you a long time.
Pros
- Well-designed
- Great sound
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Suitable for all levels of experience
Cons
- Pricey
3. The Hohner Compadre
Hohner is considered one of the best accordion brands.
And their Hohner Compadre Accordion will not disappoint you.
It features an adjustable bass strap and redesigned wide-open grille. Therefore, it has great sound quality and high volume.
Also, it has 31 treble buttons, 12 bass buttons, and a celluloid fingerboard.
It provides great performance and playability. It’s lightweight and very comfortable to play, so beginners won’t be having any problems handling it.
It looks cool as well. It’s available in different colors. And the package includes a resilient gig bag.
For some people, the only disadvantage of the Hohner Compadre Accordion might be the price, but it’s still not very expensive, especially if you consider its quality.
In essence, the Hohner Compadre is a reliable beginner-friendly accordion suitable for beginners of all ages.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Great sound
- High volume
- Available in different colors
Cons
- More expensive than some other options
4. Roland FR-1x piano-type V-Accordion
Roland is one of the popular accordion brands known for making quality instruments. If you’ve played the piano before, you’re surely familiar with it.
And if you have piano skills, you will also deal with this piano-type accordion more easily.
Besides producing a fantastic sound, the Roland FR-1x piano-type V-Accordion blends the features of this traditional instrument with digital technology.
It provides USB and MIDI connectivity so you can pair it with other devices.
It also offers a variety of sounds and effects including reverb, chorus, and rotary organ sounds.
You can even create your own sound set via the included software.
On top of that, it has a very lightweight design, so you can play for a long time without any consequences.
All things considered, The Roland FR-1x piano-type V-Accordion is a versatile and fun instrument suitable for all levels and styles.
Pros
- USB and MIDI connectivity
- On-board sounds and effects
- Great sound
- Lightweight
- Well-designed
Cons
- Pricey
5. Ammoon 22-Key 8 Bass Piano Accordion​ ​
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly piano accordion, you should check out this stylish Ammoon accordion.
It has 22 keys and eight bass, and it’s quite easy to hold.
Its body is made of maple wood and keys are made of durable plastic.
It’s available in blue, green, and red. And with a nice-looking finish and pearlescent surface, it really looks more expensive than it is.
Moreover, the Ammoon 22-Key 8 Bass Piano Accordion​ ​has an adjustable strap for easy and comfortable playing.
The package includes a cleaning cloth.
All in all, it’s a really good choice for students and beginners, especially those on a budget.
Pros
- Great price
- Stylish
- Good playability
- Lightweight
Cons
- The overall quality could be better (but it’s great considering the price)
6. Fever F3112 MX Button Accordion
This fiery accordion is a great choice for beginners because it has buttons and provides a smooth playing experience.
It features pearl buttons and a custom grill design. Besides looking great, buttons are moving freely without any sticking.
The 20 fold bellows have sheepskin corners providing bigger sound and durability of the instrument.
And the slide lever air valve allows faster air intake.
On top of that, the Fever F3112 MX Button Accordion has Italian-style decorations and charming pearlescent color.
And it comes with a premium case with a lock and leather adjustable padded shoulder straps.
Pros
- Well-designed
- Comes with a case
- Durable
- Good sound quality
Cons
- The bellows might be a bit stiff at first
7. Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion
The Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion is another button accordion ideal for beginners.
It’s affordable but not too cheap (it costs around $360.)
It’s also compact, lightweight, and very comfortable to play.
The sound quality is nice, and although it’s not the best option for advancing students, it’s great for people who are just starting out.
And it looks good too; it’s quite elegant and more minimalistic than some other models.
So, if you’re looking for a good accordion that won’t cost you a fortune, the Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion won’t let you down.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- Well-designed
Cons
- Not very convenient for advancing students
8. Hohner Panther 3 Row Diatonic Accordion
Known as one of the best accordion brands, Hohner designed this diatonic accordion with beginners in mind.
It has a total of 31 buttons with 12 bass buttons and produces a great tone.
It features double-strap brackets so it’s easy to play. It’s also lightweight so you won’t feel fatigued even after a long practice session.
The Hohner Diatonic Method Book, a cleaning cloth, and back straps are included.
This Hohner diatonic accordion also has a stylish black matte finish.
Without a doubt, the Hohner Panther 3 Row Diatonic Accordion will meet all your expectations.
Pros
- Well-designed
- Good tone
- Lightweight
- Comes with a guide book
Cons
- A case is not included
9. Baronelli Diatonic Accordion
This entry-level diatonic accordion will surely provide you with everything you need as a beginner.
It features 31 Treble Buttons, 12 Bass Buttons, and a key of GCF.
It has handcrafted valves and soft play bellows. And it comes with a hardshell case and a set of straps.
It’s very comfortable and easy to play as it’s compact and lightweight.
Perhaps it’s not the cheapest option, but this is definitely a long-term investment.
With the Baronelli Diatonic Accordion, you’ll learn how to play the accordion in a quick and easy way.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with all the accessories
- Good sound
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to some other options
10. Ammoon Concertina Accordion
If you want to try something slightly different, you should take a look at the Ammoon Concertina Accordion.
It’s a different type of instrument, but it’s quite easy to learn. You’ll be able to play your first melodies very quickly.
The Ammoon Concertina Accordion is quite affordable.
It produces a nice, clear sound.
It’s very compact and you can easily carry it wherever you go.
And it’s available in different colors and variations, so you can choose the one that you like the most.
So, if you want to see if this is the instrument for you, buying the Ammoon Concertina Accordion would be a way to go.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Keys could be improved
How To Choose The Best Accordion For You
If you’re buying your first accordion, choosing the best model for you might be a bit tricky.
After all, accordions vary in size, type, and price.
So, how to determine what is the best model for you?
It’s not an easy question since the answer depends on your abilities and preferences.
Are you planning to dedicate yourself to accordion practice and actively work on your music skills? Or do you just want to try it out for fun?
Either way, there are some things about accordions you should know before making a purchase.
These elements are important to factor in, regardless of your plans and budget.
In the end, if you know what to look for in an instrument, you’re already halfway through the buying process.
Types of Accordions
As you’ve noticed, we included different types of accordions in our list.
The diatonic accordion has the buttons placed close together. This means you can play faster melodies. After all, it’s commonly used in folk music that tends to get very dynamic. The only difficulty might be to master the notes since they are randomly placed.
The piano accordion is, on the other hand, more logical in that way, especially if you have experience in playing the piano. The treble keyboard on the side of the accordion is designed just like a piano. However, piano accordions are a bit heavier.
Unlike its counterparts, the chromatic accordion has buttons on both the right and left sides. The flats, sharps, and naturals are included.
If you want to buy a concertina, you’ll get a small free-reed instrument. So, strictly speaking, the concertina is not an accordion, although it’s often categorized as one. They can be unisonoric and bisonoric, and they’re very easy to learn.
In our list of the best beginner accordions, we also mention a bayan. It’s a Russian chromatic button accordion with broad reeds. It produces a unique, rich sound.
All of these types of accordions are charming in their own way.
If you have piano skills, a piano accordion is a good choice for you. And if you’re a novice in music, you might want to try the button and diatonic accordion.
Either way, you’ll have a lot of fun in your learning process!
Size
When you’re buying a new accordion, you should look for a lightweight model.
If you’re a first-time beginner, it will be much easier to learn your first notes on an accordion that won’t cause you back pain.
And once you improve your skills and learn playing techniques, you can opt for other models.
Furthermore, the accordion must feel comfortable. If it’s too small, it can also be difficult to play. The accordion must remain stationary in your hands, and it should easily rest on your lap.
Quality back straps will also help you keep your accordion in balance.
Appearance
As we’ve just mentioned, the accordion must properly fit you. If it doesn’t feel natural and comfortable, your learning process will be much more difficult.
So, the appearance is really a cherry on the top.
Of course, you’ll want to buy an accordion you like to look at, and it’s easy to be drawn to all the decorations and striking colors.
But you should think about its other features first. And if you find a good-quality accordion that looks attractive, then awesome!
Also, you should make sure that the accordion has a quality finish. It will be easily scratched and ruined otherwise.
Accessories
Accordions don’t need a lot of accessories. But it would be great if the accordion you buy comes with a case and back straps.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, appropriate straps are necessary to keep good balance and posture.
And the case is important for storage as well as traveling. It should be sturdy and ideally waterproof.
Packages also often include cleaning cloths.
New Vs Used Accordion
Without a doubt, you can come across an amazing deal if you search for a second-hand accordion.
However, you need to be sure of its good condition. And that can be tricky for beginners.
Firstly, you should ask about the age of the accordion. Don’t buy really old models, and you should certainly avoid accordions with visible yellowing on the keyboard.
Buying a new instrument is a safer choice though. Although it will probably cost you a bit more, many beginner accordions are quite affordable.
And lots of accordion brands offer a warranty.
So, whether you decide to buy a new or a vintage accordion really depends on your preferences. But it’s good to do proper research either way.
Take proper care of the accordion
Once you find your perfect accordion, you’ll need to take good care of it.
Accordions are delicate instruments that require maintenance and occasional tuning.
To keep your accordion in a good condition, you’ll have to store it properly. You should always store it in a dry place at a medium temperature.
Most accordions are made of wood, so mold can start to grow if they get wet. Moisture is also dangerous for the reeds (they can get rusty.)
All of these changes can affect the overall sound and the performance of the accordion.
In the end, if you take proper care of your accordion it will last you longer.
Final Thoughts
We hope our list of the best beginner accordions inspired you to choose the best model for you.
With all the amazing online lessons, learning how to play the accordion has never been more convenient.
If you make the right choice, which you will if you gather enough information, your learning process will be smooth.
It’s important that you choose the correct fit of the accordion. It should feel comfortable and not too heavy.
And the type of the accordion really depends solely on you. Although some accordions are considered more beginner-friendly, with a good learning source, you’ll be able to grasp the basics of any instrument.
After all, regular and proper practice is essential. And with the right model, it will also be effective.
So, purchase the accordion that caught your eye and start exploring its magic right away!
