
1. Hohner Panther
Best Overall Accordion
5/5 Product Rating
It is this feature and this feature alone that sets it apart from all similar products on the market. Because of this characteristic, there’s nobody in particular that I couldn’t recommend this product to, being that it works equally well for everyone. Whether you’re just beginning to learn and find yourself terrorising your family with flat notes, or whether you’re performing on stage for money with other professionals, the Hohner Panther will get the job done. Of course, this is a huge advantage. However, as with any musical instrument, this accordion’s ease of use isn’t the only important factor to consider. There comes the question: does it sound any good?
As it turns out; yes! It sounds great. Although this may be subjective to some degree or another, it helps to look at reviews laid forth by previous users of the accordion in question. This is because the manufacturer can’t simply put “sounds great” in the product’s specs. However, upon looking at reviews on the Hohner Panther’s official Amazon listing (which can be found by clicking its name above), there’s no doubt as to whether or not the accordion sounds great. Once again, despite being suitable for beginners, the Hohner Panther will produce a sound which is worthy of any situation, even those of the most professional variety. Through every metric of quality by which you could even begin to measure an accordion, the Hohner Panther always holds up great. And, because it can be suitable for such a wide variety of folks, it can be considered as being one of the safer purchases among products of its type, being that you’re unlikely to find yourself incompatible with the accordion in any way.
– Darius Spieth
2. D’Luca
Best Overall Accordion – Runner Up
4.7/5 Product Rating
Because the accordion is smaller, you’ll be able to better use it if you haven’t yet built up the hand dexterity required to play larger models. Much like the bass is to the guitar, you won’t have to use as much hand strength to get this according working. As such, no matter what age you are, you’ll find the D’Luca to be an excellent beginner’s tool. However, unlike actual kids size accordions (the D’Luca is still much too large to fit into the category), this particular model will continue to be useful even as you get better at playing. This ensures that you won’t find yourself running into the need for a large purchase once you get the hang of things.
But what if you’ve been playing the accordion for quite some time now? What if you don’t need one that’s easy to play? If this is the case, you may still find the D’Luca to be worth your while. Why? Because of the quality of its sound. Now, I’m not going to say it has the best sound quality out there. In fact, if sound is all you’re after, I’d recommend the first product we covered. However, the quality of its sound is easily the best on the market when you compare it to its overall price. As such, if sound and frugality or both important to you, you simply can’t beat the D’Luca. As you can see, this particular accordion is suitable for a wide range of people, giving it a well-deserved spot on this list. Whether you’re just starting out or would like a great bang for your buck, it doesn’t get a whole lot better than the D’Luca.
– Darius Spieth
3. Baronelli
Best Budget Accordion
4.4/5 Product Rating
Outside of its (slightly) offbeat dimensions, it also carries with it a sleek look which is sure to set you apart from all the other accordion players you hang out with. In contrast to most accordions which use a whole lot of black in their make, the Baronelli Key of SOL is almost all white. In terms of its overall look, it doesn’t get a whole lot better, though this may be subjective to some degree or another.
– Darius Spieth
Accordion Buying Guide
What is an Accordion
Perhaps none of the above seem to have just what you’re looking for? No problem – there are a wide variety of these instruments being sold on the market from which you can choose. However, it helps to know just what to look for in your next purchase. To ensure you come out with the best possible product for your needs, try keeping some of the below factors in mind while shopping. Even if you’ve never played an accordion up until now, finding the perfect model doesn’t have to be a complicated experience.
How long are your fingers?
Unfortunately, even if I knew how long your fingers are, I can’t give you a magic number in terms of which accordion dimensions are more suited toward them. However, it goes without saying that a smaller accordion is more suited toward smaller fingers, while the opposite is true of larger accordions. After looking at a product’s dimensions and deciding that it might just work for you, take a look at what past customers have to say about it. If enough people have used any given model in the past, you’ll likely find that others with short or long fingers have chimed in with a review at some point or another. While any fingers will be compatible with any accordion, it’s always worth searching for something that’s easy to play.
Where does your current skill level lie?
Once again, the answer to this question will determine whether you’re better off with a larger accordion or a smaller one. Generally speaking, the more advanced you are, the bigger you can go. This is due to the fact that smaller accordions’ buttons will be placed close together, as well as the fact that these same accordions will have you moving around less.
Types of Accordions
There are several different types of accordions available at your disposal, each with their own pros and cons. Do you know which type you need?
- Diatonic – Diatonic accordions are known for being most suitable when used in casual situations. Not only do they generally come at a more agreeable price, they tend to be easier to use and produce a great, versatile sound.
- Chromatic – Chromatic accordions are best suited toward advanced players. While they tend to be more complex, they may increase your abilities if you’ve already mastered the diatonic accordion. This is due to their large amount of buttons. Often, there will be two (or even three) buttons for each and every note, giving you more options in terms of finger positions.
- Piano – As its name clearly suggests, the piano accordion is the accordion we’ve grown used to seeing in different forms of media which comes with a set of piano keys on one side. These tend to be large and heavy, possibly more suited toward advanced players, though players of all walks of life may appreciate what they have to offer. If you’ve seen any amount of accordions in your day, the vast majority of them most likely belong to this category.
Conclusion
I can’t tell you which of the above types of accordion is best. It will be up to you to decide which one more suits your interests. However, by keeping in mind everything you’ve learned in the above review and buyer’s guide, you can be sure that picking out the right accordion will be a very easy process. Remember, while it’s important to consider whether or not other musicians enjoy any given accordion, it’s also important to consider whether you’ll enjoy an accordion. Keep in mind that your needs might be dramatically different from the next accordion player.
Resources
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hohner-Panther-GCF-3-Row-Diatonic-Accordion-3100GB-Black-/172115248090
- http://www.terapeak.com/worth/fever-f3112-bk-button-accordion-31-keys-12-bass-on-gcf-key-black/231773916392/
- http://www.pianogurus.com/product/3405486/