An accordion is a free-reed instrument that allows bass, chord and melody parts to be played at the same time. The sound is produced by reeds that are set in motion by the airflow from the bellows. This allows the instrument to combine accompaniment, melody and dynamics in one compact design. Accordions are used in many styles of music – from folk music and musette to tango, world music and folk, as well as pop, jazz and modern stage setups. Depending on playing style, fingering system, size and number of basses, different models are suitable for beginners, advanced players, children, stage use, lessons or practising at home. In general, a distinction is made between piano accordions with a keyboard and button accordions with button fingering. Piano accordions often feel more familiar to players with piano experience, while button accordions can be particularly compact to play depending on the fingering system and are used in many regional music styles. Related instruments include the hand harmonica, bandoneon and concertina. In the acoustic accordions category, you will find classic accordion models in different sizes, fingering systems and bass ranges. Typical selection criteria include the number of basses, weight, construction, sound character and whether the instrument is intended for lessons, stage use or mobile use. With a keyboard on the treble side and often a good choice for players with piano or keyboard experience. With a button fingering system, compact playing style and chromatic or diatonic layout depending on the model. Smaller models are lighter and good for beginners; larger instruments offer more range and accompaniment options. Acoustic models offer a traditional playing feel, while digital accordions are suitable for quiet practice and flexible sounds. Acoustic accordions generate their sound purely mechanically through bellows, airflow and reeds. They are suitable for players looking for a traditional playing feel, direct response and the natural sound of a free-reed instrument. One example of a classic piano accordion is the Hohner Bravo III 72 black silent key. Electronic accordions expand the classic playing feel with digital sound options. Depending on the model, they can be played through headphones, connected to a PA system or used for particularly quiet practice. A digital accordion such as the Roland FR-8X Black accordion with keyboard is therefore especially interesting if you want to practise quietly at home, work with different sounds or use the instrument flexibly on stage. For beginners, it is especially important that size, weight and bass range suit the player. Children, teenagers and adults have different requirements in terms of ergonomics, reach and transport. A smaller accordion with 48 basses can be comfortable for getting started, while 72 basses offer more musical options and often provide more room to grow. A used accordion may look attractive at first, but it should be checked carefully. The condition of the bellows, mechanism, reeds, tuning and storage history has a major influence on playability and sound. Since repairs can quickly become costly, a new or professionally checked instrument is often the safer choice for beginners. The right accordion also calls for suitable accessories. In the accordion accessories category, you will find additions such as straps, mounting solutions, microphones and other accessories for practice, performance and care. For transport and storage, suitable accordion bags, gig bags or cases are particularly important. They protect the instrument during transport and help keep the bellows, mechanism and body safely stored in everyday use. A piano accordion has a keyboard on the treble side, while a button accordion is played with buttons. Both systems offer different playing feels and can be interesting depending on musical style and previous experience. For beginners, weight, size, bass range and easy playability are decisive. Models with 48 or 72 basses are often a good point of orientation, depending on age, body size and musical goals. The number of basses describes the range of bass and chord buttons on the left-hand side. 48 basses are more compact and lighter, while 72 basses offer more accompaniment options. A digital accordion is worthwhile if quiet practice via headphones, different sounds, flexible volume or connection to a PA system are important. Useful accessories include suitable straps, a bag or case and, depending on the application, microphones, mounting clamps and care accessories. A well-fitting bag is particularly important for transport. A used accordion should be checked carefully, as bellows, mechanism, tuning and storage conditions strongly affect its condition. For beginners, a new or professionally checked instrument is often the safer choice.Buy accordion – acoustic and digital models for beginners and advanced players
What is an accordion?
Piano accordion, button accordion and related instruments
Piano accordion
Button accordion
48 or 72 basses
Acoustic or digital
Acoustic or digital accordion?
Buying an accordion for beginners
Accordion accessories, bags and transport
FAQ – Accordions
What is the difference between a piano accordion and a button accordion?
Which accordion is suitable for beginners?
What does 48 bass or 72 bass mean on an accordion?
When is a digital accordion worthwhile?
Which accessories are useful for accordions?
Should you buy a used accordion?