Accordions
Accordions  can be a bit pricey, so unless you're certain you'll stay committed to your instrument for an extended period of time, you should avoid spending $10,000 on a professional accordian. There are plenty of options for beginners that are cost effective and plenty of fun to learn to play.
Types of Accordions
| Piano Accordions |
|
The Piano Accordion is the most popular and sought after model. Piano accordions range from 12 bass, 20 key up to 160 bass, 45 key, but there are smaller alternatives available. - Essentially the same as chromatic accordions, except for a different shape to the keyboard notes and piano keyboard layout.
- Production of piano accordions has far exceeded that of any kind of button accordion from the 1920's until today.
|
| Diatonic or Button Accordions |
|
Diatonic Accordions were first produced in the early 1800s and have remained popular since then. - One row of ten buttons for the right hand, each having two reeds.
- Diatonics are usually used by folk and dance groups.
- Great sound output, lightweight, and low costing accordions.
|
| Concertinas |
|
Concertinas are unique in shape, complete with anywhere between 4 to 12 sides. There are no fixed chords on a concertina - all of the buttons are individual notes. - Number of notes and systems make it impossible for a player to pick it up and play it without starting from the very beginning.
- Each side has it's own finger, thumb or wrist strap, and the instrument is supported by the knee.
- Concertinas can be visually appealing, which has made them extremely popular.
|
| Chromatic Accordians |
|
Chromatic Accordion can have anywhere between three and six rows of round keys, with a fifth and sixth row being repeats of the first three. - Chromatic accordians are widely used in Russia, and are refered to as the Bayan.
- The bass system can be stradella, making it possible to perform serious classical or contemporary works.
|
New or Used?
A new accordian can cost upwards of $10,000, so buying new would be somewhat unreasonable if you don't plan on committing to the instrument full-time. However, a good used accordian will cost you much less and is a more reasonable plan of action for a beginner. If you decide to buy used, there are a few things you should take note of when looking at different accordians.
Accordians 30+ years old may be cheap initially, but may require a major overhaul that will end up costing you up to $1500. There are a few tests that you can do yourself when looking at a used accordian. - Check the bellows for leaks.
- Listen for rattling while you play it. If you hear anything, it may indicate that a reed has separated from its wax.
- Play two octaves of the same note. They should be in tune with eachother.
- Take a whiff of the case and the accordian. If it smells musty, the accordian and/or case may be ridden with mold and rusty reeds, among other possibilities.
- Accordians that have been used frequently are your best bet, as they have likely been cared for well.
- Avoid accordians that have been ignored for an uncountable number of years.
External Links
|
Shopping Directory
