When you are committed to learning the accordion, buying would naturally be your choice. But picking the right reed accordion for you can be a daunting task.
New accordions can be expensive. It’s a lot of investment, so you must get it right the first time.
What if I pick an accordion that I don’t like? How do I choose the right reed accordion for me? Read this guide on everything you need to know about accordion reeds to help you make the best choice.
Picking the best reed accordions
Reed accordions have different types, keys, bass, tuning among other varying aspects.
Know your accordion
First things first, you should familiarize yourself with the kinds of accordions and how they differ from each other.
Types of reed accordions
Piano reed accordions
Its right-hand side has a set of keys and the left has a set button.
They suit traditional rock, country and, jazz music, but can also be for other music.
If you’re looking for more flexibility, try the 120 bass accordion which provides a forty-five treble keyboard.
Button reed accordions
It has a set of buttons and no keys.
Diatonic reed accordions
This type use bisonoric reeds. It causes the bass notes, chords, and pitch to differ when the bellows are drawn and squeezed. It’s commonly used in ethnic and folk music.
Chromatic reed accordions
Chromatic button reed accordions have two button sets on each side of the instrument. This type usually uses stradella or bass accordion.
Reeds
Accordion reeds are the centerpiece of the instrument. Reeds are mounted wooden reed blocks. Reed blocks of different models and size range in number.
Types of reed blocks
Hand-crafted reeds are called tipo a mano reeds, and machine-made reeds are called voci a macchina. Handmade reeds are more expensive and higher in grade because of the craftsmanship involved in the construction. Some handmade reeds are not necessarily made by hand but are delicately secured to the blocks.
Size of reed accordions
The measurements depend on the model. Professionals usually prefer a full-sized instrument.
Lighter accordions are recommended for beginners. You will find it more comfortable to play. As you gain more experience in your musical journey, you can move on to bigger instruments.
Here are some advantages of big reed accordions:
- have varying treble sounds
- provide different treble and bass sounds
- you can choose a tone with many different treble registers
- has full-sized keys (advisable for people with thick fingers)
- reeds are ideal for Scottish, classical, and French
- numerous reeds on reed blocks can be configured.
Tuning
The tune will affect each key tone. A well-tuned instrument will produce a beautiful clear sound.
Accordion reeds can be tuned in three different ways:
- Wet tuning – carries a classical sound
- Dry tuning – ideal for modern sound
- Swing tuning – swings between wet and dry sound
Compression
Make sure that there are no broken or open parts of the air chamber. Even a hole can cause air leakage.
Condition
While an old used accordion has more character and allure, it may not be in good musical condition. You may want to buy something not earlier than circa 1960.
New accordions are better in quality and have warranties including a replacement, repair, and other additional services.
If you smell or suspect mildew, you might want to look for another one. Restoration can cause a lot of money.
Knowing the condition of the accordion is the key to determine its performance.
Know the price
Not all expensive instruments are superior products. You can find a cheaper accordion in good condition that can suit your style.
If you are a beginner, chances are you will change your instrument when you have already mastered it.
Know your style
Different models and types offer varying styles of music. Discover your musical preference.
Know the store
Do a simple search using google and find a list of reputable stores. Check out their site and browse the items available in their musical menu.
Still, make sure that you see the instrument first before you buy it. Online stores may offer cheaper deals, yet it’s not always high in quality.
Find out what if they’re open and take the time to check out their home store and the menu of available instruments you might like. The extra time you sacrifice will be worth it.
Get the feel
Before you bring home an instrument, try it out first and get the feel of it. Playing it will let you know if it fits you.
Best beginner accordion in 2021
Check out this menu. Based on reviews from a legit site, here are some of the best accordion for beginners (2021).
Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion
It features twelve chord keys, and thirty-one trebles divided into three rows.
It is light and durable and can for professional use.
Bayan Tula 209 B-system Stradella
Tula is a full-sized accordion having a low and soulful sound. This model has five button rows and ninety-two treble, and one hundred basses.
Roland FR-1x piano-type V-Accordion
It is a new electronic model is powered by eight AA batt or an ordinary power outlet. It also has built-in speakers. The USB mode allows you to change the sound.
Hohner Compadre Diatonic Accordion
This Hohner accordion frames of the bellows have a beautiful design. It has a set of twelve bass keys and thirty treble keys.
Rizatti Bronco RB31GW Diatonic Accordion
Like the Compadre it is a twelve-key bass and 31-key treble model but this is Italian. It is compact and cheap.
Summary
Choosing an accordion is challenging.
You have to do some research to discover the best fit.
Learn about the instrument and consider the music you are drawn to. Different accordions produce varying sounds fit for different styles of music.
Never buy an instrument that is too big or too small. The confortable size will allow you to learn and play well.
We hope this made things clear.
My introduction to accordion music was by way of Zydeco and Tex-Mex music. Once I got my hands on my very own squeezebox, I was hooked. Let me tell you, playing the accordion is every bit as fun as listening to it. Thanks for joining me in my exploration of the awesome world of accordions and all its amazing versions!
