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Looking for the best accordions for beginners? Want to get started on the right foot?
The accordion is a unique instrument that characterizes some of the most interesting musical styles out there. The instrument is a centerpiece of many musical genres – ranging from American Cajun music and Klezmer to Polka and Tango. Along with the banjo, it may just be one of the most distinctive-sounding folk instruments around.
Whether you’re passionate about music and play multiple instruments, or this will be your first foray into musicianship, the accordion can be a great purchase and offer a lot of enjoyment. However, if you’re looking to get started with the accordion and it’s time to purchase your first instrument, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Below we’ll give you our list of the best accordions for beginners that you’ll want to buy if you’re getting started with the instrument.
The Best Accordion For Beginner Players – Quick View
| Image | Model | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hohner Compadre GCF Accordion | If you're a beginner looking to get started on the instrument and you want the absolute best choice available, the Hohner Compadre is for you. | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Hohner Panther FBE Diatonic Accordion | A comfortable instrument with dual strap brackets and a high-quality tone that offers a lot of bang for the buck. | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Rossetti 3112 31 Button Diatonic Accordion | A well-made beginner accordion with a unique look and an even better sound. | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Eastar 10 Key Toy Accordion For Kids | A toy accordion for kids that is very affordable but plays like the real thing. | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Abubu 34-Key GCF Button Accordion | An affordable and well-balanced accordion that is comfortable, easy to operate, and feels absolutely great to play. | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Baronelli Diatonic Accordion | A lightweight accordion for beginners that makes for an excellent choice due to its great mix of quality and affordability. | Check Price on Amazon |
What Is an Accordion?
An accordion is a unique and great-sounding composition instrument that resembles the shape of a box. The instrument is known by many as a “squeezebox” as the sound is created through the squeezing of the instrument which either compresses or expands the bellows.
The accordion has a very interesting history and has been widely used in many folk music traditions, particularly in Europe. However, the instrument has also gained plenty of ground in both jazz and classical music as well. These days the accordion can be found in either less or more prominent roles in all types of music, all across today’s most popular genres.
Key Points to Consider When Buying a Beginner Accordion
There are a wide variety of accordions available on the market and if you don’t know the right things to look for you might get a little bit lost.
There are several factors that should also be kept in mind while choosing one of the above-mentioned accordions, as it may vary according to your needs. You may have different decisions to make based on your age and how much you will be using it. Some of the main factors to consider include the following.
Type of Accordion
First makes sure which kind of Accordion you are looking for. Some common types of accordions are chromatic, diatonic, and piano accordions. Concertinas are very similar to accordions but are a bit different.
In this list, we’ll be mostly looking at diatonic button accordions. Piano accordions are also popular, however, and are very easy to learn if you’re already skilled at the piano.
If you’re looking for a list of the best piano accordions for beginners instead, you may want to click here to see our list.
Ease of Playability
Different types of accordions exist and some are easier to get started with than others. Accordions typically have anywhere from 22 to 45 treble keys along with 8 and 185 bass keys. Beginners are better off starting with a lower number of keys.
Accordions each have different numbers of keys, and while many keys will give you a lot of versatility in the sounds you create, they can also make an accordion more difficult to play.
Size
If you’re looking for an accordion for a younger user, you’ll want to look for a great accordion that’s a bit on the smaller, and lighter side. Concertinas are typically a bit smaller than the standard accordion.
Size should be a key thing to keep in mind while searching for a beginner accordion. The instrument should neither be too big nor too small and should be just right for the particular player.
Price
Price is one of the most important factors which should be considered. Before going for any of the accordions listed below, first, check if it matches your budget or not.
Accordions can be a bit on the expensive side. You can expect to pay over $500 if you’re looking for the very best beginner accordion. However, some great options also exist in the $300-$500 range as well.
Playable toy accordions can be much cheaper than this, however. If you’re buying a mini accordion or kid’s accordion, you can find some great options under $100.
How to Choose Between Piano vs Diatonic Accordion
One of the main things to think about when buying an accordion is what type you want to play. You should decide between either the piano accordion or the diatonic accordion, which is also known as a button accordion.
Both of these accordion types can be a lot of fun to play, but they each have their pros and cons. Here are a few things you should consider when making your choice.
Piano Accordions
One of the best reasons to get a piano accordion is because, for many people, the keys can be a lot easier to learn.
This is especially true if you already have some familiarity with playing the piano or the keyboard. The piano keys are laid out in a sensible and familiar way, and this can make it easier for players who already have some musical knowledge.
On the other hand, piano accordions are a bit larger and bulkier than diatonic accordions. This can make them harder to carry around and hold. Piano accordions will also require a bit more movement of the hands and wider finger reach than a button accordion will.
Diatonic Accordions
One of the biggest benefits of the diatonic accordion is that the buttons are close together. This means that you won’t need to move your hands as much as with a piano accordion. It can be easier to play a lot of notes quickly since they’re all so close together.
In addition to this, the diatonic accordion is lighter in weight and has a smaller size. This makes it a great choice if you want to be able to carry it around easily and don’t like the bulkiness of a piano accordion.
The Best Accordions for Beginners – Reviewed
Okay, now we’re getting to the good stuff. Without further adieu, here are our top picks of the best accordions for beginners.
1. The Hohner Compadre
The Hohner Compadre is in the very top spot of our list, and for good reason. It’s a very high-quality accordion that will not disappoint.
The accordion has 12 bass buttons as well as 31 treble buttons, and also contains a celluloid fingerboard. The instrument also contains a pair of treble reeds that give it a high-quality resonance. It is unique from the other accordions on this list as its grille is very wide and open. This feature gives the instrument a great sound quality as well as a high volume.
The instrument is made for smooth performance and is comfortable to play. This means you can use it for longer periods without too much effort. This instrument is also made of high-quality materials which helps it withstand daily depletion and will still sound great over time.
This particular version of The Hohner Compadre we’re linking to has a wonderful-looking red matte color, which gives it an attractive and beautiful look. It also includes a gig bag that is dust as well as water-resistant. This will ensure your instrument is safe and secure and will make it easy to handle and carry around from one place to another.
This accordion can be used by all skill levels of people as the instrument includes comfortable adjustable straps. The instrument is great for beginners but will likely be appreciated by experts as well due to its excellent quality and build.
The one drawback to this accordion, however, is that it’s a good bit more expensive than the other options on this list.
Overall, if you’re a beginner looking to get started on the instrument and you want the absolute best choice available, the Hohner Compadre is for you.
2. Hohner Panther 3 Row Diatonic Accordion
The Hohner Panther Accordion holds the second position in our category of the best accordions for beginners. The instrument contains 12 bass keys and 31 treble buttons and also contains dual strap brackets.
One of the great features of this accordion is that it has 12 treble reeds that provide the instrument with a high-quality warm and clear tone. The Hohner Panther is made of great quality materials which help to provide this instrument with a lot of resilience and sturdiness.
While this instrument is on our list of best accordions for beginners, the truth is that accordion players of all skill levels will probably love this instrument as well.
While it’s not the cheapest option on this list, it is relatively affordable. It also offers a lot of quality for the price you’ll be paying.
Overall, the Hohner Panther is a great choice if you’re a beginner ready to start on the instrument.
3. Rossetti 3112 31-Button Diatonic Accordion
The Rossetti 31-Button Diatonic Accordion is another great product for beginners and newcomers to this unique instrument.
This diatonic accordion is an attractive design with Italian-style decorations and colors. The accordion has single strap hooks on either side and there is plenty of space to add strong padded shoulder straps. The bellows offer a very big sound, and the instrument is built well all around.
The accordion also comes with a padded case that will help you to keep your accordion safe and also includes shoulder straps.
Overall, this is one of the best button accordions to consider in your search. While it may not be on par with the Hohner instruments listed above, this is still a quality accordion that won’t let you down.
4. Eastar 10-Key Toy Accordion For Kids
The next accordion on our list is the Eastar 10-Key Toy Accordion For Kids. If you’re looking for a mini accordion that is great for children or if you just want a simple toy to play around with, this is a great option for you. It might just be the best toy accordion out there.
This accordion is easy-to-play and is a lightweight instrument that will support kids in their early musical development. While it’s not a professional instrument, it works just like a real accordion and comes in at a fraction of the price.
The instrument features 10 keys total, including 7 keys on one side along with an additional 3 buttons on the other side of the instrument.
Overall, you can’t do much better than the Eastar 10-Key Accordion if you’re looking for a cheap accordion that is also great for kids.
5. Abubu 34-Key GCF Button Accordion
The Abubu 34-Key GCF Accordion holds the next position in our list of the best accordions for beginners. It contains 12 bass buttons and 3 switches that allow you to control the sound perfectly.
Its Italian styling and attractive colors are the main attractive points of this accordion. The corners are impressive and make for a long-lasting instrument that is very durable.
This accordion is also suitable for musicians of all skill levels. It’s an easy instrument to operate and feels absolutely great to play. You won’t find a much more comfortable accordion than this.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, well-balanced accordion, the Abubu 34-Key accordion is another great choice that will be sure to please.
6. Baronelli Diatonic Accordion
This Baronelli brand diatonic accordion is another great option for beginners and takes the next place on our list. While it may leave a little wanting for advanced players, it’s a great option for beginners and is a quality alternative to the Hohner accordions listed above.
This Baronelli Diatonic Accordion contains two rows of 12 bass buttons and 3 rows of 31 treble keys. This will be all a beginner needs to do some great playing. One highlight of this accordion is that it has really nice, smooth play bellows on FBE keys. This provides the instrument with a rich and crystal-clear sound.
This diatonic accordion comes with a hardshell case and a set of black straps. This makes it a good choice for musicians who want to wear it while playing. This accordion will be comfortable to hold and play for a longer period of time.
Overall, this is a great and fairly affordable accordion option. Aside from the other options on this list, beginners won’t find a much better value.
Making the Decision to Buy a Diatonic Accordion
The above-mentioned list can be very useful for you in deciding on a beginner accordion. Consider one of the accordions above if you’re having trouble making up your mind. All of the instruments mentioned above offer plenty of great features that will make your start on the instrument as comfortable and easy as possible.
The accordion can be a lot of fun to play, so take your time and make the best possible choice. After beginning to play the accordion, you may never look back again.
Hi, I’m Harrison! I created this website to help musicians navigate the ins and outs of their craft and to help them choose new instruments and gear to add to their collection. I have 15 years of experience as a guitarist and singer and have also played many other instruments throughout the years including the bass guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica.