Best Accordion for Advanced Musicians: Top Picks for Experienced Players 2023

Accordion is a popular instrument that has been around for centuries. It is used in various genres of music, including folk, classical, and jazz. Advanced musicians require a high-quality accordion that can help them create complex and intricate melodies.

The best accordion for advanced musicians should have excellent sound quality, durability, and ease of use.

When purchasing an accordion, the most critical thing to consider is the type of reeds used. The two types of reeds are the diatonic and chromatic reeds. Diatonic reeds are ideal for folk and traditional music, while chromatic reeds are best for jazz and classical music.

The size and weight of the accordion are also essential factors to consider, as they can affect the player’s comfort and mobility.

We spent countless hours researching and testing ten accordions to identify the ones that meet the needs of advanced musicians.

Our focus was on the sound quality, reed type, size, weight, and ease of use. In this article, we will highlight the best accordions for advanced musicians and provide a detailed analysis of their features.

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Best Accordions for Advanced Musicians

We have scoured the market for the best accordions for advanced musicians, and we are excited to share our findings with you.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or an advanced player looking for an upgrade, we have gathered a list of the most exceptional accordions that will meet your needs.

Our team of experts have evaluated each product based on their sound quality, durability, and overall performance. In this article, we will present you with a comprehensive list of the best accordions for advanced musicians that will take your musical journey to the next level.

Hohner 3500BL Corona II Diatonic Accordion

If you’re an advanced musician looking for the best accordion, the Hohner 3500BL Corona II Diatonic Accordion is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • This accordion is an all-rounder that can be used for a variety of genres from Norteno and Tex-Mex to punk rock.
  • It’s the instrument of choice for many famous artists, including Flaco Jimenez and Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly.
  • The Hohner sound is typical and offers advanced and professional musicians everything they could ask for.

Cons

  • The buttons can be quite loud, even with the noise-damping technology.
  • It is a bit pricey compared to some other options on the market.
  • The accordion is a bit heavy and can be difficult to carry around for long periods of time.

The Hohner 3500BL Corona II Diatonic Accordion is a perfect instrument for both stage and studio productions.

It has a unique sound that is perfect for creating unusual yet exciting combinations of blues rock and the Norteno accordion sound. The noise-damping technology is a great feature that helps to reduce unwanted sounds, but the buttons can still be quite loud.

This accordion features 62 notes and is made from high-quality materials, including bass wood. It is a bit on the heavy side, but this is to be expected with a high-quality accordion.

The Hohner 3500BL Corona II Diatonic Accordion is definitely one of the best accordions for advanced musicians, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new instrument.

Rossetti 31-Key Accordion

If you’re an advanced musician looking for a high-quality accordion, the Rossetti 31-Key Accordion is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The 20-fold bellows produce a bigger sound than most other comparable accordions.
  • The sheepskin corners on the bellows give them a longer lifespan.
  • The adjustable left hand strap makes it easy to find a comfortable playing position.

Cons

  • The lack of an instruction book might make it difficult for beginners to get started.
  • The accordion is relatively heavy, which could be an issue for some players.
  • The price point might be too high for some musicians.

We were impressed with the sound quality of the Rossetti accordion. The 20-fold bellows really do produce a bigger sound than most other accordions, and the sheepskin corners should help them last longer. The Italian-style decorations and pearlescent colors are also a nice touch.

One potential downside is the weight of the accordion. At 18.51 pounds, it’s not the lightest accordion out there. However, we didn’t find it to be too heavy to play comfortably.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the accordion doesn’t come with an instruction book. While this might not be an issue for experienced players, beginners might find it difficult to get started without some guidance.

Overall, we think the Rossetti 31-Key Accordion is a great choice for advanced musicians who are looking for a high-quality instrument. It’s not the cheapest accordion out there, but the sound quality and build are definitely worth the investment.

Hohner Accordions 1305-RED 72 Bass Keyboard-Styled Entry Level Piano Accordion

If you’re a beginner or student looking for an entry-level piano accordion, the Hohner Accordions 1305-RED is a great option. It has 72 Bass keys, 34 Piano keys, 5 Treble registers with one repeat, and tremolo tuning. The accordion is lightweight at 17 lbs, making it easy to carry around.

Pros

  • The mechanism is sturdy, and the tactile key response is improved, making it easier to play.
  • The accordion produces a full, vibrant sound, perfect for beginners and students.
  • The accordion is available in red, making it visually appealing.

Cons

  • The accordion has only one repeat, which may limit the range of sound.
  • The accordion is an entry-level model and may not be suitable for advanced players.
  • The accordion may not be as durable as some other models on the market.

We recently had the opportunity to test the Hohner Accordions 1305-RED, and we were impressed with its sound quality. The accordion produces a full, vibrant sound that is perfect for beginners and students. The mechanism is sturdy, and the tactile key response is improved, making it easier to play.

The accordion is lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and it is available in red, making it visually appealing.

However, the accordion has only one repeat, which may limit the range of sound. Additionally, the accordion is an entry-level model and may not be suitable for advanced players. Finally, the accordion may not be as durable as some other models on the market.

Overall, we would recommend the Hohner Accordions 1305-RED for beginners and students looking for an affordable, high-quality accordion. It produces a great sound and is easy to play, making it an excellent choice for those just starting with the instrument.

Hohner Compadre FBbEb, Orange

Hohner Compadre FBbEb, Orange

If you’re an advanced musician looking for a versatile accordion, the Hohner Compadre FBbEb is a great option.

Pros

  • The redesigned wide open grille allows for greater volume, making it perfect for live performances.
  • With 31 treble buttons, 12 bass buttons, and a celluloid fingerboard, this accordion offers plenty of range and flexibility.
  • The gig bag and straps included with the purchase make it easy to transport and play anywhere.

Cons

  • The 90-day warranty for parts and labor to repair any manufacturer defects is relatively short.
  • The orange color may not be to everyone’s taste.
  • The bass strap is adjustable, but some users may find it uncomfortable.

We were impressed with the sound quality of the Hohner Compadre FBbEb. The two-voice model is perfect for both beginning and experienced players, and we found it to be incredibly versatile. The redesigned wide open grille allows for greater volume, making it perfect for live performances. We also appreciated the range and flexibility offered by the 31 treble buttons, 12 bass buttons, and celluloid fingerboard.

The gig bag and straps included with the purchase make it easy to transport and play anywhere, which is great for musicians on the go. However, the 90-day warranty for parts and labor to repair any manufacturer defects is relatively short, so be sure to thoroughly test the accordion upon arrival.

Additionally, while the orange color is eye-catching, it may not be to everyone’s taste. Finally, the bass strap is adjustable, but some users may find it uncomfortable.

Overall, we recommend the Hohner Compadre FBbEb for advanced musicians looking for a versatile accordion with great sound quality.

Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion – Black

Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion - Black

If you’re an advanced musician looking for an affordable 3-row accordion, the Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion – Black is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

  • Incredible value for the price
  • Comes with straps, cleaning cloth, and Hohner Diatonic Method Book
  • Has double strap brackets for comfortable playing

Cons

  • Comes in matte black and only in the key of GCF
  • No gig bag included
  • Warranty is only for 90 days after purchase date

We had a great experience playing the Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion – Black. The sound is excellent, and we were impressed by the quality of the instrument for the price.

The accordion is lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for long playing sessions. The double strap brackets were comfortable and allowed us to play for hours without feeling any discomfort.

One thing to note is that the accordion only comes in matte black and only in the key of GCF. If you’re looking for a different color or key, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Additionally, there is no gig bag included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you plan on traveling with the accordion.

Overall, we highly recommend the Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion – Black for advanced musicians looking for an affordable and high-quality instrument.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best accordion for advanced musicians, there are several factors to consider. We recommend keeping the following features in mind:

Type of Accordion

There are two main types of accordions: diatonic and chromatic. Diatonic accordions are commonly used in folk music and have a limited range of notes.

Chromatic accordions, on the other hand, have a wider range of notes and are more versatile. We recommend choosing a chromatic accordion for advanced musicians who want to play a variety of genres.

Number of Keys

The number of keys on an accordion determines the range of notes it can play. Advanced musicians may want to consider an accordion with a larger number of keys to expand their playing capabilities.

Weight and Size

Accordions come in different sizes and weights. It’s important to choose an accordion that is comfortable to play for extended periods of time. We recommend trying out different sizes and weights to find the right fit.

Reeds

As per PBS (.org), the reeds on an accordion produce the sound. There are two types of reeds: dry and wet. Dry reeds produce a crisp, clear sound, while wet reeds produce a more mellow sound.

Advanced musicians may want to consider an accordion with both dry and wet reeds for more versatility.

Bellows

The bellows on an accordion control the airflow and produce the sound. It’s important to choose an accordion with a high-quality bellows for a consistent sound. Look for an accordion with airtight bellows to prevent air leakage.

Accessories

Accessories such as straps, cases, and cleaning kits can enhance the playing experience and protect the accordion. We recommend choosing an accordion that comes with accessories or purchasing them separately.

By keeping these features in mind, advanced musicians can choose the best accordion for their needs.