8 Best Lightweight Accordions for Beginners and Pros
It’s unfortunate that some get discouraged from playing the accordion because they assume they are all big and heavy. Many are quite big, depending on the number of reeds, keys, or buttons it has; however, there are also many lightweight accordion models out there.
Hohner is a leader in lightweight accordions, but there are others like Rizatti, Roland, and some ultra-lightweight children accordions that are more than just a toy.
Here are the 8 best lightweight accordions for beginners and pros:
Hohner HA-3100 Panther GCF Diatonic Accordion (9 pounds or 19.8 kilograms)– Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
World’s largest playable accordion in Castelfidardo, Italy
It’s true that many accordions are very big and heavy. Fun fact: the largest playable in the world is 8ft tall, weighs 440 lb (200 kg), and takes 2 people to play!
On average, accordions weigh between 22 and 28.7 pounds (around 10 kg to 13 kilograms).
If you check Scandalli’s online catalog, you’ll find accordions that weigh less than 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms). In fact, their 120-button accordions from the Air series weigh less than 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
Hohner is another popular manufacturer of musical instruments based in Germany. They have lightweight accordions that weigh only around 3.9 kilograms (8.6 pounds) and 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds).
The weight of an accordion is based on the overall size of the accordion (height, width, and length).
The other big factor that determines the accordion’s weight is the number of its metal reeds, which are responsible for its different timbres (refers to tone quality or tone color). The more reeds an accordion has, the heavier it becomes. Most models of accordions on the market have two to four heavy reed blocks.
Now that you have an idea of how heavy an accordion is on average, let’s go through my top 8 picks for lightweight accordions.
The Hohner Panther series is my personal favorite lightweight accordion for its size, sound, and overall value. It is also recommended by many experts as a go-to-entry-level accordion, or for pros who want something more compact and lightweight.
It weighs a mere 9 pounds (around 19.8 kilograms). It measures 12 inches (height) by 7.5 inches (diameter).
It has a clear and sweet tone and plays in the keys of G, C, and F. It has 31 musical keys on the right side and 12 bass buttons on the left. To take the pressure off your back while playing, it comes with a comfortable double-strap.
It comes with a cleaning cloth, straps, and a method book.
Key features and benefits:
9 pounds (19.8 kg)
It sounds so good that you think it’s a high-end accordion (those worth over $1,000).
Soft, easy-to-press buttons
Its overall appearance is great. The matte black finish is attractive.
2. Hohner CAJUNIV 10-Key Accordion
Whether you’re into Zydeco or Cajun, the Hohner CAJUNIV 10-Key Accordion is perfect for both accordion-based music genres. It has 10 keys: 2 bass, 4 treble (key of C); designed with 4 treble stops.
The Hohner CAJUNIV 10-Key Accordion has Italian-made reeds and an enhanced open-key mechanism. The casing is made of a sturdy and light wood with distinct grain and a stylish mother of pearl inlay.
The weight of this accordion is 4.4 pounds or 2 kilograms. It’s about the same weight as a 2-liter bottle of soda.
Key features and benefits:
4.4 pounds (2 kg)
It has a great sound and feel that makes you want to practice even more.
It’s low maintenance and easy to use (because of the open key mechanism).
It’s lighter than other Cajun accordions.
3. Hohner Compadre GCF Accordion
Are you looking for a good-quality intermediate accordion? If yes, the Hohner Compadre GCF Accordion could be what you’re looking for.
The Compadre is the same size as the Hohner HA-3100 Panther GCF Diatonic Accordion. The only difference is it’s lighter than the Panther. It’s only 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms).
On the right side, you’ll find 31 treble buttons. Meanwhile, on the left side, there are 12 bass buttons. Each side has 2 chorus effects that make the Compadre sound fuller and louder. It plays in the keys of G, C, and F.
The Compadre accordion comes with a gig bag and straps.
Key features and benefits:
8.8 pounds (4 kg)
It’s a perfect accordion for beginners and seasoned accordion players alike.
Great sound with high volume.
It has smoother and more recessed buttons than the Hohner Panther.
4. Hohner BR48R-N Accordion
The Hohner BR48R-N Accordion is included in Hohner’s Bravo Series. This series includes piano accordions that are equipped with features that were formerly exclusive to more high-end instruments.
The BR48R-N features tremolo tuning to make sure the notes are tuned exactly the same. Thus, it produces only one sound.
There are 4 voices in this accordion. Meaning, 1 to 4 reeds can vibrate at the same time when you press one key.
It has 48 bass buttons, 26 piano keys, and 2 treble registers. It plays notes in the keys of B-C.
It weighs 11 pounds (4.9 kilograms), and it features a 12.75-inch long keyboard. It includes easy-to-clean textile straps and a gig bag.
Key features and benefits:
11 pounds (4.9 kg)
It’s a non-intimidating starter accordion for beginners.
It looks great.
It’s lightweight.
It has a loud, distinct sound.
5. Rizatti Bronco RB31FW Diatonic Accordion
The Rizatti Bronco RB31FW Diatonic Accordionweighs 12.5 pounds (5.7 kilograms). It’s not as light as the other accordions I just mentioned, but it’s light and small enough to fit in your car trunk.
The Bronco accordion features 2 treble reeds sets, 12 bass/chord buttons, and 31 treble keys. It plays in different key combinations: F/Bb/Eb.
You can use it to play your favorite music styles: Cumbia, Cueca, Mariachi Forró, Merengue, Norteño, and a lot more.
Key features and benefits:
12.5 pounds (5.7 kg)
It’s pleasing to the eyes.
The sound quality is worth the price.
It works as advertised.
6. Roland FR-1x V-Accordion Lite
The Roland FR-1x V-Accordion Lite is recommended for all types of accordionists, from students to professionals to live performers. Because of its light weight (14 pounds or 6.5 kilograms) and compact size, it fits just about any small storage space.
The earphone jack and built speaker means you can play this accordion any time of the day or night without disturbing your neighbors! That is one of the biggest benefits of the Roland accordions.
Despite its size and weight, Roland didn’t cut corners in adding advanced and useful features. The FR-1x has built-in speakers and jack for earphones or headphones (sold separately), USB memory port (for MP3/Wave player, uploading sounds, and data storage), 7-segment LED, and standard and free bass modes, among others.
You can use the FR-1x for a variety of music styles, such as blues, folk, rock, and more. It stores an amazing number of accordion sounds that you can access instantly: orchestral sounds, organ sounds, orchestral bass sounds, orchestral chord sounds, and orchestral free bass sounds.
It has 72 bass buttons (left hand) starting at the B key, 26 keys (right hand), and 128 voices.
Key features and benefits:
14 pounds (6.5 kg)
Built-in speaker with headphone jack.
Since it’s light, it’s easy to play for prolonged periods, whether you’re standing or sitting.
It’s suitable for both newbies and pros.
Simply switch a few buttons to access a wide range of various sounds.
7. Mugig Button Accordion
The Mugig Button Accordion is a 1.8-pound accordion for children ages 3 and up – but it could be good for you if you want an ultra-simple and ultra-lightweight accordion.
It’s made of food-grade ABS plastic to ensure the health of your family every time they play it. Meanwhile, the bellows are made of durable leather, cloth, and kraft paper to protect them from tearing easily.
This accordion has 10 keys: 7 musical keys on the right and another three buttons (bass and air valve buttons) on the left. Each musical key has a corresponding note to a certain scale, from C, D, E, F, G, A, B. To add more color to your songs, press the “bass” and harmonics” buttons on the left side of the accordion.
This accordion comes with a user manual. A songbook is not included, though.
Key features and benefits:
1.8 pounds (0.8 kg)
It has a bright, colorful appearance.
For a kid’s accordion at its price range, it plays well and allows you to make your own tunes.
It’s a good choice if you’re in the market for a well-made and affordable accordion for kids and teenagers.
The PowerTRC Children’s Accordion is small and light enough for your kids—even if they’re already in their 20s—to use. This little green accordion weighs only 1.7 pounds and has an overall dimension of 7.5 x 7.1 x 4.1 inches. To steady the instrument, they can hook their thumb through the loop on the treble side (left side).
Like most accordions for kids, it consists of 7 musical buttons, one air valve button, and two other buttons for the bass and chords. On the treble side, below the grille, there are sound holes that allow the soundboard to vibrate freely; thus, producing good sound.
The package includes instructions and a songbook with 8 easy-to-play songs.
Key features and benefits:
1.7 pounds (0.8 kg)
Functional and fun – bring anywhere with ease.
It is well-built.
More than a toy – it’s loud and sounds good.
Conclusion – 8 Best Lightweight Accordion Models
So to recap, what are the best lightweight accordion model on the market?
Hohner HA-3100 Panther GCF Diatonic Accordion (9 pounds or 19.8 kilograms)– Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
Hohner BR48R-N Accordion (11 pounds or 4.9 kilograms)
Rizatti Bronco RB31FW Diatonic Accordion (12.5 pounds or 5.7 kilograms)
Roland FR-1x V-Accordion Lite (14 pounds or 6.5 kilograms)
Mugig Button Accordion (1.8 pounds or 0.8 kilograms)
PowerTRC Children’s Accordion (1.7 pounds or 0.8 kilograms)
I understand the desire for a lightweight accordion, especially if you will be standing for a while or even sitting. There are many who might be discouraged from playing the accordion due to its bulkiness and size; however, don’t despair!
This list shows that they can be quite light. Now, go and make beautiful accordion music without breaking your back while playing!
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