Absolute beginner, looking for an instrument!

[accidentalusername]

Hi there everyone!

My name is Stella and as the title suggests, I'm a total beginner to the accordion. I'm currently a university student, and at the fresher's fair there was a lovely person sat at the stall of the ceilidh band with his accordion. I said that as a pianist wanting to play something more sociable, I was interested - he let me try it, and I was hooked

Right now I'm borrowing an instrument for weekly rehearsals (ie I'm still terrible, but getting the hang of the bass buttons), but at some point it would be great to get my own. As a university student I'm not exactly loaded but I could probably afford a sub-£600 second hand box if I put enough effort into saving up! If anyone has any advice on that it would be great - for reference, I'm at uni in Cambridge and my hometown is Chester. I've noticed that old 72 bass Hohner Ariettas/Concertos seem to be in the right price range, but I'm wary of spending a lot of money on something I've not seen in person...

Anywho, it's nice to be here!

 

[Tom]

Welcome Stella! Looks like you are going in the right direction, standard advice is to definitely try before you buy. In your price range, it will be difficult to buy a new accordion that will go the distance, so used makes good sense. I think it will be well worth your time to go to a reputable shop to try out some different instruments. You can get the feel of how different accordions play and sound. People on this forum should be able to suggest dealers on your area. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[godgi]

you also need to consider what instrument type you prefer and what type of music you might like to play eg: French musette, Balkan folk, Jazz etc.
If your interests are broad you should consider a chromatic instrument either c or b system.
I play c system myself and its very versatile. Also observe some y tube videos of artists like Richard Galliano, Ludivic Bier Marcel Loffler etc plus so many female artists also.
Best wishes,
John from Dublin

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hello Stella,

Firstly, a very warm welcome to the forum. I hope that you enjoy posting on here, and look forward to reading about your progress.

You will receive a staggering amount of advice here, some of which may cause confusion. Whatever you do, don't rush into anything.

As you already play the piano, I think it best if you stick to an instrument with the same kind of keys. Others may advise you differently, and you are free to take whatever advice you find most persuasive.

You have identified 72 Bass as being a suitable size to start off with, and I readily concur. I own one of the instruments you have mentioned, the Hohner Arietta, but mine is the 120 Bass instrument.

Just to give you a better idea of what is available (and at what price) you may wish to look at "The Accordion Shop" website. They are based in Sunningdale & Rochdale. I have found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable, and they do have a large stock of second hand (pre-loved) instruments in stock. Peter runs the Rochdale shop, and he is very friendly and courteous.

Bon Chance,

Stephen.

 

[rbs]

Before buying an instrument, you really need to try it. I think that Emilio Allodis shop in London (www.accordions.co.uk) would be a good place to go (if youll go while at Uni), but give him a phone call beforehand, to to ensure that hell be available. Be prepared to stay there for a couple of hours!
As cost is an issue, I suggest that you look at 120 bass instrument - they are less fashionable nowadays and hence cheaper than the smaller ones that (mainly older) people are buying. I expect that this wont be your only accordion, so you dont need to look for perfection at this stage - just something that you like.

 

[jozz]

I have used my Concerto for years and I would recommend it given your situation. It has great resell value should you want to upgrade later.

 

[accidentalusername]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful replies! When I get the time (my degree is quite hectic) it sounds like it would be great to go to a shop and try some accordions out in person - thanks for the recommendations, I'll have a look at them. I actually went to Hobgoblin in Bristol the other day while I was visiting, although sadly I didn't find anything in my price range for a 72 or 48 bass. I did have a go on a 12 bass though which was quite funny! They're so tiny!

Regarding chromatic accordions and 120 bass ones - I would love to try chromatic but they're quite hard to find at the lower end of the price range! It's such a shame because they look like very interesting instruments. Meanwhile, 120 basses is probably too big for me as I'm only 5 foot 4 and already near my limit with the size of a 72 bass. I'm glad that the Hohners bode well with people, it would be ideal to get a decent accordion for that price!

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hello Again Stella,

A 72 Bass will do pretty well everything you want. Hohners are very good instruments, but don't limit yourself to looking at one brand.

One of the reasons I suggested looking at "The Accordion Shop" website was so that you could listen to a variety of instruments being played. They don't do it with every instrument, but many of the accordions they have for sale can be seen and heard on video clips.

Another important consideration is the free delivery to anywhere in the UK, which means that your parents could accept delivery on your behalf. (and maybe pay for the accordion)

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[dunlustin]

Do you know about:
http://www.squeezydoesit.com/id10.html
a very good place to hear quite a few -and varied - instruments/styles

 

[Robert Watters]

Hallo Stella,
I was very lucky and got a Hagstrom (Swedish) 5 row button accordion c system for £300 from a private sale. Its dry tuned, which I prefer, as I also play English Concertina. Got it when I was in London on the 20th Oct.
It took me months of searching (Trovit, Ebay, Friday adds etc.) to find it and its not perfect but very good value for the money. Itll be a year or two before I even need to think of something better (or refurbish it) as I am an absolute beginner like you but being retired I dont have many years left to get the hang of it.
Being very cash strapped It was more than I could afford but no regrets.
It can be played in any key after learning the scale in one key. Its smaller than a piano accordion. Still fairly heavy. I can span 2 octaves with my size 8 1/2 mitts and the C system means the pitch increases chromatically in a similar direction to the piano keyboard. I got to the dizzying heights of about grade 1 on the piano so I find the C system is best for me.
The B system boxes tend to be played by Russian and Eastern European (Brilliantly by Many) and is probably just as good if you have no piano bias.
Definitively try before buying. I took a chance on a video link for a demo which is not as good. Ideally take a player with you to check out every note, voice and bellows including bass.
Welcome to the forum!!
One of these days Ill introduce myself to it.
Best Wishes
Robert (North Norfolk)

P.S. Apologies to those on the forum if I have made any inaccurate statements. My knowledge has been accrued mainly over the past few months. Constructive criticism or preferably praise is welcome. Long live Jimmy Shand, my Granddads Favourite.

 

[Corsaire]

Hi Stella and welcome !

I took up the piano accordion as I already played the piano, though now I rather wish I'd learnt the chromatic button!! I was lent a 96 bass when I started but found it a bit big and unwieldy. If you're 5 foot 4, I think you'd find anything bigger than a 72 bass too big and heavy. Weight is important if you need to carry it anywhere and it might be better to start with something small, a 48 or 72 and then change it when you feel ready.
Hobgoblin are very helpful but your nearest one is probably Birmingham, I'm not sure without looking it up. Their website will show what secondhand ones they have in stock and the can get one shipped to your nearest shop if you wanted to try it. The price may seem hefty as they add 30% charge when selling.

I agree with Stephen that "The Accordion Shop" is a good place to try, and looking at YouTube video clips also gives you an idea of what an instrument can sound like when played well !!!

Try looking at a Hohner 48 or 72 bass - they pop up from time to time secondhand as people want to sell to buy something different, perhaps bigger). Once you pick up the left hand buttons, your world will open up !

Good hunting
Sally

 

[debra]

Welcome Stella,
As an absolute beginner with that name you might get a Weltmeister Stella... not to be confused with the Chinese accordion brand Stella that puts your name on the accordion more prominently but that probably isn't as good...
Joking aside, as an absolute beginner visiting one of the reputable places mentioned in this thread is probably a good idea. Do not just buy something online unseen and untried and that may not suit you at all even if it is in working order.

 

[wout]

I started with an 80 bass instrument coming from piano. For me that was the perfect size for a good while. The good thing is as you develop it has 37 keys which is a good range for alot of songs. Also the price tag was only 250 euros. There are alot of decent instruments for sale second hand under 600 euros. Also I wouldnt be bothered so much yet about which musicstyle. With a snall 3 voice instrument you will be fine until you improve and figure out what it is your looking for soundwise! If you find a potential partner to buy be sure to post it here and im sure you will receive great advice!

 

[Robert Watters]

Hi Stella
If you want to ignore all the very valuable advice given to you and buy blind and often very cheap (relatively speaking) check out this site! Or just look and drool. https://auctionet.com/en
DRAGSPEL is an accordion but usually includes button types, KNAPPDRAGSPEL is button accordion do a search for both. Search in English only pulls in one or two.
N.B. they usually add 20% plus carriage which can be £40-£80.
Remember BREXIT is coming (hopefully not !) and you will then have immense VAT and customs problems if hard. (Fake News?)
Italian boxes come at a premium. Most seem to be C system but the odd B might be lurking.
Robert (North Norfolk)

 

[Tiposx]

You might be interested in my "Free to a good home" post in the 'for sale' section.