Accordion for child

[Neil Thornock]

Looking for thoughts on this. My 10-year-old son wants an accordion (poor kid, he's doomed). We've bought instruments for our children before ... but this is trickier.

We don't have tons of money for this. But as a professional musician myself, I *really* don't want to get a junk instrument. And, as an accordion lover myself, an instrument that could do double-duty would be appealing.

So, recommendations? Specific models, features to look for, any other thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Dingo40]

What build is your son?
If of average build, I would suggest a used, 41/120 Italian made model from the 60s or later, two or three treble reed, with a 17 inch treble keyboard , in good working order
This may not suit your own needs as much as one with a larger keyboard, but would last your son for some years.
Our member Tom appears to be a potential "conduit" for such instruments : check out if he has any "in stock ".
Here's an example of what I mean:

Another example:

 

[Tom]

I think a smaller size, as Dingo recommends would be good. If he seems serious, at least a 48 bass would be good so he gets used to stradella. Probably difficult to find a good, used freebass. Where are you located?

 

[JerryPH]

At the accordion museum, I saw that Paul had several really interesting accordions, 3-4 of which were both really small and light but also either 37 and 41 key 120 bass units, small and really good quality for very reasonable prices, but in sizes and features that would maximize useable time of use before outgrowing, if ever. They were almost like a matched set, same brand and colours (red and cream, quite beautiful).

I would recommend that since you are both in the USA that you reach out to him and see if he has something that meets your needs.

Googling “New England Accordion Connection and Museum“ will get you his email and phone number. I am a big fan of this place, this man and all that he represents and does for the accordion world.

 

[Neil Thornock]

What build is your son?

I measured him sitting down from lap to chin: 15 inches, seated on a tall chair and with his head held high. Based on my own experience, I'm going to assume sitting is easier to learn than standing.

I think a smaller size, as Dingo recommends would be good. If he seems serious, at least a 48 bass would be good so he gets used to stradella. Probably difficult to find a good, used freebass. Where are you located?

We're in Utah. It's less than an hour drive to Accordions International, which I plan to visit with him at some point. Freebass is probably out of the question at the moment.

Googling “New England Accordion Connection and Museum“ will get you his email and phone number. I am a big fan of this place, this man and all that he represents and does for the accordion world.

Thanks so much for the lead, I had no idea about this place.

 

[Tom]

Sounds like you've got it going on! I've got an 8 and a 6 bass that are ready for a good home. Right now I have 3 smaller format accordions in the $100 - $300 range that I have "restored." I say "restored" and not restored because I have made these playable, but have not fully re-waxed, re-leathered, or re-tuned. I hesitate to sell them to someone who has not tried them, especially by mail. Sounds like you're looking for something more, and you're on the right track. I always follow JerryPH's advice. Good luck!

 

[JeffJetton]

Probably out of your budget, but I'll mention the Hohner XS anyway. Designed specifically to be a learning instrument for kids: https://reverb.com/item/25196592-ho...n-made-in-germany-worldship-authorized-dealer

Another option might be to get your son a melodica to test the waters. They're fairly cheap, even for a decent one, and make a good "gateway instrument" to accordion.

 

[debra]

The first question to ask yourself is whether your son should start with PA or CBA.
With PA I would think that he can maybe handle a 37/96 accordion, keyboard going from F to F. A bit limiting (compared to a standard 41-key keyboard, but good enough for now, just not forever.
With CBA there is less of a problem. Even my tiny 60 bass Welty has 42 treble notes already (E to A). Almost every 96-bass CBA will offer at least 41 treble notes, often even 46. And the size of these accordions should not be a problem.

 

[Ventura]

wow there is only 1 listing in UTAH on Craigslist for accordion !

$450 Both Guitar & Piano Accordian - musical instruments - by owner...

- guitar and piano accordian - $450 for both - Great Condition - st george , winchester hills ledges up 18 - 954-383-714four - text please -

stgeorge.craigslist.org

it is pretty, and the older ones are lightweight, but it will
need work at it's age no doubt.. still, you could take the boy
over to check it out it and guage his reaction.. be a good
learning experience and a fun daytrip

there are a few listings on the Denver craigslist, and a music
store in Lakewood with a good accordion selection

a summer vacation in San Francisco would give you a chance
to visit a couple accordion shops and pick something up..
maybe catch an Accordion club meeting.. and Kimric can likely
give you a clue if you head his way (Petaluma, Ca.)..

good luck

 

[John M]

Hi Neil,

Paul Pasquali at Accordions International is a fantastic person. He has organized an accordion convention every year in Las Vegas that has very good workshops and Accordionist performers. He hasn't done this in the past two years due to COVID. You can contact him to see if he has something for you. He designed the "Concerto" that, I believe, is accepted as the best Acoustic and Digital accordion made today. The "Concerto" is expensive.
Give Paul a call at: (801) 485-5840 to see if he has something for you. I'm sure he gets "trade-ins"

 

[Neil Thornock]

Probably out of your budget, but I'll mention the Hohner XS anyway.

Wow, that's a cool instrument! Yeah, at that price I'd want him to have something he can grow into a little more. Still, nice to know about that one.

The first question to ask yourself is whether your son should start with PA or CBA.

I'm thoroughly enchanted by CBA ... in our area I think the 37/96 makes more sense. I guess I would be looking for an accordion that's about 14 inches wide, total? I mean, am I right that the seated lap-to-chin height is significant, or is there something I'm missing?

wow there is only 1 listing in UTAH on Craigslist for accordion !

Thanks, yeah, used accordions are few enough around here ... and then finding a decent one is harder. I lucked out on the one I bought 12 years ago.

 

[Neil Thornock]

Hi Neil,

Paul Pasquali at Accordions International is a fantastic person. He has organized an accordion convention every year in Las Vegas that has very good workshops and Accordionist performers. He hasn't done this in the past two years due to COVID. You can contact him to see if he has something for you. He designed the "Concerto" that, I believe, is accepted as the best Acoustic and Digital accordion made today. The "Concerto" is expensive.
Give Paul a call at: (801) 485-5840 to see if he has something for you. I'm sure he gets "trade-ins"

John, yeah, I probably just need to take half a day at some point and drive up there with my boy. Still, nice to see what folks recommend here!

 

[JerryPH]

Hi Neil,

Paul Pasquali at Accordions International is a fantastic person. He has organized an accordion convention every year in Las Vegas that has very good workshops and Accordionist performers. He hasn't done this in the past two years due to COVID. You can contact him to see if he has something for you. He designed the "Concerto" that, I believe, is accepted as the best Acoustic and Digital accordion made today. The "Concerto" is expensive.
Give Paul a call at: (801) 485-5840 to see if he has something for you. I'm sure he gets "trade-ins"

I was going to mention him, but he sells (from what I know) new accordions and has no great stock, however if one is looking to spend some serious cash for a nice full size accordion in the same vein as the Concerto ($15,000US and up), he is definitely your man.

I'd love to go to the Las Vegas convention of his... pre-Covid it was the event of the year to attend if you were an accordion lover!

 

[Ventura]

hey !

look at this thread from "can't play a lick" in Utah

looks like a 3/4 size

Can anyone help with info on my Excelsior model 308

We recently inherited an Excelsior Accordiana model 308. I got his from the bottom of the instrument. I'd like to know if anyone can help with the year and estimated worth. You guys seem to know a ton and was hoping for some help. Thanks in advance.

www.accordionists.info

lightning strike ?

this one is LMM reed configuration, which is a nice alternative
to your LMH reedset, and thse 2 Excelsiors would sound very good on Duets

 

[Neil Thornock]

Amazing. Thanks for pointing that one out.

 

[debra]

...
I'm thoroughly enchanted by CBA ... in our area I think the 37/96 makes more sense. I guess I would be looking for an accordion that's about 14 inches wide, total? I mean, am I right that the seated lap-to-chin height is significant, or is there something I'm missing?
...

Lap to chin height is indeed significant because one of the first things a beginner should learn is that the accordion should be held as close to vertical as possible. And the fact that this orientation makes it harder (compared to a slanted orientation) to look at the keyboard is actually a benefit because from day one he should accept that an accordion player never ever looks at the keyboard.

 

[kimric]

I have a couple of rebuilt student 120 PA instruments, and a few 24-48 bass rebuilt vintage instruments in the showroom at this time.
Chromatics are harder to come by ,but i have a few small B systems in stock. The Weltmeister 602 is a well put together 72 bass that is available in B or C and is affordable.

 

[Squeezebox Of Delights]

I will always sing the praises of the Hohner Imperial II and IIA, which are considerably smaller than a standard 12 bass but have 25 keys and 24/32 buttons respectively. They pack an awful lot of accordion into a very small amount of space, and they sound and play absolutely beautifully. Bearing in mind that they were built in the 1930s-40s, so you'd want to be sure you were getting a renovated one. I've never tried a Hohner XS, but I'd choose a 'real' wood and celluloid 25/32 MM box over a weird plastic 21/15 thing with odd 'ergonomic' angles et cetera.

 

[Neil Thornock]

Lap to chin height is indeed significant because one of the first things a beginner should learn is that the accordion should be held as close to vertical as possible. And the fact that this orientation makes it harder (compared to a slanted orientation) to look at the keyboard is actually a benefit because from day one he should accept that an accordion player never ever looks at the keyboard.

Good point. (Boy, that's so hard with some music!)

I have a couple of rebuilt student 120 PA instruments, and a few 24-48 bass rebuilt vintage instruments in the showroom at this time.
Chromatics are harder to come by ,but i have a few small B systems in stock. The Weltmeister 602 is a well put together 72 bass that is available in B or C and is affordable.

Thanks! We've taken family trips to so cal both the last two summers, so we probably won't be through again for some time, but I'll have your shop top of mind if I ever get around SF / Petaluma ... and if my search in my locale ends up dry.

I will always sing the praises of the Hohner Imperial II and IIA, which are considerably smaller than a standard 12 bass but have 25 keys and 24/32 buttons respectively.

Ooh, that looks perfect

 

[debra]

Good point. (Boy, that's so hard with some music!)
...

When you start learning to play the accordion you should start right away without looking at the keyboard. As a child I was first forced to place a piece of cardboard over the top to make it impossible to look. Once I got better at playing the cardboard was removed and I got used to play everything without ever looking. I still sometimes look down, to find the right register switch (they are in different positions on every accordion) but not to find the right notes. It's also important to always play accordions with the same key width. When the jumps differ (because of wider or narrower keys) you're in trouble.