Decisions?

[Tongle]

I'm really enjoying my current box but find the tuning not to my taste and the two reeds limiting.
I've seen a few advertised locally and have asked for videos. So far these have interested me

Baile Parisienne
Hohner Concerto 3
Italian Orfeo

I know it's 'buyer beware but I really can't afford new.
If these were all in reasonable condition would one be better than the other. I've read here that Italian models are desirable because of the reeds, Hohner because of the sound and Baile because it's cheaper.
I know there's so many factors but I'm just at the start of the journey and know there's a lot of expertise here.
I tend to be playing Celtic and traditional UK/French tunes at the moment.
Many thanks

 

[Dingo40]

I know it's 'buyer beware but I really can't afford new.

Don't worry, even brand new accordions out of the box can have their problems: just like new cars!

 

[Tongle]

Very true. I'm thinking that if I like the sound of one, it plays ok and the price is OK then go for it.
I know someone locally who will service it if a problem develops and if it's not worth it I'll sell for parts. It's not life and death!

 

[murathan]

I think Hohner is a brand that every accordionist should experience.

 

[PhiliGol]

I don't know all the models.
Hohner Concerto III I know - it was my beginner box.
A "workhorse", solid, robust and and with it's 5 registers it gives you some sound variation.

 

[losthobos]

I'd suggest giving Allodi accordions a bell....Emilio is winding down business....reliable as can be....has ninety accordions left to sell before shop shuts forever and workshop moves to his home....tell him what you're looking for and I'm sure you'll get a better deal than the lucky dip of buyer beware....
Tell him Terry sent you...
Good luck

 

[tcabot]

What is your budget?
What are you playing now and have you had it tuned and serviced?
You can't buy an attic find & expect it to work, so you need to buy from a reasonably experienced accordionist.

Italian models are generally well-built. I'm not a fan of Italian reeds, unless you're talking highest quality a-manos. Even then they can be so harsh-sounding, it's like wiping your backside with 80 grit sandpaper. Don't assume that reeds are good just because they were made in Italy.
Hohners: I love high end hohners, but low end hohners can be quite bad. Generally, hohner reeds (all of them) tend to sound softer & nicer to the ear than Italian stuff, so I'd give my preference to a Hohner as long as it's in playable condition. Furthermore, hohners might come with plastic valves that should have a life expectation of about a century instead of a couple decades for leathers.
Bai-li: Only if you're getting it dirt cheap and you need to see a concrete box and make a call if you like it. Chinese boxes generally come with lowest expectations re sound & quality, but they can be acceptable.

I wouldn't pick any of them and advise to increase the budget. Life's too short to play low quality reeds.

Most importantly, if you're on a budget, don't go for 5- or even 4- voices. Low quality reeds suck air like there's no tomorrow: you don't want 5 banks of such reeds ruining your playing experience.

Also, I'd say that at least 60% of the accordion sound comes from set-up, rather than reed fitting tolerances, or god forbid reedblock wood etc that everyone loves talking about.
If you're buying really cheap, it won't be set-up and it will be old. If it's not set up, wax is cracking and leather valves are dry, it can have the finest A-manos one can find in Castelfidadro and it still won't sound right.

 

[debra]

...
Baile Parisienne
Hohner Concerto 3
Italian Orfeo
...

Baile is a Chinese accordion. Not the worst of the Chinese brands, but still Chinese so I would not recommend it.
A Hohner Concerto 3 very likely predates the production move to China, so if you can make sure you get one still made in Germany that should be fine.
Orfeo is definitely Italian. I have no personal experience with the brand, but every used accordion is a bit of a gamble.

 

[Rosie C]

I'm really enjoying my current box but find the tuning not to my taste and the two reeds limiting.
I've seen a few advertised locally and have asked for videos. So far these have interested me

Baile Parisienne
Hohner Concerto 3
Italian Orfeo

I have a Concerto 3 and happy to recommend them! I did have some trouble with mine last year - the treble valves are made from plastic and fixed in with wax, and one came free. But otherwise it's been a good instrument.