newbie needs advice

Squeezebox & Harmonica
1

Hi all.

For various reasons, I’m taking up the accordion. I grew up playing the organ, so I’m hoping the transition to a piano accordion won’t be too difficult. Besides, I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my doctor actually suggested the accordion as an alternative to occupational therapy. Go figure.

Anyway, now I’m starting my research and realizing that choosing my first box is going to be a much more complicated decision than I originally thought.

99% of what I’m going to be playing is Irish Trad music…so I’m pretty sure that my box will have to be tuned to either D or G. But, if an accordion has a range of several octaves, what does the key really matter?

How important is brand name? Does it matter if I buy a Hohner or a non-name at a discounter?

Basically I’m looking for a good beginner and intermediate instrument that would be suitable for playing at sessions. I’m not a pro and don’t strive to be: I just want to make a useful contribution to the session and have a good time.

Do accordions have the ability to be amplified like guitars, or is it unneccesary? Everyone is usually plugged in at the session I attend most often.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m anxious to get my hands on one and start playing, but I also don’t want to be in the position of having to upgrade a year or two down the road because I bought the wrong one to start out with.

Thanks!

2

When we talk so long and wearisomely about tunings – B/C vs. C#/D and whatnot – we’re talking about diatonic button accordions, which are quite a different animal from piano accordions.

The entry-level Hohners are pretty good, from what I’ve seen. Weltmeister also makes a couple of nice models that aren’t too expensive. I’d use caution in getting a no-name box; there’s an awful lot of crap out there. Best thing to do is take a more experienced player with you to the store and have him/her guide you in picking out an instrument.

And accordions can be pretty loud. I can’t imagine needing amplification in a session setting.

Good luck!

3

My wife has several piano accordions, one of which is a Hohner. It’s very nice. She was recently “given” a 48 bass Weltmeister which is quite nice because it is so much smaller and lighter than the full sized boxes. It sounds great and she’s not mentioned any shortcomings relative to it’s ability to play the Irish tunes.