Accordion Size Guide report

The accordion is a keyboard instrument that can be played both solo and in accompaniment. It can not only play the beautiful melody of a single part but also play multi-part music and can play rich harmony like a piano. In addition to independent performance, it can also participate in duets and ensembles. An accordion can also be a small band.

The accordion has a grand sound, rich timbre changes, and the ingenious combination of fingers and bellows can play various music styles unmatched by many instruments. It is easy to learn and understand, small in size, and easy to carry. Therefore, the accordion is suitable for players of different ages and can be easily carried to schools, theaters, or even streets for performances.

Another major consideration to consider when purchasing an accordion is size. No accordion is lightweight or compact, but there is a wide range of sizes and weights so that most people can find a comfortable one. Let's learn more about the common accordion sizes and how to choose the best for you.

Accordion Size Guide

Historically speaking, there are many types and specifications of accordions. From the perspective of structure and shape, they can be roughly divided into four categories: diatonic accordion, chromatic accordion, button accordion, and piano accordion. The most common are the latter two. Accordions' size is generally denoted by the number of basses, such as 8 bass, 32 bass, 48 bass, 96 bass, and 120 bass. There is some truth in the larger size with the larger number of keys and buttons. Nowadays, the physical size of an accordion is often measured by the number of treble keys rather than the number of bass buttons.

Size of Accordion

There are a large variety of bass sizes available. We have listed the most common ones below, along with the available treble key ranges. Cutting down on the number of keys will reduce the accordion's size and allow for a significant reduction in its weight.

8 bass: A very small child's accordion, with 17 or 22 treble keys. They are too small for people over 5 years old and are usually only sold as toys.
12 bass: It is also a child's accordion for children under ten. These compact instruments have no minor buttons with normally 26 treble keys.
32 bass: It is the smallest accordion to introduce minor chords, and some higher spec models occasionally feature seventh chords. The treble range is usually 26 keys.
48 bass: The most popular size is the 48 bass and is ideal for beginners. The smallest "adult-size" accordion features the full range of chords and normally has major, minor, seventh, and diminished buttons. This size is enough for most tunes but limiting for a pianist.
72 bass: This is a mid-size accordion with normally 26 treble keys and one of the most popular sizes in the UK.
96 bass: It is another popular size in the UK. 96 bass accordions have 37 or 34 keys. They don't have the size and weight of a full-sized 120 bass instrument but have enough notes to play fairly complex pieces, which are limited by the small accordion. And there will be tons of brands and models to choose from.
120 bass: A full-size accordion, traditionally with 41 treble keys, although nowadays, some factories also produce compact versions with 37 keys. A 120 bass instrument is the most versatile size, as it features a full range of treble and bass notes. However, the 120 bass accordions are rather large and heavy, so they may not be ideal for the smaller player.

Weight of Accordion

Regarding weight, it is important to remember that an accordion should always be played sitting down. An accordion should rest comfortably on the legs of the player and not hang from the straps. When choosing a suitable accordion, you should consider that the weight needs to be evenly distributed on the legs and significantly reduce the load on the shoulder straps. Most experienced accordion players would strongly advise against using the harness.

Conclusion

In terms of which size is best for beginners when choosing an accordion, there is a common misconception that small accordions are better. Differences in weight and size are dictated by different hobbies, needs, players' body types, and the type of music they play. Generally speaking, the lower the overall weight, the better the quality of the accordion and the components inside. Each type of accordion has its advantages, and your choice is one of personal preference. Three fundamental considerations that may influence your decision are the accordion's tuning, your preferred music style, and your budget.