An accordion makes sound by pushing air through reeds as you open and close the bellows. Beginners meet two main layouts: diatonic button accordions tuned to a few keys, and piano accordions with a keyboard for the right hand and bass buttons for the left.
The six accordions below include three Hohner models, two diatonic instruments from other makers and a 34-key piano accordion. Details come from the listing pages, and tone and craft claims are the makers’ own. We have not played these accordions ourselves. A few listings show conflicting information, which we flag.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Layout | Diatonic buttons or a piano keyboard |
| Key tuning | A diatonic accordion plays only the keys it is built for |
| Bass buttons | 12 for diatonic models; 60 on the larger piano model |
| Case and straps | Some include a case, others only straps |
| Weight | Heavier instruments need a good strap |
Specs at a Glance
| Accordion | Layout (maker) | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hohner Panther 3100GB | 31 buttons, 12 bass | G, C, F | Method book and straps; no gig bag |
| Hohner Panther 3100FB | Diatonic; two treble reed sets | F, Bb, Eb | Straps; 2-year warranty |
| Hohner ACES II | 34 buttons, 12 bass, 3 registers | Conflicting | Case included; 90-day warranty |
| Horse 31-key | 31 treble, 12 bass | G, C, F | Suitcase and straps; 4500 g |
| Rowadtim 34-key | 34 piano keys, 60 bass | Piano layout | Backpack case; 20 lb |
| Abubu 34-key | 34 keys, 12 bass, 3 switches | G, C, F | Hard case; 9.84 kg |
The 6 Best Accordions for Beginners
1. Hohner Panther 3100GB GCF Diatonic Accordion
A matte black three-row diatonic accordion sold only in the key of G, C and F, with 31 buttons, 12 bass buttons and double strap brackets. It comes with straps, a cleaning cloth and the Hohner Diatonic Method Book but no gig bag. The warranty is described as 90 days for parts and labor. The listing size is 16.2 by 15.9 by 10.8 inches.
Suits: a first diatonic accordion with a method book. Strengths: a well-known maker and a book. Weaknesses: no bag and only one key set. Skip it if you need a case included.
View Hohner Panther 3100GB GCF Diatonic Accordion on Amazon
2. Hohner Panther 3100FB FBbEb Diatonic Accordion
The same Panther family tuned to F, Bb and Eb, with two sets of treble reeds that Hohner describes as a rich, robust tone for conjunto and other styles. The listing includes straps and a 2-year warranty, unlike the 90-day warranty on the GCF listing. Size is 16.4 by 16 by 10.5 inches.
Suits: conjunto-style playing in F. Strengths: a longer warranty on this listing. Weaknesses: no case listed. Skip it if you play in G, C and F.
View Hohner Panther 3100FB FBbEb Diatonic Accordion on Amazon
3. Hohner ACES II 34-Button Accordion
A 34-button instrument with 12 bass buttons, three registers and two voices with MM tuning, supplied with a case and listed with aluminum and plastic materials. The title says FBbEb but a bullet says FBE, and the category rank sits under brass instruments, so confirm the key before ordering. The warranty is 90 days.
Suits: a player who wants registers. Strengths: 34 buttons and a case. Weaknesses: conflicting key data. Skip it if you want a plain two-voice model.
View Hohner ACES II 34-Button Accordion on Amazon
4. Horse 31-Key 3-Row GCF Diatonic Accordion
A 31-button, 12-bass diatonic accordion in G, C and F with two sets of treble reeds, a celluloid fingerboard and what the listing calls noise-damping technology. It comes with a suitcase box and an adjustable bass strap, weighs 4500 grams and carries a 1-year warranty.
Suits: cajun and folk tunes. Strengths: a suitcase and a 1-year warranty. Weaknesses: a lesser-known brand. Skip it if you want a Hohner.
View Horse 31-Key 3-Row GCF Diatonic Accordion on Amazon
5. Rowadtim 34-Key 60-Bass Piano Accordion
A piano accordion with 34 keys and 60 bass buttons, weighing 20 pounds, with a backpack-style case and straps. The maker lists lambskin bellows and a reinforced frame, and says it suits home practice and classroom teaching. Those are the maker’s claims.
Suits: piano players. Strengths: 60 bass buttons and a backpack. Weaknesses: heavy at 20 pounds. Skip it if you prefer a lighter instrument.
View Rowadtim 34-Key 60-Bass Piano Accordion on Amazon
6. Abubu 34-Key GCF Accordion
A 34-key, 12-bass accordion in G, C and F with three switches, Italian-style trim and a hard case. The bullets call it handcrafted, and the maker lists adjustable hand and shoulder straps. The listing weight is 9.84 kg and the warranty is 30 days.
Suits: a decorative look with a case. Strengths: three switches and a hard case. Weaknesses: a short warranty and heavy. Skip it if you want a lighter build.
View Abubu 34-Key GCF Accordion on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Adjust the straps before you pull the bellows open.
- Store the accordion in its case, upright and dry.
- Wipe the keys or buttons with a soft cloth.
- Do not force the bellows past their reach.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a key set that does not match the music you want to play.
- Ignoring the weight when you plan to stand and play.
- Skipping the warranty length on the listing.
- Choosing a toy accordion for adult playing.
Accordion FAQ
Diatonic or piano?
Diatonic models have buttons and play a limited set of keys. The Rowadtim has a piano layout.
Do they come with a case?
The ACES II, Horse, Rowadtim and Abubu list a case or suitcase. The Panther listings list straps.
The Short Version
For a method book, the Hohner Panther GCF. For F, Bb and Eb, the Panther FBbEb. For registers and a case, the ACES II. For a suitcase, the Horse. For a piano layout, the Rowadtim. For a hard case and decor, the Abubu.
