Accordion FAQs - Buying in Berlin

Which accordion is right for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend an accordion with 72 or 96 bass from a proven brand like Hohner or Weltmeister. It should not be too heavy, fit well in your hands, and have been checked by a professional. A used quality instrument is often a better choice than a cheap new instrument – because the sound and craftsmanship are significantly better. At Costa Instruments in Berlin, you can try out all instruments before buying and receive free advice.

How much does an accordion cost?

That depends heavily on size, brand, and condition. A rough guide:

Beginner accordion (used, checked): 700 – 1,200 Euros
Mid-range (72–96 bass, Hohner, Weltmeister, Italian brands): 1,200 – 2,500 Euros
Professional accordion (120 bass, Cassotto, Italian brands): 2,500 – 6,000 Euros

We advise against used accordions under 400 Euros. They are often out of tune, have pressure loss in the bellows, or notes don't sound right. That makes playing no fun!

What is the difference between 48, 72, 96, and 120 bass?

The number of bass buttons indicates how many buttons are on the left side (bass side). The more bass buttons, the more notes and chords are available – but also the larger and heavier the instrument.

48 Bass: Small, light, ideal for children
72 - 80 Bass: Good for beginners and advanced players (approx. 6kg)
96 Bass: Instrument for most players (approx. 8-10kg)
120 Bass: Professional variant, full tonal range (approx. 10-12kg)

For most adults starting new, we recommend 72 or 80 bass.

Can I rent an accordion instead of buying one?

Yes. Costa Instruments offers an accordion rental service – ideal for beginners who want to get to know the instrument before making a larger investment. The minimum rental period is 6 months. Contact us via WhatsApp or phone for current conditions.

What are the best accordion brands?

The most renowned accordion brands primarily come from Germany and Italy:

Hohner (Germany): The best-known brand worldwide, reliable and widely used
Weltmeister (Germany): Solid quality, good value for money
Scandalli (Italy): Professional quality, warm sound
Paolo Soprani (Italy): Classic Italian craftsmanship
Brandoni, Borsini, Giulietti (Italy): High-quality professional instruments

At Costa Instruments, we carry checked instruments from these brands – new and used.

What is a Cassotto accordion?

A Cassotto is a special construction in which the reeds are installed in a sound-absorbing chamber (the Cassotto). This results in a softer, rounder, warmer sound – typical for jazz and classical music. Cassotto accordions are generally more expensive and are aimed at advanced players. A good example from our range is the Paolo Soprani Cassotto 120 Bass.

How do I recognize a good used accordion?

You should pay attention to these points when buying a used accordion:

All keys and buttons respond evenly and without sticking
The bellows are airtight – no hissing or air loss when playing
All notes respond cleanly, no out-of-tune reeds
The instrument has been checked and adjusted by a professional
There is a warranty or at least a right of return

If you are unsure: Just come to our showroom in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. We will explain to you on site what you need to look out for.

What is the difference between a piano accordion and a button accordion?

With a piano accordion (also called keyboard accordion), there are piano keys on the right side – just like on a piano. It is more intuitive for people who already play the piano.

With a button accordion, there are small round buttons instead of keys. This variant offers more notes in a smaller space and is common in many Eastern European countries. For beginners without prior knowledge, we generally recommend the piano accordion.

How heavy is an accordion?

The weight varies depending on the size:

48-bass accordion: approx. 5–7 kg
72-bass accordion: approx. 7–9 kg
96-bass accordion: approx. 9–11 kg
120-bass accordion: approx. 10–13 kg

For children and smaller adults, weight is an important factor in the choice. In our consultation, we always take into account body type and age.

How do I properly care for my accordion?

An accordion does not require intensive care, but a few basic rules significantly extend its lifespan:

Do not store near heaters or in direct sunlight
Always store in the case after playing
Do not leave the bellows open, do not dampen or clean
Do not play keys and buttons with dirty or damp hands
Bring to a specialist workshop for maintenance every 2–3 years

Can you still learn the accordion as an adult?

Yes, absolutely. Many of our customers start playing the accordion as adults – some even in retirement. With regular practice (30 minutes daily), first melodies are possible within a few weeks. It is important to have an easily playable instrument from the start – a poor instrument makes learning unnecessarily difficult.

Which accordion is suitable for certain music styles?

Folk music: Hohner, Weltmeister – 96 or 120 bass

Jazz: Scandalli, Curtini, Brandoni, Borsini, Paolo Soprani, Bulgari - soft sound preferred

Tango: Bandoneon (a separate instrument)

Classical: Large accordion with 120 bass, good tuning

Musette / French style: Special Musette tuning depending on the model

If you are unsure which style suits you: We will be happy to advise you personally in our showroom.

How much does an accordion repair cost?

The costs depend on the damage. Typical repairs at Costa Instruments:

Adjusting a single key or button: from 40 Euros
Retuning reeds: from 95 Euros
Complete overhaul / general revision: from 1000 Euros

For an accurate estimate, simply bring the instrument to our workshop in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg – the diagnosis costs 20€ and will be credited if the work is carried out.

Can I also buy my accordion online from Costa Instruments?

Yes. Our online shop at costa-instruments.com is ready for worldwide shipping. All instruments are checked, cleaned, and set up ready to play in our Berlin workshop before shipping. We ship securely packaged to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and many other countries worldwide.

It is important that the accordion is very well packaged so that it is not damaged during transport.

If you have any questions before purchasing, you can reach us anytime via WhatsApp.

Where can I buy and try out an accordion in Berlin?

At Costa Instruments at Buchholzer Str. 9, 10437 Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. We have a showroom with checked used and new instruments that you can all try out – without sales pressure and with personal expert advice. Our workshop is directly on site. You can reach us via WhatsApp, phone, or the contact form on our website.