Collection: Accordions buy in Berlin

Which accordion is right for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend an accordion with 72 or 96 basses from a trusted brand such as Hohner or Weltmeister. It should not be too heavy, should feel comfortable in the hands, and should have been inspected by a professional. A used quality instrument is often a better choice than a cheap new one – because the sound and build quality are significantly better. At Costa Instruments in Berlin, you can play all instruments before purchasing and receive free advice.

How much does an accordion cost?

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

Beginner accordion (used, inspected): 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 do not sound right. This takes the fun out of playing!

What is the difference between 48, 72, 80, 96, and 120 basses?

The number of basses indicates how many buttons are on the left side (bass side). The more basses, 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 in weight)
96 bass: Instrument for most players (approx. 8-10kg in weight)
120 bass: Professional variant, full range of notes (approx. 10-12kg in weight)

For most adults starting out, we recommend 72 or 80 basses.

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 terms.

What are the best accordion brands?

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

Hohner (Germany): The best-known brand worldwide, reliable and widespread
Scandalli (Italy): Professional quality, warm sound
Paolo Soprani (Italy): Classic Italian craftsmanship
Brandoni, Borsini, Giulietti (Italy): High-quality professional instruments

At Costa Instruments, we stock inspected instruments from these brands – both new and used.

What is a Cassotto accordion?

A Cassotto is a special construction method where the reed blocks are installed in a sound-absorbing chamber (the Cassotto). This produces 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 do not stick
The bellows are airtight – no hissing or air loss when playing
All notes speak cleanly, no detuned reeds
The instrument has been inspected 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 in person what you need to look out for.

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

With a piano 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 with no 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 body type and age into account.

How do I properly care for my accordion?

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

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

Can I still learn to play the accordion as an adult?

Yes, absolutely. Many of our customers only start playing the accordion in adulthood – some even in retirement. With regular practice (30 minutes daily), you can play your first melodies after just a few weeks. It is important to have a playable instrument from the start – a poor instrument makes learning unnecessarily difficult.

Which accordion is suitable for specific musical styles?

Folk music: Hohner, Weltmeister – 96 or 120 bass

Jazz: Scandalli, Curtini, Brandoni, Borsini, Paolo Soprani, Bulgari - softer 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 not sure which style suits you, we would be happy to advise you personally in our showroom.

How much does an accordion repair cost?

Costs depend on the damage. Typical repairs at Costa Instruments:

Adjusting an individual 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 is 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 to ship worldwide. All instruments are checked, cleaned, and adjusted to be 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 packed very well so that it is not damaged during transport.

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

Where can I buy and play an accordion in Berlin?

At Costa Instruments at Buchholzer Str. 9, 10437 Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. We have a showroom with inspected used and new instruments that you can all play – with no pressure to buy and with personal expert advice. Our workshop is right on-site. You can reach us via WhatsApp, phone, or the contact form on our website.