Accordion Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Instruments
Which parcel services does Costa Instruments use for shipping? DHL, express, or freight forwarder?
For packages within Germany, we prefer to work with DHL. Items with the status "In stock" are reliably delivered within one to two business days. Shipping damages are extremely rare.
For those in a hurry, you can also have your order delivered via DHL Express for an additional fee. Simply add a note requesting DHL Express in your order comments. DHL Express offers scheduled delivery worldwide within 3-5 days, depending on the destination of your shipment. Delivery to recipients in cities within Europe even takes place the following day.
Are the products checked before shipment?
When we receive goods from our suppliers, we check all cardboard packaging for shipping or packing errors, and our quality assurance department carries out random inspections for processing quality and defects.
All of our used instruments are technically inspected once more before shipment!
How can I pay for my order?
The following payment methods are available for your order:
Please note that the available payment options may vary depending on the delivery country.
Credit card: Payment via Visa or Mastercard. The amount will only be charged upon shipment.
PayPal: Fast and secure payment via your PayPal account.
Klarna – Installment payment: Three interest-free installments. The first installment is due upon ordering, the others after 30 and 60 days.
SOFORT: Direct online transfer via your usual online banking. Amount and recipient are pre-filled – simply confirm with PIN and TAN.
SEPA direct debit: The invoice amount will be conveniently debited from your bank account. The debiting occurs upon shipment.
Can I pay in installments?
Pay with Klarna in 3 interest-free installments. The first installment is charged at the time of purchase. The remaining two payments will be automatically charged in 30 and 60 days, respectively.
PayPal also offers the option to pay in installments.
How does it work? Proceed to checkout as normal. Select Klarna or PayPal as your payment method. The service provider, Klarna or PayPal, will then ask you to log in. After that, the option to pay in 3 installments (or similar) will appear. Select your preferred payment method.
Please note that the availability of installment payments depends on various factors – such as your country of residence, the order value, and the individual credit assessment by the respective payment provider.
How does customs clearance work for customers from non-EU countries?
Third countries are all countries that are NOT in the EU. Special regulations apply to Switzerland.
The following are in the EU: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus (Greek part). For some territories that belong to the EU politically, there are separate tax and customs regulations (e.g., Canary Islands, Channel Islands).
Shipping to third countries
For deliveries to third countries (non-EU countries), we charge net prices. In addition to the invoice, all necessary export customs documents are enclosed with the shipment. The customs authority in the destination country will charge the corresponding import duties (customs duties, taxes, etc.).
Import fees in the respective third country are to be borne by the customer.
FAQs Buying an accordion - Berlin
Which accordion is the right one for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend an accordion with 72 or 96 basses from a proven brand such as Hohner or Weltmeister. It should not be too heavy, should feel comfortable to hold, and should have been inspected by a professional. A high-quality used 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 you buy and receive free advice.
How much does an accordion cost?
That depends heavily on the 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 air leaks in the bellows, or notes do not sound right. That makes playing no fun at all!
What is the difference between 48, 72, 96, and 120 basses?
The number of basses indicates how many buttons are available on the left side (bass side). The more basses, the more notes and chords are available – but the instrument is also larger and heavier.
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 spectrum (approx. 10-12kg)
For most adults starting out, we recommend 72 or 80 basses.
Can I rent an accordion instead of buying one?
Yes. Costa Instruments offers a rental service for accordions – 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 most famous brand worldwide, reliable and widely used
Weltmeister (Germany): Solid quality, good price-performance ratio
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 inspected instruments from these brands – both new and used.
What is a Cassotto accordion?
A Cassotto is a special construction where the reed blocks are installed in a sound-dampening 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 without sticking
The bellows are airtight – no hissing or air loss when playing
All notes speak cleanly, no out-of-tune 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: Simply 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 and a button accordion?
With a piano accordion (also known as a 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 widespread 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 consultations, we always take physique and age into account.
How do I look after my accordion properly?
An accordion does not need intensive maintenance, but a few basic rules significantly extend its lifespan:
Do not store near heaters or in direct sunlight
Always keep in the case after playing
Do not leave the bellows open, do not dampen or clean them
Do not play keys and buttons with dirty or damp hands
Bring to a specialist workshop for maintenance every 2–3 years
Can I still learn the accordion as an adult?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our customers only start with the accordion in adulthood – some even in retirement. With regular practice (30 minutes a day), first melodies are possible after just a few weeks. A playable instrument from the start is important – a poor instrument makes learning unnecessarily difficult.
Which accordion is suitable for specific music 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 are 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
Re-tuning reeds: from 95 euros
Complete overhaul / general refurbishment: 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 for worldwide shipping. All instruments are inspected, 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 on the journey.
If you have questions before buying, 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, all of which you can play – without any 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.
German or Italian accordion
German and Italian accordion manufacturers are the most common brands found here in Germany. Brands such as Hohner and Scandalli are also very widespread and sought-after in other European countries. The differences between accordions can be roughly categorized as follows, although this can also vary slightly between manufacturers. Below, we compare Hohner (DE) with Scandalli (IT) to help distinguish between the respective schools of design.
Hohner
Hohner accordions from Germany are known for a clear, direct sound with strong projection. The reeds respond quickly and precisely – ideal for lively, rhythmic music. The sound is bright and assertive, making Hohner the first choice for folk music, Schrammelmusik, and traditional European styles.
In terms of workmanship, Hohner impresses with solid German craftsmanship, robust mechanics, and a wide availability of spare parts. Since Hohner is widespread globally, repairs are easily possible in most specialist shops – a clear advantage in everyday use.
Hohner is suitable for: folk music, Schrammelmusik, beginners and advanced players, and musicians looking for a reliable everyday instrument.
Scandalli
Scandalli originates from Castelfidardo, the hub of Italian accordion manufacturing, and is synonymous with a warm, round, and voluminous sound. The reeds are often hand-tuned and sound more nuanced and expressive than those on many German instruments. Many Scandalli models feature a cassotto chamber – a special design that makes the sound softer, more resonant, and jazzier.
The workmanship is more intricate and detailed: higher-quality materials, tighter mechanical tolerances, and a more refined aesthetic. This is reflected in the price. Repairs require more specialized expertise and are not possible in every workshop.
Scandalli is suitable for: jazz, classical music, musette, and demanding players with a corresponding budget.
