My other half has agreed to get me a button accordion for Christmas The problem is that I don't know which key to get, what price range is appropriate for a first instrument that I do intend to take to sessions, what to look out for etc. I already play a blackwood flute, and favourite tunes to play are jigs and reels if that helps you know what I'm after! Any advice gratefully received
Single row or double?
If double, chromatic or diatonic?
Which box players do you like? As a separate question, which box players have a style that feels like something you'd like to play? (I love Joe Derrane's playing, for example, but it's never occurred to me to want to play like that)
For some reason I think double.
Don't know the difference between chromatic and diatonic!
Don't really have any preferences in players - I don't really listen to recordings or go to gigs I just like to play or dance at ceilis. Thanks to many trips to the Fleadh Nua over the years (for the dancing mainly), I'd probably lean towards a Clare style.
The most common tuning system for two-row is B/C, followed by C#/D and distantly by D/D#.
B/C is less intuitive initially, because you have to play "across the rows" to get all the notes, but it allows a more fluid style, which is probably why it's become so popular. The C#/D is more obvious from the start, since you're playing "on the row" for the most part, and it typically leads to a more "choppy" sound, which I think of as more old-school and maybe more suited to a dance.
Bass layout is also a consideration. Do you want to play the basses? If so, there are a few configurations to consider there, especially if you're playing a B/C. (it gets complicated on the B/C, there's a few ways to go).
Once you know what tuning you want, you'll have to figure out what box you want, and there's a lot of choices there, but you might as well start with the tuning.
I'm not hugely bothered about bass at this point, partly because I don't have other box players around to learn from and it's something I don't already have experience of, being a fluter. I think B/C sounds the way to go if it's the most common. I'm sure I'll do fine with whatever I end up with, the key issue was my main concern, along with brands to avoid etc.
In that case, you have a pretty broad range to choose from. I'd settle on your budget first, because there is a wide range. If you've got a few grand, you could talk to this guy http://www.briggsaccordions.com/home.html
but there are some very good options at lower prices. I paid, if I remember right, $600 for my Hohner about eight years ago, used, and I'm still happy with it - I don't know if you can get that deal today, but it's one data point.
Yes to the Hohner. Always a good box to start but see if you can get it from a reputable dealer. A messy box can cause you a lot of trouble starting out. But anyone who deals in boxes will have a couple of used Hohners. Morgane sure but something else would be fine. I would not choose a C#D but a lot of people do so either BC or C#D. I don't know where you live but conforming to the local is not a bad idea. You will learn a lot more sitting by a good player if you have the same system.
I have a hohner button accordion for sale if you are interested. It is in excellent condition and suitable for a beginner. It is advertised here and on eBay.
Why not look @ www.boorinwoodmusic.com. They do a button one with 23 buttons, bass stopper with Italian reeds. 2 voice & the price doesn't really reflect the quality. bargain
Button accordion
Button accordion
My other half has agreed to get me a button accordion for Christmas
The problem is that I don't know which key to get, what price range is appropriate for a first instrument that I do intend to take to sessions, what to look out for etc. I already play a blackwood flute, and favourite tunes to play are jigs and reels if that helps you know what I'm after! Any advice gratefully received 
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by SineadE
Re: Button accordion
Single row or double?
If double, chromatic or diatonic?
Which box players do you like? As a separate question, which box players have a style that feels like something you'd like to play? (I love Joe Derrane's playing, for example, but it's never occurred to me to want to play like that)
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Button accordion
For some reason I think double.
Don't know the difference between chromatic and diatonic!
Don't really have any preferences in players - I don't really listen to recordings or go to gigs I just like to play or dance at ceilis. Thanks to many trips to the Fleadh Nua over the years (for the dancing mainly), I'd probably lean towards a Clare style.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by SineadE
Re: Button accordion
The most common tuning system for two-row is B/C, followed by C#/D and distantly by D/D#.
B/C is less intuitive initially, because you have to play "across the rows" to get all the notes, but it allows a more fluid style, which is probably why it's become so popular. The C#/D is more obvious from the start, since you're playing "on the row" for the most part, and it typically leads to a more "choppy" sound, which I think of as more old-school and maybe more suited to a dance.
Bass layout is also a consideration. Do you want to play the basses? If so, there are a few configurations to consider there, especially if you're playing a B/C. (it gets complicated on the B/C, there's a few ways to go).
Once you know what tuning you want, you'll have to figure out what box you want, and there's a lot of choices there, but you might as well start with the tuning.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Button accordion
I'm not hugely bothered about bass at this point, partly because I don't have other box players around to learn from and it's something I don't already have experience of, being a fluter. I think B/C sounds the way to go if it's the most common. I'm sure I'll do fine with whatever I end up with, the key issue was my main concern, along with brands to avoid etc.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by SineadE
Re: Button accordion
In that case, you have a pretty broad range to choose from. I'd settle on your budget first, because there is a wide range. If you've got a few grand, you could talk to this guy
http://www.briggsaccordions.com/home.html
but there are some very good options at lower prices. I paid, if I remember right, $600 for my Hohner about eight years ago, used, and I'm still happy with it - I don't know if you can get that deal today, but it's one data point.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Button accordion
Sadly I think the waiting list is 8 years long for Douggie Briggs's boxes otherwise I'd join it
get a B/C Hohner Morgane or a B/C Salterelle le Bouebe - far cheaper and both quite good enough to start on
good luck
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by millionyears_bc
Re: Button accordion
Maybe I should put myself down for one. It'd give me time to get the cash together...
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Button accordion
Thank you
I've passed all this on to the Mr... now just have to wait and see what I get!
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by SineadE
Re: Button accordion
Yes to the Hohner. Always a good box to start but see if you can get it from a reputable dealer. A messy box can cause you a lot of trouble starting out. But anyone who deals in boxes will have a couple of used Hohners. Morgane sure but something else would be fine. I would not choose a C#D but a lot of people do so either BC or C#D. I don't know where you live but conforming to the local is not a bad idea. You will learn a lot more sitting by a good player if you have the same system.
# Posted on December 10th 2011 by nfldbox
Re: Button accordion
Hi,
I have a hohner button accordion for sale if you are interested. It is in excellent condition and suitable for a beginner. It is advertised here and on eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290639087195?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649#ht_500wt_1054
The work has been done by a very well respected accordion tuner, Tom Lawlor from Tipperary. If you are interested, get in touch.
Thanks
# Posted on December 12th 2011 by reelkidmusic
Re: Button accordion
Thanks reelkid, but I think he's already sorted something for me - he doesn't like to hang around once a decision's been made!
# Posted on December 13th 2011 by SineadE
Re: Button accordion
Why not look @ www.boorinwoodmusic.com. They do a button one with 23 buttons, bass stopper with Italian reeds. 2 voice & the price doesn't really reflect the quality. bargain
# Posted on December 14th 2011 by accordianman