Better model better performance?

[Random Johnny]

Since I got a good accordion my development has improved. I am not yet consistent when I play, but the accordion is. He knows the way. I'm not behind the wheel yet. The felt was recently replaced and I played a lower quality accordion for 8 weeks and could really tell the difference. Less sound quality, different response from the buttons, less air and ultimately less love and gratitude on my part. In my case, the better accordion certainly provides motivation and makes me want to play. Sometime in the future I'll take the wheel and...

 

[Gkjazzwecan]

Does owning a better brand / model will make you play better?
Yes and No

Yes
Some models have some advantages. On keys such as shallow key pushing distance. Better sound. Better response. A better instrument will motivate you to work on music more. You dont want to work on a rubbish condition instrument. So you must have a decent, working one at least.

No
Art is what YOU do, not the instrument does. Its your ability and your work, showing in the end. So having a better model will not change that. An instrument is a tool to express your ideas and feelings. No need to be obsessed about having a super famous model.

Of course owning a better accordion has advantages but in my opinion that is more important once you are on a advanced level. First things first it takes some years to develop a good technique. Repetitions over repetitions will train your muscle memory and make you able to master a accordion. Fast and good reed response and a tight instrument with superior mechanics will come into play when you really start playing music

 

[JerryPH]

The way I kind of look at it... if I give you a 1970 Yugo and ask you to do 10 races in a row down a quarter mile drag strip, then give you a Ferrari, and your times are the same... you are not ready for the Ferrari. If your times improve, it is likely time to upgrade.... unless you don't want to.

A similar concept can be used for accordions. If you are a beginner and your playing is the same on a low end and high end accordion, you are not ready, but if you are constantly bumping in to restrictions, unable to play notes that your accordion does not have, cannot do the fast runs as fast as you want, are missing functionality or sound that you feel you need, when you find your "race car" accordion, you are freed from restriction and definitely your playing will improve immensely... how can it not??

 

[dak]

Repetitions over repetitions will train your muscle memory and make you able to master a accordion.

So you end up with muscle memory that relies on mediocre reed response and does not distinguish fine points of pressure. And then you get to start all over once you get an accordion that gives you more precise feedback.

I can understand the rationale of not wanting to spend excessively before you are actually invested into the instrument. But it is optimizing your expected monetary investment, not your expected practice effort.

 

[murathan]

So you end up with muscle memory that relies on mediocre reed response and does not distinguish fine points of pressure. And then you get to start all over once you get an accordion that gives you more precise feedback.

I can understand the rationale of not wanting to spend excessively before you are actually invested into the instrument. But it is optimizing your expected monetary investment, not your expected practice effort.

Actually given hours never get wasted. You adjust to the new situations about 6 months max. But I like the mediocre response and easy music on my Hohner Bravo and Amica.

 

[Ffingers]

First: Define "better".
The number of banks of reeds is only "better" if their quality, tuning is 'better'.
Likewise, the whole of the rest of the instrument has to be 'better' in all respects, including the sounds it produces.
A lighter instrument with better action, better tonal qualities is probably the 'best' instrument for a beginner of any age; poor sounds and difficult mechanicals will always be discouraging of more consistent learning and practice for the more musically gifted student.

 

[Dingo40]

First: Define "better".

Probably, it's better if you'd have it in preference to the one you already have!

 

[murathan]

Better is better

 

[dak]

Probably, it's better if you'd have it in preference to the one you already have!

"In preference"? What is this, Survivor?

 

[Tom]

Not to mention the better sound for your audience. Now that I have my repertoire more dialed in for the summer (see “40 songs for 3 hours,” including Saints go Marching thank you) I can think about accordions. I’m going to try my bigger, better 4/5 41/120 although I doubt I can stand for 3 hours. I won’t say it’s easier or better playing but the sound is certainly improved over the 3/4 and I think will be a “better” sound for the audience. Maybe it has better or better tuned reeds I don’t know.

Btw we have an influx of former climate change deniers moving up here now, raising everyone’s prices, maybe I gotta go norteño. Speaking of which, the housecleaning staff at the hotel I was at were playing…..accordion music. Love it! But I digress…..

 

[dak]

I’m going to try my bigger, better 4/5 41/120

Just as a quick aside: bigger does not mean better. One of the worst accordions I had was a perfectly tuned 4/4 41/120 piano accordion: I got it with the rationale that it was way cheaper than getting my preexisting 4/5 37/96 PA tuned. Sold it at a loss and got the 37/96 tuned after all. And the 37/96 was not even having anything like hand-made reeds. Ultimately gave it to a niece. Paid more for a 2/4 46/80 CBA later than I did for the 4/4 41/120 PA, and with good reason. Had a 3/4 120/41 "lady size" PA once that was a lyric alto on its M reed. Only sold it because there was no point in keeping a piano accordion. Way better than the larger 41/120.

An accordion must convince me on a single reed. I'd rather have one superb register than 11 mediocre ones.

 

[Tom]

Just as a quick aside: bigger does not mean better. One of the worst accordions I had was a perfectly tuned 4/4 41/120 piano accordion: I got it with the rationale that it was way cheaper than getting my preexisting 4/5 37/96 PA tuned. Sold it at a loss and got the 37/96 tuned after all. And the 37/96 was not even having anything like hand-made reeds. Ultimately gave it to a niece. Paid more for a 2/4 46/80 CBA later than I did for the 4/4 41/120 PA, and with good reason. Had a 3/4 120/41 "lady size" PA once that was a lyric alto on its M reed. Only sold it because there was no point in keeping a piano accordion. Way better than the larger 41/120.

An accordion must convince me on a single reed. I'd rather have one superb register than 11 mediocre ones.

Fortunately the bigger accordion has 9 beautiful reeds. Only issue is weight.

 

[Ffingers]

Fortunately the bigger accordion has 9 beautiful reeds. Only issue is weight.

Only 4 and a half notes??

 

[breezybellows]

Not to mention the better sound for your audience. Now that I have my repertoire more dialed in for the summer (see “40 songs for 3 hours,” including Saints go Marching thank you) I can think about accordions. I’m going to try my bigger, better 4/5 41/120 although I doubt I can stand for 3 hours. I won’t say it’s easier or better playing but the sound is certainly improved over the 3/4 and I think will be a “better” sound for the audience. Maybe it has better or better tuned reeds I don’t know.

Btw we have an influx of former climate change deniers moving up here now, raising everyone’s prices, maybe I gotta go norteño. Speaking of which, the housecleaning staff at the hotel I was at were playing…..accordion music. Love it! But I digress…..

Do you always stand and play? I can never stand and play. My accordions have gotten much bigger. With properly fitted straps, the right didn't bother me as much. But I have to sit down. I won't last five minutes standing up.

 

[Tom]

Do you always stand and play? I can never stand and play. My accordions have gotten much bigger. With properly fitted straps, the right didn't bother me as much. But I have to sit down. I won't last five minutes standing up.

I prefer to stand and play. I’m fine with the lighter accordion but would (will) have more of a challenge with the heavier. I may sit for some time. Best of luck to you!

 

[Tom]

Only 4 and a half notes??

Super light weight . I only play the One Note Samba.

 

[Rosie C]

I’m going to try my bigger, better 4/5 41/120 although I doubt I can stand for 3 hours.

I certainly couldn't and that would be only with a 48 bass.