SteveBox
Well-known member
I was browsing the various Musictech accordions (just curious, no plans to buy). I noticed that they offer both French System and International System CBAs. As an example, here is a photo from their website, same model, but two different systems:

I have a general idea of the differences, but I have never found a description. Here is my impression:
French System:
I think the two small CBAs I own are both the French design.
My main questions are these:

I have a general idea of the differences, but I have never found a description. Here is my impression:
French System:
- Smaller buttons (14-15 mm), so a slightly more compact keyboard
- Often 4-rows, but 5-rows are also common
- Maybe a thumb groove for the four-finger style of playing
- Mushroom style bass buttons
- French Stradella, often 3+3
- Larger buttons (16-17mm), slightly larger keyboard
- Usually 5-rows
- Cylindrical bass buttons
- Normal Stradella, usually 2+4
I think the two small CBAs I own are both the French design.
My main questions are these:
- Has anyone had significant experience playing both systems or even own both systems?
- How difficult it is to switch between these if you play both types, especially adjusting to the different button sizes?
- If one has been playing one of these systems, is it best to avoid buying an additional accordion of the other type?
- Does either system have any significant advantages over the other?
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