Dingo40 mentioned a 2 months of wages rule. Two months of wages in the past was a huge sum back in the 50's. That monthly income was enough to pay for a comfortable home, a new car and feed one's family. Today it takes a little more than triple that and a double income situation to roughly achieve those same goals... but that rule *could* easily work today.
Now, different people make different amounts, but using just an average number... let's randomly choose a salary of $2000US/month.
So... if we take that "2 months of wages pre-taxes" rule, that makes the budget $4000US. Even today, you're in to some very nice quality accordions, even being able to touch new V-accordion or mid-range acoustic accordion ranges... no, not top of the line, but easily new FR-4X or 3/4 reed, 96 bass accordion ranges with money to spare. Now, if one was really interested, spread that out over a year and it is easy to go a little higher, perhaps as high as the $6000 range. Save in advance a bit? Makes it more affordable. For these amounts, one is suddenly shot in to some very good quality accordions. Consider getting a used accordion, suddenly we are in to the high end or professional class for that $4000-$6000 range!
People say deals are hard to find... and I am sure if one is in a rush and looking in the wrong places, this is quite true. I've now three times found some basically incredible deals for some WONDERFUL accordions (and never come close to the "2-months of wages pre-tax" rule!), and skipped over a dozen or more for one reason or another... but the deals are out there.
Prepare in advance, save as you are preparing, research and learn what defines good vs not so good vs unacceptable based on YOUR NEEDS... never be in a rush, but when the moment arrives, don't hesitate.
Jerry