Accordions & Concertinas

Best Places to Buy Accordions & Concertinas in the US: A Shopper’s Guide to Top Models, Stores, and Buying Tips

Why Accordions and Concertinas Still Matter

Have you ever heard an accordion cut through a crowd and felt your feet start to tap? These squeezebox instruments pack personality and portability into a compact package, delivering everything from polka oom-pah to soulful tango lines. Whether you’re after a punchy button accordion, a classic piano accordion, or a sweet concertina for folk tunes, buying the right instrument can transform your playing and inspire practice sessions that don’t feel like work. In this guide I’ll walk you through where to shop, what to look for, and which models are earning consistent praise across US retailers.

Featured Model: Alacran 31 Button, 12 Bass — Walmart Listings

Walmart is one of the national retailers that lists several Alacran models, including the 31 Button 12 Bass variants in Red Pearl and Black finishes, and in different tunings (EAD and FBE). These budget-friendly options are aimed at beginners and hobbyists who want a complete package that often includes straps and a soft case. If you’re shopping at Walmart online, you’ll see variations like “Alacran 31 Button 12 Bass Button Accordion Ead With Straps And Case Red Pearl” listed alongside black and alternate-tuning models. They’re an accessible entry point if you’re curious about button-style accordions without committing a large budget.

Big-Name Music Retailers: What They Offer

Major music retailers tend to stock a broad range, from entry-level instruments to professional-grade gear. Stores like Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, and Sam Ash are go-to destinations for players who want reliable service, expert advice, and a wider selection of brands. Sweetwater especially is known for excellent customer support and detailed product descriptions, while Guitar Center and Sam Ash give you the option to try certain models in-store if you have a location nearby. Musician’s Friend often bundles accessories and can be a good source for package deals.

Sweetwater: Expert Advice and Service

Sweetwater caters to serious players with a focus on customer support and after-sale service. They often provide thorough product notes, audio demos, and knowledgeable sales engineers who can advise on reed types, bellows count, and fit for different musical styles. If you want help deciding between a 31-button diatonic and a full chromatic instrument, Sweetwater’s chat and phone consults are very useful.

Guitar Center & Sam Ash: Try Before You Buy

If hands-on testing matters to you, Guitar Center and Sam Ash are your best bets for physically trying models. Not every store will carry every accordion, but these chains often stock popular piano and beginner button accordions so you can check weight, strap comfort, and bellows response before committing. Think of the store as a dress rehearsal for your musical journey.

Online Marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and Reverb

Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Reverb expand your options dramatically. Amazon lists a variety of beginner models and brand-name instruments; eBay can be a treasure trove if you’re hunting vintage or used concertinas; Reverb specializes in musical instruments and is a great place for used gear with seller ratings and detailed descriptions. These platforms are handy if you know what you want and want price comparisons at your fingertips.

Pros and Cons of Buying Online

Shopping online is convenient and lets you compare specs and prices quickly, but you’ll sacrifice the “touch and feel” test. Read listings carefully: check the number of bass buttons (12 bass vs. 120 bass changes the range dramatically), the number of treble buttons or piano keys, and whether the sale includes a case and straps. Also look for detailed photos and seller feedback to avoid surprises.

Piano vs. Button Accordions vs. Concertinas: Quick Comparison

Choosing between piano accordions, button accordions, and concertinas depends on your musical goals. Piano accordions use a keyboard similar to a piano’s right hand and tend to be familiar to pianists and keyboardists. Button accordions (like the Alacran 31-button models) offer compact layouts and fast fingering for certain folk and regional styles. Concertinas are smaller, often hexagonal, and shine in folk and maritime tunes. Which one feels right? Imagine a toolbox: each instrument is a different tool—some jobs need a hammer (piano accordion), others a fine chisel (concertina).

Typical Weights and Size (Imperial Units)

Weight matters when you’re standing at a gig or carrying gear between rehearsals. Expect smaller diatonic or concertina instruments to weigh around 6 to 12 pounds, mid-size button accordions to range from 12 to 18 pounds, and larger piano accordions or professional models to tip the scales at 20 to 30 pounds or more. Bellows size and strap comfort play into how heavy an instrument feels, so be realistic about what you can carry for a 2-hour set.

Key Features to Check Before Buying

Narrowing down an accordion purchase means focusing on a handful of practical features. First, check the number of bass buttons and their layout; 12-bass models are compact and great for folk roots, while 120-bass systems offer orchestral depth. Next, examine reed quality and whether reeds are replaceable or tuned. Look at the bellows material, button or keyboard action, strap attachments, and included accessories like cases and shoulder straps. And don’t forget tuning: different tunings like EAD or FBE can change which songs come naturally under your fingers.

Case, Straps, and Accessories

Many retailers bundle economy accordions with soft cases and basic straps, which is fine for starters. If you travel frequently or gig, consider upgrading to a rigid case or heavy-duty straps to protect the instrument and relieve shoulder strain. Stores like Sweetwater and Guitar Center frequently list accessory bundles; alternatively, check Amazon and Musician’s Friend for third-party cases, straps, and humidifiers sold separately.

Budget Ranges and What to Expect

Price categories generally break down into beginner, intermediate, and professional. Beginner models—like some Alacran variants found at big-box retailers—typically start in the low hundreds and are fine for learning and casual playing. Intermediate instruments with better reeds, more bass buttons, and durable bellows push into the mid-hundreds to low thousands. Professional accordions from established makers can cost several thousand dollars and are built for stage and studio reliability. Think of budget as an investment in how often you plan to play and the level you want to reach.

Where to Find the Best Deals

To find the best price, compare listings across Walmart, Amazon, Sweetwater, and Reverb, and watch for seasonal sales like Black Friday or Memorial Day promotions. If you’re comfortable with used gear, eBay and Reverb often have well-priced options. Keep in mind warranty coverage and return windows—sometimes a slightly higher pre-sale price is worth the security of a return policy or professional setup included by the seller.

Buying Used: Tips for Secondhand Accordions

Buying a used accordion is a great way to get higher quality for your budget, but it requires a careful eye. Inspect bellows for leaks and check reed response across registers. If you can’t test in person, ask for a video showing each button or key played, and for close-up photos of the bellows and reed blocks. Sellers should disclose repairs or modifications. Reputable marketplaces like Reverb and eBay provide seller ratings and often detailed listings—use those tools to reduce risk.

What to Ask the Seller

Before buying used, ask about the instrument’s history: how often it was played, if it’s stored in a humid or dry environment, and whether it has had any reed replacements. Ask for a serial number or maker details if possible so you can verify authenticity. Also confirm which accessories are included to avoid surprises at delivery.

Maintenance and Care: Keep the Bellows Singing

Regular maintenance keeps an accordion sounding its best. Wipe the exterior after use, store it in a case when not in use, and keep it away from extreme humidity or heat. If you notice sticky buttons or weak reeds, don’t panic—many issues are fixable by a qualified technician. For players, routine checkups every 1–3 years make sense, depending on how often you play. Think of maintenance like routine oil changes for a car: modest cost, big payoff in longevity.

DIY Care Tips

You can handle basic upkeep yourself: keep bellows folds clean and free of dust, tighten loose straps, and avoid dropping the instrument. Consider a soft cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner for the exterior. Never spray liquids directly on the instrument—apply cleaners to a cloth first. If a reed needs tuning or a pad needs replacement, consult a professional to avoid accidental damage.

Which Store Should You Choose? A Handy Decision Flow

Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple mental flow: if you want expert guidance and a strong return policy, prioritize Sweetwater or Musician’s Friend. If you want to try instruments in person, head to Guitar Center or Sam Ash. If you’re buying on a tight budget and want convenient pickup or in-store return, Walmart online listings or Amazon are sensible options. For vintage finds and used bargains, check Reverb and eBay. Each store fulfills a different need—think of them like specialized workshops rather than a one-size-fits-all shop.

Final Practical Checklist Before Purchase

Before you click “buy,” check these essentials: number of basses, right-hand layout (piano keys vs. buttons), tuning (e.g., EAD, FBE), weight in pounds, included accessories, warranty terms, and whether the retailer offers service or setup. This checklist helps you avoid buyer’s remorse and ensures the instrument you choose will match your musical goals.

Conclusion

Buying an accordion or concertina is an exciting step into a world of rich rhythm and melodic color. Whether you’re tempted by the Alacran 31 Button 12 Bass options listed at Walmart, seeking expert help at Sweetwater, trying instruments at Guitar Center, or hunting used gems on Reverb and eBay, there’s a path that fits your budget and playing ambitions. Focus on the features that matter to you—button layout, bass range, weight in pounds, and build quality—listen to demos when possible, and don’t shy away from asking sellers detailed questions. With a little research and hands-on testing, you’ll find an instrument that not only sounds great but makes you want to play every day.