This accordion is made for simple tunes with simple, major key harmonies. This guy shows how a really expert player can play more sophisticated melodies with more complicated harmonies on this instrument. And that is somehow supposed to encourage beginners to start playing?
The small accordions sound better acoustically with nothing blocking the sound on the inside. They are the absolute best for studio recording with their rich sound. And you can play minor chords on the bass side by alternating the bass notes that share the chords like c minor shares the g note and d minor shares the A note.
I have a 8 bass accordion. It doesn't sound perfectly and I'm limited to play because of the size, but I still love it! The accordion is a beautiful instrument
Dobrý den já mám 8 basovou a hrajikolem 250 písniček,lidových.Přidám víc prstů i 4 prsty a je to hezké.Basy nepoužívám ponevač čtvrtým prstem taktuji jako basů je to zajímavé ale krásné Každý obdivuje🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thinking about purchasing something like this for my mother--she is a master accordionist in the Gospel style, and has been playing since she was five years old in the church. But at seventy-five she has injuries to one shoulder joint and I think something this lighter weight would definitely be adaptable. Good demonstration!
Hi! So, I think she'll enjoy a 12 bass but ideally I would find her a 48 bass. Still very light but it opens up a much wider range of playing, especially if she's been playing for a while. Again, she'd enjoy a 12 bass, but may be limited.
You sound great! Thanks for sharing this video. I recently bought a 12 button and I’m so excited to try it out, especially being able to really move (and even dance!) while playing, which just isn’t as possible with the standard size. Thanks again for the beautiful playing, helpful info and all-around inspiration!
I LOVE THIS THING! But two things to keep in mind, especially for new players: 1. You won't be able to play minor chords on your left hand. 2. The limited range (Bb F C G D A) may make it tough to play some songs without transposing them first, which is difficult to do. Beginners, consider a 48 or 72-bass accordion.
Moshe, I'm totally mind-blown from the way you teach things in your videos. This is a brilliant example. I know little about you yet, since I've started playing the accordion just recently. However, I play multiple instruments, some, as the piano, on quite an advanced level (the Richter harmonica is another one), so instruments are not exactly something I were new in. Plus, I'm a professional teacher and I do music lessons as well. The more I can't stress enough how brilliant I find your method of catching up absolute newbies as much as advanced folks like me when it comes to music theory and handling a claviature. Looking forward to see more of your stuff! Best regards!
Love your passionate playing. Your love for the instument clearly shows and is quite inspiring. Don't know why this came up in my feed, but you almost got me tempted to give accordeon a try myself. Haha 😅
I have a small 25 treble key, 18 bass note, Japanese Tombo accordion this size (it has a third row for minor chords) and love it way more than I ever did my full size accordion. I wish it had more voices (I am stuck with only one clean sound) and also a few more bass buttons, but I wouldn’t trade the compact size for anything.
I have followed you since your “Prenzlauerberg” Accordion Tutorials….Absolutely Wonderful..Sad the “Falling Slowly” and “Prenzlauerberg” Tutorials are no longer available…Loved watching and re-watching them….
Me too ! I used to watch over and over again Moshe dance around what looked to be maybe his bedroom with the little red accordion with the most beautiful musette sound.
I just picked up one of these on eBay for $177US, including shipping, and can't wait for it to arrive. My pre-war 120 bass Wurlitzer that I inherited from my grandmother is just too heavy for me with my shoulder arthritis.
Let me share my experience with free reed aerophones in context of portability. 1. Piano accordions There are quite a few popular small models with 12, 24, 32, 48, 60 and 72 basses, old and new, from 2.7 (12 bass single reed 1/2 slim keys) to 7.2 kg (72 bass, LMM reeds). I personally have Hohner Bravo II 60 bass (MM, 5.1 kg, 1/2 sized) -- which is my to-go for events, where I can't bring bigger accordions or have to move around a lot. Nice sound and full set of chords in all keys I need for singing. Note on 12 bass accordions -- one might want to mute the 3rds on the chord row with a tape, so they pass for both major and minor chords. 12 basses are very limiting in combination with just 2 octave right hand (or singing), so I definitely recommend novices to start with 32/48/60 bass accordions instead. 2. Button accordions Basically same as piano accordions, but shorter, because buttons. C-layout ones are usually heavier, than piano counterparts. There are Eastern European bayans with B-layout, there are quite light and small versions of them. In shops I've seen small free bass button accordions, but I didn't experience anyone bringing it to events or playing traditional accordion music, so no comments here. 3. vAccordions Roland makes several vAccordions -- essentially MIDI controllers with internal synth module and speakers, powered by AA NiMH batteries. I own FR-1X (1/2 size) and FR-4X (3/4 size) and have two notes: first, the expression is very difficult to control, because buttons don't open valves, and second -- the sound quality from real accordion is better because of limitations of portable speakers (though, if you plan to amplify it, vAccordion with line out might be a better choice). On the plus side, they can play many accordion types sounds, aren't limited in number of reeds, can transpose, can have free bass and can play different instrument sounds, including drums on left hand, and can use MIDI out to control external devices, like auto-arrangers. 4. Diatonic accordions aka melodeons They play in certain keys (C, D/G, C/F, B/C, G/C/F, B/C/C#), and are usually bisonoric (different notes on pull and push). Even more limiting, than 12-bass piano accordion (for D/G it's usual to have only 8 bass buttons), but allow for very neat performance tricks with bellows change. They are very fitting for folk music, and are mostly quite light and small (I have Hohner Erica in C/F, which is 2.7 kg and half size of Hohner Bravo II). There is Eastern European garmoshka/garmon, which is on par with Western melodeons, but usually feature more bass buttons, which positively improves versatility (although be warned, that both unisonoric and bisonoric, diatonic and chromatic instruments may go by this name). 5. Concertinas Anglo are bisonoric, English are unisonoric. Concertinas have high pitched single-reed buttons (unless it's a baritone concertina) on both hands. Quite small and light (around 1 kg), but have odd hexagonal shape so they take space a lot in backpacks. I have an English concertina and even played multi-fingered version of drunken sailor on it, but haven't learned it properly for now. There are duet concertinas, chemnitzer concertinas and bandoneons, as big and heavy as a piano accordion. I haven't seen anyone playing them at events I visited, so no comments either. 5. Melodicas Essentially, it's detached right hand of a piano accordion with one set of reeds, powered by blow. Around 1 kg, very portable (except length on 3-octave models), allow for neat expression techniques. Obviously, can't sing while playing. I have several different melodicas which I occasionally bring to events, where I don't plan to perform a lot, but still would like to play some music. 6. Mouth harmonicas Chromatic and diatonic, they are the smallest of all (diatonic are smaller, than a smartphone). Usually bisonoric. Allow for even more expression, than melodica, due to bending and stuff. Diatonic play chords easily, chromatic are quite fiddly in this regard. I've seen quite a few people playing guitar + harmonica combo with head holder. Fun fact -- melodeons and diatonic mouth harmonicas have very similar note layout. I have both chromatic and diatonic harmonica, but didn't get to learn any of those (yet :)
I just picked up a Horner 120 and Horner 12 bass older accordion today for a steal. Been wanting to learn to play them and I spent the first two hours I was home playing absolute nonsense on the 12 bass accordion and loved every minute of it. It has a super nice sound range and it’s light enough to play on all day long. I really hope I can learn to play corridos style music on it.
Definitely. The past couple of months I’ve started to learn allot of instruments. I’ve never been into making music or thought that I didn’t have what it took but I have lots of free time so I figured why not. I started with a 6 string acoustic guitar, realizing that the learning curve was hard and slow I decided I might as well pick up other instruments to learn simultaneously like a ukulele, acoustic bass, keyboard, bongos, didgeridoo (just for fun) and a few other things. I think the keyboard is going to help me allot with learning to use both hands on the accordion at the same time. Currently learning still Dre on it and it’s allot of fun when you get things right.
I have a 12 bass, too! So fun & light! Always plays happy music with only major notes! ❤️Lol! (I loved “Tradition” which you played near the end! Nice surprise not in this video’s description. Thank you!)
I had a 16 bass accordion years ago, it was my first one. What I used to do in order to get minors was hitting the bass note as usual (for the uhm) and then the 5th and the minor 3th also in the bass row (for the pah). If you want to play Cm you just need to press C with your finger 3, then the G is right above to touch it with your finger 2 and Eb is reachable with your finger 5. With that trick I had Dm, Gm, Cm and Fm and I was quite happy with it until a heavy storm got my accordion wet through the window and it became unusable.
Sweet! I recently bought a little 12 bass for $80 CAD. All the keys and buttons are in tune and the bellows are intact. The straps aren’t great but it’s lightweight and I like that. I haven’t played in over 50 years but I was able to quickly improv a simple waltz in C. My 7-YO granddaughter was so impressed. She can’t wait till her long summer visit so she can get her hands on it. If I can get half decent on this one, I’ll contact your friend in Vic for an inexpensive upgrade to a 72. Meanwhile, I’m having fun with this one.
Very nice! That is a really beautifully preserved little Hohner. An it has such a rich sound! Thank you for suggesting this for beginners! It is driving me nuts with people on facebook pages recommending 120 bass accordions for beginners. They are far too unwieldy, and will just drive people away from the instrument. Yeah sure, you won´t be limited by the number of basses, but how does that help when you can´t even play the instrument comfortably? In my opinion a 12 bass can be a good beginner accordion depending on what you want to play, but if you are planning to play something using a lot of minors (say, Eastern European folk music) then it will feel a bit too limiting - especially if you are not an experienced pianist, because doing the chords on the keyboard will be really advanced for you. I think a 40 bass is perfect for beginners: It is still very light weight, has major, minor and 7, and you can play anything using the thirds.
I have an old Hohner student II 12 bass that I bought for only $30, primarily because it reminded me of a 40s hohner Corona. I primarily play Lebanese and Syrian music so the bass isn't really used. I've since replaced all the metal hardware and straps with new recreations of the originals, except for the bass, bellow and shoulder straps I chose hohner brick red color. I started learning western songs this month and eventually I plan to replace the bass half of the accordion with that from a beater hohner student IV which is a 24 bass.
I started on a little Hohner 12- bass, and once you learn how to do open 5th minors and relative minors, they can play a surprising variety of music. Have fun!
I have an old ivory 12 base I taught my self how to play, left hand still needs work. It was the accordion my great aunt played in the family band when she was little and her dad bought it used so not sure how old it actually is but I was about 11 when I taught myself
This is a great demo! 💖 A friend has gifted me a 12 bass hohner mignon and I'd love to be able to play it like you. I'm an absolute beginner on the accordion, but have been playing chords on my uke for years (I like small instruments!) yes, not having the minor "pahs" is a slight inconvenience but on the other hand it's delightfully simple. You've encouraged me to have a go at this - thank you so much! Xx
Yes....12 bass would be enough for BACKING,such as my Scottish Dance Music,I regularly play.There it doesn't need 80 or 120 bass. A friend of mine has an extra row of groundbasses( replacing the deminished 6th chord.The advantage of that is,that you need not make far jumps.If I am right,..he uses the 3-2 basis system.
Yeah, I have a 12 bass to fill and back folk, country and other Americana stuff. When folks see a 12 bass they’re not expecting Lady of Spain, Flight of the Bumblebee, or the Skies of Paris, it fits the room. Also I’m no real accordion player so no one is disappointed.
Hi Ronen! I've been meaning to ask you a question if you've time for it. If you were playing a 72 bass model, how much flexibility do you think you'd be sacrificing? In other words, is there a bass-number option which covers the vast majority of what you play?
Hi! So 72 is a great sized accordion. You get every bass key, and the right hand keyboard tends to be large enough. If you are playing on "foreign" keys - F#, Db, etc. - you may want to consider a 120 bass, as it'll be easier to play those keys. Otherwise, 72,80, and 96 bass are great choices. accordionlove.com/how-to-buy-an-accordion/
@@moshezuchter Thanks Ronen! I just finished overhauling a 120 bass and I'm practicing a lot these days. It's a bit small for me (lady's model) and if I show enough devotion to playing the accordion I might consider buying a new one. Thanks for your reply and link, I'll watch the video.
I have a 120 button stradella bass accordion, and in the lowest register (love the bass!) the f in the chord system does not sound on the pull. I'm a noob, so g7 is a super important and common chord, but it's very flat without the seventh! Is it okay to pop out the pins, open it up and take a look at the reeds? I'm hoping the reed is just stuck, and it's an easy fix. I don't know if that will mess with the seal, or if you need some wax to fix it. Figured this is the place to ask! There are not any places close to me that do accordion repairs
Hey Matt, I've opened up my accordion before to have a look but don't have the courage to mess around in there. There are some helpful repair guides here: accordionrevival.com/ACCORDION_REPAIR1.php Have a look. Hope you find something useful 👍
I bought a 12 bass. And it sounded pretty. But the bass keys are so much harder to push down than my other accordions . So now its sitting in a resell it shop.
@@moshezuchter ok but the free bass system accordion is same as piano each button with only one note(no chord at all). This kind of accordion actually is design for classical music due to classical music often love to play broken chord.
Hi Ronan, I play guitar and piano, and recently I got interested in accordions. When I saw this video of yours I started to look in Marketplace and I found the same accordion (Hohner Student II N) that you have. My question is : how far the bellows of your accordion open in inches? I'm curious to compare because I was wondering if mine was opening at it's maximum. Thanks a lot. I really enjoy your videos.
Hi! So, I never open the bellows to their full length. If you watch my performances I stretch them out for a while, then back in. Pay attention and check that there are no *leaks*, that they hold air well, and that you like the sound the accordion makes.
Hi there! I am interested in learning the accordion, and the 12 bellow caught my eye because my left hand is kind of messed up. I have all my fingers, it’s just that they’re a little shorter and less dexterous. Should I get a 12 bass, or is it no easier than more basses? (Maybe I should go for more so I can have minor keys?)
If an accordion is left many years and not played but is stored in a dry clean environment does it require any work or servicing or will it generally be okay?
GENERALLY it should be okay, but always check for rotting, rust, mold. See how it smells, see if it leaks. My two 'new' accordions were left in a dry basement for 50 years without being played and didn't require any servicing. Just new straps.
When you get older a bigger accordian is just too heavy to handle. I'm in my seventies and haven't been playing long. I wouldn't like to try anything bigger than this.
It's not right for me anymore. After I discoveref the Delicia Junior 23 with 26 treble and 72 bass keys, 3 reed registers and 5 switches for the treble and 4 reeds and 2 switches for the bass... in 1998... I tracked down this one for 20 years and once I got one of these 26/72 small ones from Amazon during 2020 there is no turning back.
@@moshezuchter Except that my Junior 23 is only modestly larger than that 12-bass, just enough an upsize in dimensions to shoehorn in 72 bass buttons, the 5 treble registers and the 2 bass registers.
Absolute newbie here. Is 12 enough? I want something extremely portable for caroling. Looking at Hohner's Hohnica line. Do I go with the 12? Or is it worth it to get more? Any advice would be appreciated. You could call me an extremely casual player. Just want to learn for fun. And you sound great with 12!
Hi! So, as your first instrument - even as a beginner instrument - I'd suggest staying away from a 12-bass accordion. Go with a 48 bass, a 72 bass, or even a full-size 120 bass, though for caroling, 48 bass would be ideal. You'll find that you're quite limited with a 12 bass, since you'll only be able to play major chords. It'll be difficult to transition from a 12 bass to a larger accordion. Here's a lesson I did about it: accordionlove.com/course/what-size-accordion-should-i-get/ Let me know if you have questions.
@@moshezuchter Thank you so much! I watched the video you linked. I'm leaning towards the 48 bass with your advice. I guess my questions now would be: Are there alternate fingerings on a 48 bass that help to make up for what is missing? Like on the 12? One of the more complex songs I want to be able to learn play is the Coventry Carol. Do you think it would be possible/passable on a 48? Or Should I just bite the bullet and go 72? Up till now, my hesitation with the 72 is not so much intimidation at number of buttons, but moreso one of weight/size consideration. Plus I'm just starting out. I figure if I really like it I can get a fancy, full range model later. The more I write, the more I feel like I'm talking myself into the 48. But just wanted to get your opinion, or a second check of my thinking. If the 72 would just be better in the long run, I guess I'd do that.
@@SkyForgeVideos So, no alternate fingerings on a 48 bass. You get majors, minors, 7th, and diminished chords. You *are* missing some keys, though. So if your carols have the chord B or F#, or an Ab, you'll be out of luck. Hence the suggestion of a 60 or 72 bass. Same fingering, just some additional keys. 72 is an ideal size, too.
@@moshezuchter oh... Ok so it's possible just the opposite hand.. that's cool.. I play guitar and had a larger accordion years ago that I just basically used to add to music I recorded nothing crazy just fill in sounds .. but was thinking about getting a smaller one to do the same like yours Thanks
Why does it sound to me like you're starving the little accordion for air ? Most noticeable in weak bass, but sometimes even the bright treble notes fade out and die. I assume you don't have leaky bellows, and I know Hohner Student II's can really "sing", so it must be your style of expression.
I could play in my car so my wife won’t “stroke out”. She’s a bit “on the spectrum”. Do you have any suggestions for a digital version so that I could play with headphones? The Japanese ones are quite expensive.
This accordion is made for simple tunes with simple, major key harmonies. This guy shows how a really expert player can play more sophisticated melodies with more complicated harmonies on this instrument. And that is somehow supposed to encourage beginners to start playing?
The small accordions sound better acoustically with nothing blocking the sound on the inside. They are the absolute best for studio recording with their rich sound. And you can play minor chords on the bass side by alternating the bass notes that share the chords like c minor shares the g note and d minor shares the A note.
Well said!
I have a 8 bass accordion. It doesn't sound perfectly and I'm limited to play because of the size, but I still love it! The accordion is a beautiful instrument
An 8 bass?! So light-weight, but yes, so limiting.
Dobrý den já mám 8 basovou a hrajikolem 250 písniček,lidových.Přidám víc prstů i 4 prsty a je to hezké.Basy nepoužívám ponevač čtvrtým prstem taktuji jako basů je to zajímavé ale krásné Každý obdivuje🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I got exactly like this size SCANDALI Italian and you don't needed install microfonce because is very loudly and very clear and sound beautiful 🎉
Congrats!!
Thinking about purchasing something like this for my mother--she is a master accordionist in the Gospel style, and has been playing since she was five years old in the church. But at seventy-five she has injuries to one shoulder joint and I think something this lighter weight would definitely be adaptable. Good demonstration!
Hi! So, I think she'll enjoy a 12 bass but ideally I would find her a 48 bass. Still very light but it opens up a much wider range of playing, especially if she's been playing for a while.
Again, she'd enjoy a 12 bass, but may be limited.
This is just the kind of video I needed to see. Your performance of Hallelujah drove me close to tears with its beauty!
Thank you for listening 🙏
You sound great! Thanks for sharing this video. I recently bought a 12 button and I’m so excited to try it out, especially being able to really move (and even dance!) while playing, which just isn’t as possible with the standard size. Thanks again for the beautiful playing, helpful info and all-around inspiration!
Congrats!! Be sure to check out this free guide, too! accordionlove.com/course/12-bass-accordion/
I LOVE THIS THING! But two things to keep in mind, especially for new players:
1. You won't be able to play minor chords on your left hand.
2. The limited range (Bb F C G D A) may make it tough to play some songs without transposing them first, which is difficult to do.
Beginners, consider a 48 or 72-bass accordion.
Moshe, I'm totally mind-blown from the way you teach things in your videos. This is a brilliant example. I know little about you yet, since I've started playing the accordion just recently. However, I play multiple instruments, some, as the piano, on quite an advanced level (the Richter harmonica is another one), so instruments are not exactly something I were new in. Plus, I'm a professional teacher and I do music lessons as well. The more I can't stress enough how brilliant I find your method of catching up absolute newbies as much as advanced folks like me when it comes to music theory and handling a claviature.
Looking forward to see more of your stuff! Best regards!
Thank you!
awes ome! someone gave me one like this and i need to replace some reed valves. can't wait to busk with it
Love your passionate playing. Your love for the instument clearly shows and is quite inspiring. Don't know why this came up in my feed, but you almost got me tempted to give accordeon a try myself. Haha 😅
Ha. Awesome 😄
I have a small 25 treble key, 18 bass note, Japanese Tombo accordion this size (it has a third row for minor chords) and love it way more than I ever did my full size accordion.
I wish it had more voices (I am stuck with only one clean sound) and also a few more bass buttons, but I wouldn’t trade the compact size for anything.
That's such a great size, especially with the minor row :) Enjoy!
I have followed you since your “Prenzlauerberg” Accordion Tutorials….Absolutely Wonderful..Sad the “Falling Slowly” and “Prenzlauerberg” Tutorials are no longer available…Loved watching and re-watching them….
Me too ! I used to watch over and over again Moshe dance around what looked to be maybe his bedroom with the little red accordion with the most beautiful musette sound.
I just picked up one of these on eBay for $177US, including shipping, and can't wait for it to arrive. My pre-war 120 bass Wurlitzer that I inherited from my grandmother is just too heavy for me with my shoulder arthritis.
Sounds like a good deal! Enjoy!
Let me share my experience with free reed aerophones in context of portability.
1. Piano accordions
There are quite a few popular small models with 12, 24, 32, 48, 60 and 72 basses, old and new, from 2.7 (12 bass single reed 1/2 slim keys) to 7.2 kg (72 bass, LMM reeds).
I personally have Hohner Bravo II 60 bass (MM, 5.1 kg, 1/2 sized) -- which is my to-go for events, where I can't bring bigger accordions or have to move around a lot. Nice sound and full set of chords in all keys I need for singing.
Note on 12 bass accordions -- one might want to mute the 3rds on the chord row with a tape, so they pass for both major and minor chords. 12 basses are very limiting in combination with just 2 octave right hand (or singing), so I definitely recommend novices to start with 32/48/60 bass accordions instead.
2. Button accordions
Basically same as piano accordions, but shorter, because buttons. C-layout ones are usually heavier, than piano counterparts.
There are Eastern European bayans with B-layout, there are quite light and small versions of them.
In shops I've seen small free bass button accordions, but I didn't experience anyone bringing it to events or playing traditional accordion music, so no comments here.
3. vAccordions
Roland makes several vAccordions -- essentially MIDI controllers with internal synth module and speakers, powered by AA NiMH batteries.
I own FR-1X (1/2 size) and FR-4X (3/4 size) and have two notes: first, the expression is very difficult to control, because buttons don't open valves, and second -- the sound quality from real accordion is better because of limitations of portable speakers (though, if you plan to amplify it, vAccordion with line out might be a better choice).
On the plus side, they can play many accordion types sounds, aren't limited in number of reeds, can transpose, can have free bass and can play different instrument sounds, including drums on left hand, and can use MIDI out to control external devices, like auto-arrangers.
4. Diatonic accordions aka melodeons
They play in certain keys (C, D/G, C/F, B/C, G/C/F, B/C/C#), and are usually bisonoric (different notes on pull and push). Even more limiting, than 12-bass piano accordion (for D/G it's usual to have only 8 bass buttons), but allow for very neat performance tricks with bellows change. They are very fitting for folk music, and are mostly quite light and small (I have Hohner Erica in C/F, which is 2.7 kg and half size of Hohner Bravo II).
There is Eastern European garmoshka/garmon, which is on par with Western melodeons, but usually feature more bass buttons, which positively improves versatility (although be warned, that both unisonoric and bisonoric, diatonic and chromatic instruments may go by this name).
5. Concertinas
Anglo are bisonoric, English are unisonoric. Concertinas have high pitched single-reed buttons (unless it's a baritone concertina) on both hands. Quite small and light (around 1 kg), but have odd hexagonal shape so they take space a lot in backpacks.
I have an English concertina and even played multi-fingered version of drunken sailor on it, but haven't learned it properly for now.
There are duet concertinas, chemnitzer concertinas and bandoneons, as big and heavy as a piano accordion. I haven't seen anyone playing them at events I visited, so no comments either.
5. Melodicas
Essentially, it's detached right hand of a piano accordion with one set of reeds, powered by blow. Around 1 kg, very portable (except length on 3-octave models), allow for neat expression techniques. Obviously, can't sing while playing.
I have several different melodicas which I occasionally bring to events, where I don't plan to perform a lot, but still would like to play some music.
6. Mouth harmonicas
Chromatic and diatonic, they are the smallest of all (diatonic are smaller, than a smartphone). Usually bisonoric. Allow for even more expression, than melodica, due to bending and stuff. Diatonic play chords easily, chromatic are quite fiddly in this regard. I've seen quite a few people playing guitar + harmonica combo with head holder.
Fun fact -- melodeons and diatonic mouth harmonicas have very similar note layout.
I have both chromatic and diatonic harmonica, but didn't get to learn any of those (yet :)
Thanks for this,I just bought
Amazing information. Thank you for the worthy content and, of course, your enormous effort.
Wow! Thanks for ALL information!
"I really need all 120 bass buttons" . . . said nobody, ever.
I have a 10 bass accordion, which is very limiting. I use an octave pedal to extend its range.
Ooh, cool solution. Is it a digital accordion, or do you use a mic?
@@moshezuchter I use an electro voice mic.
I just picked up a Horner 120 and Horner 12 bass older accordion today for a steal. Been wanting to learn to play them and I spent the first two hours I was home playing absolute nonsense on the 12 bass accordion and loved every minute of it. It has a super nice sound range and it’s light enough to play on all day long. I really hope I can learn to play corridos style music on it.
Playing nonsense is the best way to start! Explore that accordion's sound and then start practicing technique 😃
Definitely. The past couple of months I’ve started to learn allot of instruments. I’ve never been into making music or thought that I didn’t have what it took but I have lots of free time so I figured why not. I started with a 6 string acoustic guitar, realizing that the learning curve was hard and slow I decided I might as well pick up other instruments to learn simultaneously like a ukulele, acoustic bass, keyboard, bongos, didgeridoo (just for fun) and a few other things. I think the keyboard is going to help me allot with learning to use both hands on the accordion at the same time. Currently learning still Dre on it and it’s allot of fun when you get things right.
Nice! I spent several days trying to decide what accordion to buy. This video sealed the deal for me. I just ordered a 12 bass! Great job! Thanks!
That's awesome, Bill! Enjoy!!
Wow, you are an absolutely FANTASTIC accordion teacher.
Thank you Linda!
Amazing demonstration of the possibilities of such a small accordion. Great selection of pieces, was a pleasure to listen to you!
Thank you for listening!
Sir - you are a musical genius - I love this!
You can really make that thing sing!! I wonder though if a beginner would soon become frustrated with the limitations.
I think so, John. I think a 48 bass would be a smarter choice for beginners.
What a beautiful video and music. Thanks for going over details on 12 bass accordeon ❤
I have a 12 bass, too! So fun & light! Always plays happy music with only major notes! ❤️Lol!
(I loved “Tradition” which you played near the end! Nice surprise not in this video’s description. Thank you!)
Yes!!!
I had a 16 bass accordion years ago, it was my first one. What I used to do in order to get minors was hitting the bass note as usual (for the uhm) and then the 5th and the minor 3th also in the bass row (for the pah). If you want to play Cm you just need to press C with your finger 3, then the G is right above to touch it with your finger 2 and Eb is reachable with your finger 5. With that trick I had Dm, Gm, Cm and Fm and I was quite happy with it until a heavy storm got my accordion wet through the window and it became unusable.
Sweet! I recently bought a little 12 bass for $80 CAD. All the keys and buttons are in tune and the bellows are intact. The straps aren’t great but it’s lightweight and I like that. I haven’t played in over 50 years but I was able to quickly improv a simple waltz in C. My 7-YO granddaughter was so impressed. She can’t wait till her long summer visit so she can get her hands on it. If I can get half decent on this one, I’ll contact your friend in Vic for an inexpensive upgrade to a 72. Meanwhile, I’m having fun with this one.
Wonderful!!
Right now I'm working on The Beer Barrel Polka on my 12 bass ,It's work but a lot of fun in the process. says Judy Corrette
Very nice! That is a really beautifully preserved little Hohner. An it has such a rich sound!
Thank you for suggesting this for beginners! It is driving me nuts with people on facebook pages recommending 120 bass accordions for beginners. They are far too unwieldy, and will just drive people away from the instrument. Yeah sure, you won´t be limited by the number of basses, but how does that help when you can´t even play the instrument comfortably?
In my opinion a 12 bass can be a good beginner accordion depending on what you want to play, but if you are planning to play something using a lot of minors (say, Eastern European folk music) then it will feel a bit too limiting - especially if you are not an experienced pianist, because doing the chords on the keyboard will be really advanced for you.
I think a 40 bass is perfect for beginners: It is still very light weight, has major, minor and 7, and you can play anything using the thirds.
Thanks! 40 bass or 48 bass is a great place to start, even a 60 bass if you can find one :) Just the right weight and not overly intimidating.
I have an old Hohner student II 12 bass that I bought for only $30, primarily because it reminded me of a 40s hohner Corona. I primarily play Lebanese and Syrian music so the bass isn't really used. I've since replaced all the metal hardware and straps with new recreations of the originals, except for the bass, bellow and shoulder straps I chose hohner brick red color. I started learning western songs this month and eventually I plan to replace the bass half of the accordion with that from a beater hohner student IV which is a 24 bass.
Awesome, Luke. Good find!
I started on a little Hohner 12- bass, and once you learn how to do open 5th minors and relative minors, they can play a surprising variety of music. Have fun!
Your playing is soooooo pretty!!!
An accordian like this seems ideal for learning irish reels if you don't have access to a traditional irish accordian.
I have an old ivory 12 base I taught my self how to play, left hand still needs work. It was the accordion my great aunt played in the family band when she was little and her dad bought it used so not sure how old it actually is but I was about 11 when I taught myself
Awesome, Tarah. Always lovely to know the story behind an accordion.
A perfect instrument for those starting. Not too heavy, not too expensive, not too intimidating c:
Very good👏
Thanks!!
This is a great demo! 💖 A friend has gifted me a 12 bass hohner mignon and I'd love to be able to play it like you. I'm an absolute beginner on the accordion, but have been playing chords on my uke for years (I like small instruments!) yes, not having the minor "pahs" is a slight inconvenience but on the other hand it's delightfully simple. You've encouraged me to have a go at this - thank you so much! Xx
Wonderful to hear! Here is more information in case you need it: accordionlove.com/course/12-bass-accordion/
Fantastic, thank you so much, Moshe. It will be helpful! ❤
You amaze me! That was beautiful!!
Thank you so much!
Cant you disable the thirds in the bass chords in some way? Then you can play in min and maj
Yup! Some people do that and just have the 1+5 notes play, making it neither major or minor 😁
Yes....12 bass would be enough for BACKING,such as my Scottish Dance Music,I regularly play.There it doesn't need 80 or 120 bass.
A friend of mine has an extra row of groundbasses( replacing the deminished 6th chord.The advantage of that is,that you need not make far jumps.If I am right,..he uses the 3-2 basis system.
I'm starting to think we have similar music taste. You also like sovietic music and as well classics like the tango and bergvagabunden
Yeah, I have a 12 bass to fill and back folk, country and other Americana stuff. When folks see a 12 bass they’re not expecting Lady of Spain, Flight of the Bumblebee, or the Skies of Paris, it fits the room. Also I’m no real accordion player so no one is disappointed.
It's true, there is something to be said about people's expectations when they see a 12 or 48 bass versus the 120 bass.
Hi Ronen! I've been meaning to ask you a question if you've time for it. If you were playing a 72 bass model, how much flexibility do you think you'd be sacrificing? In other words, is there a bass-number option which covers the vast majority of what you play?
Hi! So 72 is a great sized accordion. You get every bass key, and the right hand keyboard tends to be large enough. If you are playing on "foreign" keys - F#, Db, etc. - you may want to consider a 120 bass, as it'll be easier to play those keys. Otherwise, 72,80, and 96 bass are great choices.
accordionlove.com/how-to-buy-an-accordion/
@@moshezuchter Thanks Ronen! I just finished overhauling a 120 bass and I'm practicing a lot these days. It's a bit small for me (lady's model) and if I show enough devotion to playing the accordion I might consider buying a new one. Thanks for your reply and link, I'll watch the video.
I have a 120 button stradella bass accordion, and in the lowest register (love the bass!) the f in the chord system does not sound on the pull. I'm a noob, so g7 is a super important and common chord, but it's very flat without the seventh! Is it okay to pop out the pins, open it up and take a look at the reeds? I'm hoping the reed is just stuck, and it's an easy fix. I don't know if that will mess with the seal, or if you need some wax to fix it. Figured this is the place to ask! There are not any places close to me that do accordion repairs
Hey Matt, I've opened up my accordion before to have a look but don't have the courage to mess around in there.
There are some helpful repair guides here:
accordionrevival.com/ACCORDION_REPAIR1.php
Have a look. Hope you find something useful 👍
You can do the A minor by press the A bass and the F chord😊
Correct :) Thanks!
I bought a 12 bass. And it sounded pretty. But the bass keys are so much harder to push down than my other accordions . So now its sitting in a resell it shop.
Moshe Zuchter can you make a video is talking about how to play Free Bass Accordion?
Ooh, I've never tried a free-bass system. When I get one I'll record my struggle ☺️
@@moshezuchter ok but the free bass system accordion is same as piano each button with only one note(no chord at all). This kind of accordion actually is design for classical music due to classical music often love to play broken chord.
for Dm just play the F chord button under the D bass?
Yup, you'll get a D minor bass with the F A and C notes under it, D minor major 7
@@moshezuchter thanks for the kind reply. Just got my 12 bass accordion working!
Hi Ronan, I play guitar and piano, and recently I got interested in accordions. When I saw this video of yours I started to look in Marketplace and I found the same accordion (Hohner Student II N) that you have. My question is : how far the bellows of your accordion open in inches? I'm curious to compare because I was wondering if mine was opening at it's maximum. Thanks a lot. I really enjoy your videos.
Hi! So, I never open the bellows to their full length. If you watch my performances I stretch them out for a while, then back in. Pay attention and check that there are no *leaks*, that they hold air well, and that you like the sound the accordion makes.
Hi there! I am interested in learning the accordion, and the 12 bellow caught my eye because my left hand is kind of messed up. I have all my fingers, it’s just that they’re a little shorter and less dexterous. Should I get a 12 bass, or is it no easier than more basses? (Maybe I should go for more so I can have minor keys?)
I usually recommend getting a larger accordion, at least a 48 bass. Here's a video:
accordionlove.com/course/what-size-accordion-should-i-get/
@@moshezuchter thank you for your response! I’ll definitely look into that, thank you!
If an accordion is left many years and not played but is stored in a dry clean environment does it require any work or servicing or will it generally be okay?
GENERALLY it should be okay, but always check for rotting, rust, mold. See how it smells, see if it leaks. My two 'new' accordions were left in a dry basement for 50 years without being played and didn't require any servicing. Just new straps.
I love the smaller size as seems like it might be more comfortable for a smaller)/younger person to play.
Definitely lighter and easier on the body
It still sounds lovely, despite its size.
When you get older a bigger accordian is just too heavy to handle. I'm in my seventies and haven't been playing long. I wouldn't like to try anything bigger than this.
You higher D on pull has a dead reed. Inside reeds needs to be flicked
It's not right for me anymore. After I discoveref the Delicia Junior 23 with 26 treble and 72 bass keys, 3 reed registers and 5 switches for the treble and 4 reeds and 2 switches for the bass... in 1998... I tracked down this one for 20 years and once I got one of these 26/72 small ones from Amazon during 2020 there is no turning back.
72 makes a BIG difference. Great size
@@moshezuchter Except that my Junior 23 is only modestly larger than that 12-bass, just enough an upsize in dimensions to shoehorn in 72 bass buttons, the 5 treble registers and the 2 bass registers.
Great !
Absolute newbie here.
Is 12 enough?
I want something extremely portable for caroling.
Looking at Hohner's Hohnica line.
Do I go with the 12?
Or is it worth it to get more?
Any advice would be appreciated.
You could call me an extremely casual player.
Just want to learn for fun.
And you sound great with 12!
Hi! So, as your first instrument - even as a beginner instrument - I'd suggest staying away from a 12-bass accordion.
Go with a 48 bass, a 72 bass, or even a full-size 120 bass, though for caroling, 48 bass would be ideal.
You'll find that you're quite limited with a 12 bass, since you'll only be able to play major chords.
It'll be difficult to transition from a 12 bass to a larger accordion.
Here's a lesson I did about it:
accordionlove.com/course/what-size-accordion-should-i-get/
Let me know if you have questions.
@@moshezuchter Thank you so much! I watched the video you linked. I'm leaning towards the 48 bass with your advice.
I guess my questions now would be:
Are there alternate fingerings on a 48 bass that help to make up for what is missing? Like on the 12?
One of the more complex songs I want to be able to learn play is the Coventry Carol.
Do you think it would be possible/passable on a 48?
Or
Should I just bite the bullet and go 72?
Up till now, my hesitation with the 72 is not so much intimidation at number of buttons, but moreso one of weight/size consideration.
Plus I'm just starting out.
I figure if I really like it I can get a fancy, full range model later.
The more I write, the more I feel like I'm talking myself into the 48. But just wanted to get your opinion, or a second check of my thinking.
If the 72 would just be better in the long run, I guess I'd do that.
@@SkyForgeVideos So, no alternate fingerings on a 48 bass. You get majors, minors, 7th, and diminished chords. You *are* missing some keys, though. So if your carols have the chord B or F#, or an Ab, you'll be out of luck. Hence the suggestion of a 60 or 72 bass. Same fingering, just some additional keys. 72 is an ideal size, too.
@@moshezuchter Thank you!
I guess I'll bite the bullet!
I really do like the cute little accordions tho lol!
Thank you so much for your help!
very nice Cohens song very nice
Thanks!
kya baat👍👍
Yes, little accordions need their own category
Are 72 bass limiting?
Nope. 72 is perfect. 48 is limiting.
@@moshezuchter and a lot lighter weight. I like to stand to play. Hard to do with some.
So you can't play a Bm or Am or em?
I can fake an A minor in my left hand by playing an A root, with a C major (C E G), so it's an Am7 chord. Em and Bm nope, not on the left hand.
@@moshezuchter oh... Ok so it's possible just the opposite hand.. that's cool.. I play guitar and had a larger accordion years ago that I just basically used to add to music I recorded nothing crazy just fill in sounds .. but was thinking about getting a smaller one to do the same like yours
Thanks
See Sophie's Smokin' Squeezebox for some inspiration: ua-cam.com/users/SophiesSmokinSqueezeboxvideos She has been doing this for 11 years.
Why does it sound to me like you're starving the little accordion for air ? Most noticeable in weak bass, but sometimes even the bright treble notes fade out and die. I assume you don't have leaky bellows, and I know Hohner Student II's can really "sing", so it must be your style of expression.
कृपया इसका प्राइस भी तो बताने की कृपा करें
These are between $100 - $500 CAD dollars depending on condition
I could play in my car so my wife won’t “stroke out”. She’s a bit “on the spectrum”. Do you have any suggestions for a digital version so that I could play with headphones? The Japanese ones are quite expensive.
Ooh, I think digital accordions *are* expensive. All the ones that I've looked at are.
@@moshezuchter the first generation Roland 1x are finally under $1K so I might start looking again
i got an eight bass
If papas are minors, in my country the society looks at them weird!! 😂 Bad Joke oops!
Lovely accordéon i like the sound!!
Nice!! Jeff Buckley
It's the carpenter, not the hammer.