If you’re an accordion player, you know that having the right gear can make a big difference in your performance. From straps and cases to practices aids, there are a ton of accessories out there that can help you get the most out of your instrument.
In this article, I thought I’d do a little exploring into the world of accordion accessories. Sure, some may seem obvious…*cough-metronome-cough*…but there are likely a few you haven’t considered or maybe get some new insight on ones you thought wouldn’t be beneficial.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s what I’ll be covering, check it out!
- Cases and Gig Bags
- Straps and Harnesses
- Sheet Music Stands
- Maintenance Tools
- Practice Aids
- Customization Options
- Bonus
Cases and gig bags: Protecting your instrument on the go
Every instrument needs a gig bag. Whether you’re traveling to gigs, rehearsals, or lessons, a good case will help protect your instrument from bumps, scratches, and other damage.
There are a few different types of cases to choose from, each with their own advantages:
- Hard Cases – These are the most protective option, and they’re great for long-distance travel or shipping. They’re generally more expensive than other types of cases, but they offer the best protection for your instrument.
- Soft Cases – Also known as gig bags, are more affordable and easier to carry around. They offer less protection than hard cases, but they’re still a good choice for short trips or local gigs.
When shopping for a case, make sure to get one that’s the right size for your accordion. You don’t want a case that’s too big, as it will leave too much room for your instrument to move around inside. On the other hand, a case that’s too small won’t fit your accordion properly, which can also cause damage.
Look for a case with padded interior and sturdy handles or shoulder straps, and consider getting one with additional pockets or compartments for storing accessories like sheet music or straps.
Straps and Harnesses: Comfort and stability while playing
An accordion can be a heavy and awkward instrument to hold, especially for long periods of time. That’s where accordion straps and harnesses come in. They will help to distribute the weight of the accordion across your body, reducing strain on your arms and shoulders making it much more comfortable to play.
Accordion straps and harnesses come in a variety of styles and designs, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Some straps are designed to be worn around your neck, while others go over your shoulders or around your waist. Some straps are adjustable, while others are one-size-fits-all. The type of strap you choose will depend on your personal preference and your playing style.
In addition to providing comfort, straps and harnesses can also improve your stability while playing. If you’re standing up and moving around, a good strap will help keep your accordion in place and prevent it from swinging around or slipping. This can help you play more confidently and accurately, which is especially important if you’re performing in front of an audience.
Sheet music stands: Keeping your music in view
Owning your own music stand is such a convenience that they should almost be considered as important as a metronome. You can just show up to a gig, whip out your own stand and get to playing without the bother of searching around for one or getting the dreaded “wobbly stand.”
Most musicians who travel to perform will opt for a portable or folding stand. Most of these will fold up small enough to fit in a gig bag, will have clips to hold your music down for outdoor playing, and may possibly have built in lighting or extension.
In addition to portable stands, there are several others ranging from basic, lightweight stands to more elaborate, heavy-duty models. The type of stand you choose will depend on your needs and preferences.
No matter what type of stand you choose, a sheet music stand is an essential accessory for any accordion player. It will help you keep your music organized and in view, which will make it easier to play accurately and confidently.
Maintenance Tools: Keeping Your Instrument In Top Shape
Any seasoned musician will tell you, you’re not just a performer…you’re also a repair person. Just like any other instrument, an accordion needs regular care to keep it in top shape and you’ll need the right tools to get it done.
There are a few key tools that every accordion player should have on hand for maintaining their instrument. These include:
- Reed Tool – A reed tool is a small, specialized tool that helps you adjust and maintain the reeds inside your accordion.
- Bellows Tape – Bellows tape is thin, flexible tape that you can use to repair small holes or tears in your accordion’s bellows.
- Bellows Protector – A bellows protector is a clear plastic sheet that you can attach to your bellows to protect them from dirt and moisture.
In addition to these basic tools, you might also want to consider getting a polishing cloth or a cleaning solution for your accordion’s keys and buttons. These products can help keep your instrument looking shiny and new, and they can also help prevent dirt and grime from building up over time.
Practice Aids: Improving Your Skills And Technique
Practice makes perfect, and that’s especially true when it comes to playing the accordion. To get the most out of your practice sessions, it can be helpful to have a few practice aids on hand. These are specialized tools or resources that can help you improve your skills and technique, and they come in a variety of forms.
Metronome
One common type of practice aid is a metronome, a device that produces a steady, audible pulse that allow musicians to keep a tempo while practicing. Many metronomes also have adjustable settings, so you can change the speed or rhythm to suit your needs. Using a metronome can help you develop a sense of timing and rhythm, which is essential for any musician.
Recording Equipment
By recording yourself while you play, you can listen back to your performances and identify areas where you might need to improve. This can be extremely helpful if you’re working on a specific piece of music or technique, as you can see how you’re progressing over time.
Other types of practice aids might include instructional books or DVDs, online tutorials, or even apps for your phone or tablet. These resources can provide you with valuable information and guidance as you work on improving your accordion skills.
Customization Options: Personalizing Your Accordion
One of the great things about the accordion is that it’s a highly customizable instrument. There are a ton of options for personalizing your accordion to suit your individual style and preferences. Whether you want to change the look of your instrument, upgrade its sound, or add new features, there are plenty of customization options to choose from.
One popular way to customize is to change its appearance by replacing buttons, adding decorative flourishes or stickers, or even painting the instrument. These changes can help you create an accordion that’s truly unique and reflects your personal style.
Another way to customize is by adding or upgrading its sound. This can involve replacing the reeds, adding new registers or switches, or even installing a pickup or microphone. These changes can help you create a wider range of sounds and tones from your accordion, and they can also make it easier to amplify your instrument if you’re performing in front of an audience.
Bonus: Unique and unusual accordion accessories you might not have thought of!
Accordion accessories don’t have to be just practical…they can also be fun and unusual! If you’re looking to spice up your accordion setup, or just want to try something new, here are a few unique and unusual accessories you might not have thought of.
- Accordion Gloves – These gloves are specifically designed for accordion players, and they feature extra padding on the palms to help protect your hands from the pressure of the keys. Some models also have special grips or patterns to help you hold onto your accordion more securely.
- Accordion Lights – These LED lights are designed to attach to your accordion and add a splash of color to your performance. They can be programmed to flash or change color in time with the music, or you can set them to a solid color of your choice.
- Accordion Stands – If you don’t want to hold your accordion while you play, you can use a stand to support it. Accordion stands are adjustable and can be set to the perfect height and angle for your needs.
- Accordion Covers – Want to protect your accordion from the elements? An accordion cover is a water-resistant or waterproof cover that fits over your accordion and keeps it safe from rain, snow, or other types of moisture.
I’m sure some DIY crafter/accordion enthusiast has created just about anything imaginable. My last Bonus item is really more of a suggestion…check out Etsy or other crafter marketplaces. People are always coming up with new or better items so it’s always worth having one of these sites bookmarked. And if you have an idea that you can’t fine, reach out to your favorite artisan and see if they’ll create it for you!
Recommendations for different skill levels: What to consider when buying accordion gear
When it comes to buying accordion gear, there are a few different things to consider, depending on your skill level. Here are some recommendations for different skill levels:
Beginners
If you’re just starting out on the accordion, you might want to focus on getting the basics. This might include a good quality accordion, a case or gig bag to protect your instrument, and a strap or harness to help you hold your accordion comfortably.
You might also want to think about getting some beginner instructional materials, such as a book or DVD, to help you learn the fundamentals of playing.
Intermediate
If you’ve been playing for a while and you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, you might want to consider some more advanced gear. This might include upgrading your accordion to a higher-quality model, or adding some customization options to improve the sound or appearance of your instrument.
You could also consider getting some more advanced instructional materials, such as online tutorials or private lessons, to help you fine-tune your skills.
Advanced
If you’re an experienced accordion player, you might be looking for ways to further refine your skills and take your playing to the next level. In this case, you might want to consider investing in some specialized gear or accessories that can help you fine-tune your playing. This might include effects pedals, microphones or pickups, or other types of advanced equipment.
To take your playing even further or to learn a new style check into personalized coaching or mentorship from a seasoned pro.