What Accordion Bass Button Count Do You Need as a Beginner Accordionist?
When you see a spec like 48 bass, 72 bass, 120 bass, those numbers describe the accordion bass button counts, the total number of buttons on the left (bass) side of the accordion. Each button unlocks a different bass note or ready made chord, helping you build the deep, rich background that gives the accordion its full, lively sound.
In this guide, we’re going to break down the common bass button setups. We will compare them head to head and figure out exactly what you need to start your musical journey without buying the wrong instrument.
Why Your Accordion Bass Button Count Matters So Much
Think of the accordion as two instruments in one. Your right hand plays the melody, while your left hand controls the rhythm through those tiny buttons.
The accordion bass button count decides how much music you can explore.
- More Buttons = More Keys: A 12-bass handles a few keys, while a 72-bass can play in all of them.
- More Buttons = More Chords: Basic accordions offer major and minor chords; larger ones add 7th and diminished chords for richer sounds.
- More Buttons = More Weight & Cost: Extra rows mean more parts, more weight, and a higher price.
The goal is to find a balance between musical range and comfort, especially when you’re just starting out.
Common Bass Button Counts with Pros & Cons
Here’s a chart summarizing common sizes and what they typically offer:
| Bass count | Typical full chords row count | Pros for beginner | Main limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 bass | 2 columns of roots + maybe chords | Very light, cheap, good for kids or absolute beginners | Very limited chord palette; missing minors, diminished chords in many keys |
| 24 / 32 bass | More roots + some chord types | Slightly more flexibility, still manageable size | Many chords & keys missing, limited for full accompaniment |
| 48 bass | 8 columns (roots + chords) | Often recommended “small adult size”; enough to play many simple songs | Can’t cover all keys; some chords or bass notes missing in complex pieces |
| 60 bass | Often drop diminished or reduce range | A step up from 48 with more range, lighter than 72 sometimes | Missing diminished row often, less flexibility in chord voicings |
| 72 bass | Full 6 rows (roots, counter-bass, major, minor, 7th, diminished) | Very popular mid size: covers most keys, more comfortable range | Heavier, more costly, more physical size to handle |
| 96 bass | Extended range (more rows/duplicated buttons) | More coverage, useful for advanced pieces | Even heavier, more expensive |
| 120 bass | Full professional range | Maximum flexibility; full chord & bass coverage in all keys | Very heavy, expensive, overkill for many styles, hard to carry |
What to Consider When Choosing for You
As a beginner, these are the things you should think about when deciding the button count:
1. Your goals & repertoire
- If you plan to play simple folk, polkas, songs with simple chord progressions you might never reach for the far edges of the bass grid.
- If you eventually want to play classical, jazz, advanced arrangements, you’ll benefit from more buttons (more keys, more chord types).
- Ask: what pieces do you want to learn? Look at their left-hand patterns; if they use bass notes or chords outside a 48-bass’s reach, you’ll be constrained.
2. Your physical strength & size
- More buttons = more mechanical parts and weight.
- A 72 or 120 bass accordion can be heavy for a beginner to hold stably, especially if you are small or have weaker arms.
- Many players trade off ultimate range for comfort. Some even “downgrade” later because the bigger instrument becomes too tiring.
3. Cost & availability
- Larger instruments (96, 120 bass) cost more to manufacture, maintain, and repair.
- You’ll find more beginners’ models in 48 or 72 bass in secondhand markets or from beginner accordion sellers.
4. Weight vs capability tradeoff
- If a 72 bass model is only a bit heavier than a 48 (depending on build), and gives you far more versatility, it might be worth it. Some players report that a 72 is only a “couple of ounces” heavier than 48.
- But each manufacturer is different: a “compact” 72 might weigh less than a poorly made 48.
5. Room to grow
- It’s okay to start with 48 or 72. You can learn solid left-hand technique on fewer buttons, then upgrade later.
- But don’t go too minimal: a 12 bass may be too limiting, and you’ll “outgrow” it quickly. Many players skip 12 bass.
48 Bass vs 72 Bass Accordion: The Ultimate Beginner Showdown
For 9 out of 10 beginners, the choice boils down to these two. Both are excellent, but they serve slightly different goals. Let’s put them head to head.
The single biggest difference is that the 72-bass adds the diminished chord row. This chord has a tense, dramatic sound and is crucial for smooth transitions in more complex music. While a 48-bass is perfect for a simple polka or folk tune, a 72–bass can handle that plus more intricate arrangements.
| Feature | 48-Bass Accordion | 72-Bass Accordion |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Most beginners, casual players, folk musicians | Ambitious beginners, long-term students |
| Weight & Size | Lighter, compact, easier to handle | Heavier, bulkier, can be tiring |
| Typical Cost | More affordable (e.g., $400–$800 new) | More expensive (e.g., $700–$1500+ new) |
| Musical Range | Plays well in ~8 major/minor keys | Plays well in all 12 major/minor keys |
| Chords Available | Major, Minor, Dominant 7th | Major, Minor, Dominant 7th, Diminished |
| Longevity | May eventually be outgrown by serious players | Can be a “forever” instrument |
| Typical Treble Keys | 26 | 34 |
My recommendation: If you are on a budget, unsure of your long term commitment, or smaller in stature, the 48-bass is the perfect choice. You will not be limited by it for at least your first one to two years of playing.
If you are a dedicated music student, have the budget, and want an instrument that offers zero compromises as you grow, the 72-bass is a fantastic investment.
An Accordion Button Guide for Beginners: How They Actually Work
The layout of the bass buttons looks intimidating, but it’s actually a genius design called the Stradella bass system. It’s arranged so that the most important notes and chords for any given key are right next to each other. You don’t have to memorize a hundred different shapes; you just learn one pattern and move it around.
The two most important rows are the fundamental bass row and the counter bass row. The fundamental row contains the root notes (like C, G, F). The buttons on this row are often marked with a dimple or rhinestone so you can find your way by touch. The C button is almost always the central marked button.
Here’s a simplified look at the buttons around the C note:
| Button Position (Relative to C) | Row Name | What It Plays |
|---|---|---|
| One button above C | Counter-Bass | E (the major third of C) |
| The C button (dimpled) | Fundamental Bass | C (the root note) |
| One button below C | Major Chord | C Major chord (C–E–G) |
| Two buttons below C | Minor Chord | C minor chord (C–Eb–G) |
| Three buttons below C | Dominant 7th Chord | C7 chord (C–E–G–Bb) |
| Four buttons below C | Diminished Chord | C diminished chord (C–Eb–Gb) |
To play a simple waltz (“oom-pah-pah“) in the key of C, you’d do this:
- Press the C bass button for the “oom” (beat 1).
- Press the C Major chord button for the “pah” (beat 2).
- Press the C Major chord button again for the “pah” (beat 3).
That’s it! By moving your hand up and down the fundamental row to other notes like G and F, you can play thousands of songs using this simple bass chord pattern. It becomes muscle memory surprisingly quickly.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Choosing
I see new students make the same few mistakes over and over. Avoid these pitfalls!
Mistake 1: Buying a 120-bass “to grow into.”
This is the most common and costly mistake. You wouldn’t learn to ride a bike on a giant motorcycle. The sheer weight and size of a 120-bass will lead to poor posture, frustration, and a higher chance of quitting. Start with something manageable.
Mistake 2: Buying the cheapest 12-bass online.
While it’s tempting, a 12-bass accordion is so limited that it doesn’t properly teach you the relationship between major and minor chords, a fundamental concept. You’ll need to upgrade almost immediately, making that initial purchase a waste of money.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about the player’s size.
An accordion needs to fit your body. A small adult or a child will be miserable with a heavy 72-bass. Conversely, a very large person might find the keyboard and straps on a small 48-bass a bit cramped. If possible, try to hold one in a music store before buying.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the rest of the instrument.
The bass count is just one factor. Check for good bellows compression (they shouldn’t leak air), make sure all the keys and buttons work, and listen for a pleasant tone. A quality used 48-bass from a reputable brand like Hohner or Scandalli is often a better choice than a cheap, new, no name instrument.
The Final Verdict
Choosing your first accordion bass button count is a balance between musical potential and practical reality. You’re weighing the number of chords and keys against the physical weight and cost of the instrument.
Here’s the simple takeaway:
For the vast majority of beginners, the 48-bass accordion is the perfect place to start. It is the ideal blend of functionality, affordability, and manageable weight. It will serve you well as you learn the fundamentals and build a strong foundation.
If you are a serious student with a clear vision for your musical future and can handle the extra size and cost, a 72-bass accordion is an outstanding choice that will grow with you for years to come.
Forget the 12-bass unless it’s for a very small child, and save the 120-bass for when you’re ready to go on tour. Now, stop worrying, pick an instrument, and go make some music!
FAQ: Accordion Bass Button Count
1. What is the best number of bass buttons for a beginner accordion?
For most adult and teen beginners, a 48-bass accordion is the best choice. It offers the perfect balance of musical capability, manageable weight, and affordability. It provides all the essential major, minor, and 7th chords needed to learn and play a wide variety of music for your first several years.
2. Is a 48 bass accordion enough to learn on?
Yes, a 48-bass accordion is more than enough to learn on. It is an excellent and highly recommended student instrument. While you might eventually want more options for advanced jazz or classical music, a 48-bass will not limit you in any way while you are mastering the fundamentals of accordion playing.
3. What is the main difference between a 48 and 72 bass accordion?
The primary difference is that a 72-bass accordion adds a row of diminished chords. This allows you to play in all 12 musical keys and create more complex harmonies. A 72-bass is also heavier, larger, and more expensive than a 48-bass, which only has major, minor, and dominant 7th chords.
4. Is a 120 bass accordion too big for a beginner?
Yes, a 120-bass accordion is almost always too big, heavy, and complex for a beginner. Starting with such a large instrument can lead to poor posture, frustration, and a greater chance of quitting. It’s better to start on a more manageable size, like a 48 or 72-bass, and build proper technique first.
5. How do the buttons on an accordion work?
The left-hand buttons are organized in a system called the Stradella Bass System. The buttons are arranged in vertical rows. Typically, the two rows closest to the bellows are for single bass notes (a fundamental bass row and a counter-bass row). The remaining rows are for pre-set chords: major, minor, dominant 7th, and diminished. This clever layout allows you to play a full rhythm accompaniment with your left hand.
6. Can a child learn on a 48 bass accordion?
While a teenager can comfortably learn on a 48-bass, it might be too large and heavy for a younger child (ages 6-10). For very young children, a smaller and lighter 12-bass or 24-bass accordion is often a better starting point to ensure they can handle the instrument’s size and weight without developing bad habits.
