Unlike most instruments, an accordion is fully supported by the player's body throughout a performance, which makes weight and strap fit a genuinely practical concern, not just a comfort preference.
What affects weight
- Larger accordions with more bass buttons and more reed sets are meaningfully heavier than smaller, simpler ones - relevant especially when choosing an instrument for a child or a smaller-framed player (see our separate article on accordion sizing for beginners).
- Solid, higher-grade wooden components and cassotto construction (see our cassotto article) can add weight compared to a lighter-built budget instrument, even at a similar bass-button count.
Straps and fit
- Shoulder straps should be adjustable enough to distribute weight comfortably without the instrument sliding or requiring the player to hunch to keep it in place.
- A back strap (connecting the two shoulder straps behind the player) is standard on many accordions and noticeably improves stability and weight distribution - worth checking it's present and adjustable on a used instrument.
- Worn-out or non-adjustable straps are inexpensive and easy to replace, so they shouldn't be a dealbreaker on an otherwise good instrument, but do factor into negotiating price.
Trying an accordion on and playing it while standing, not just sitting, for at least several minutes is the most reliable way to judge whether its weight and strap setup will actually work for regular practice.
