Best Startone Piano Accordions 2026
So you're looking at a Startone piano accordion? Smart move. They've quietly become a go-to for players wanting a solid, reliable instrument without dropping serious bank. Forget the flashy marketing - these are workhorse accordions, built for the gig and surprisingly versatile, offering a sweet spot between budget and genuine playable quality.
Last updated: April 22, 2026 • Next update: April 29, 2026
#1
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Startone Piano Accordion 48 Blue MKII
by
Startone
Classical
Tango
World Music
Key Feature:
The Startone 48 Blue MKII is a surprisingly capable entry-level piano accordion. It’s a great option for students or players looking for a compact, affordable instrument that offers a decent sound and comfortable playability – perfect for folk music or simple arrangements.
PROS
- • Solid German-style reed construction delivers a surprisingly rich tone.
- • Lightweight at 6.1kg, making it manageable for intermediate players.
- • Red bellows offer a touch of visual flair, a nice detail.
- • Gig bag with backpack straps adds significant portability and convenience.
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit dynamic range and nuanced expression.
- • Bass button layout is compact, potentially challenging for larger hands.
- • Black finish on the body is prone to showing fingerprints and smudges.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 520198
$461
#2
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Startone Piano Accordion 120 IV Black
by
Startone
Jazz
World Music
Tango
Key Feature:
The Startone 120 IV Black is a really solid entry point into piano accordion playing. It’s well-built for the price, with a surprisingly pleasant treble tone – great for folk, waltzes, and lighter classical pieces. Ideal for students or players looking for a reliable, affordable instrument without sacrificing too much quality.
PROS
- • Solid German-style bellows offer reliable air volume and response
- • Treble voicing provides a surprisingly rich, nuanced sound for the price point
- • Lightweight for a 120-bass instrument, easing transport and prolonged playing
- • Gig bag with backpack straps enhances portability, a thoughtful inclusion
CONS
- • Standard reed plates may lack the longevity of higher-end Italian models
- • Bass register selection feels somewhat limited compared to premium accordions
- • Finish, while acceptable, lacks the depth and refinement of more expensive instruments
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 513165
$1,098
#3
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Startone Piano Accordion 72 Blue MKII
by
Startone
Folk
Jazz
Tango
Key Feature:
The Startone 72 Blue MKII is a surprisingly capable instrument for the price. It’s a great entry point for aspiring piano accordionists or those wanting a portable, decent-sounding option without a huge investment. The build quality is reasonable, and the included accessories are a nice bonus.
PROS
- • Solid German-style reed construction delivers a surprisingly rich tone
- • Lightweight for a 72-bass, making it manageable for smaller players
- • Red bellows add a touch of visual flair and durability
- • Includes gig bag with backpack straps – a practical travel solution
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit dynamic range compared to premium models
- • Black finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging
- • The action feels a bit stiff; requires some break-in time
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 513158
$582
#4
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Startone Piano Accordion 120 Black MKII
by
Startone
Folk
World Music
Pop
Key Feature:
The Startone 120 Black MKII is a surprisingly capable instrument, especially considering its price point. It's a great entry into piano accordion playing for students or those wanting a reliable, portable instrument for folk or traditional music—it delivers a decent, classic tone without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Solid German-style bellows offer good air seal and responsiveness
- • Treble voicing provides a surprisingly warm, traditional tone for the price
- • Lightweight for a 120-bass, making it manageable for intermediate players
- • Gig bag with backpack straps adds significant portability and convenience
CONS
- • Standard reed plates might lack the longevity of premium brands' reeds
- • Bass registers feel somewhat basic, limiting tonal flexibility
- • Finish, while adequate, lacks the refined aesthetic of higher-end instruments
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 513162
$824
#5
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Startone Piano Accordion 72 Red MKII
by
Startone
Folk
Jazz
World Music
Key Feature:
The Startone 72 Red MKII is a surprisingly capable instrument for the price. It's a great entry point for aspiring piano accordionists or those wanting a compact, portable option. The bright red finish is a bonus, and the included gig bag makes it travel-friendly.
PROS
- • Solid German reeds deliver a surprisingly rich, balanced tone.
- • The red bellows are visually striking and appear durable.
- • Lightweight for a 72-bass, making it manageable for smaller players.
- • Includes a gig bag with backpack straps – a real convenience for transport.
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit dynamic range and expressive possibilities.
- • The action feels a bit stiff, requiring some break-in and adjustment.
- • Build quality, while acceptable, doesn't match premium European brands.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 513159
$582
#6
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Startone Piano Accordion 48 Black MKII
by
Startone
Classical
World Music
Jazz
Key Feature:
The Startone 48 Black MKII is a surprisingly capable entry-level piano accordion. It’s a great option for students or players looking for a portable, budget-friendly instrument to explore traditional folk music or learn the basics – it's a solid starting point without a massive investment.
PROS
- • Solid, lightweight build for easy transport and gigging.
- • Decent reed voicing provides a surprisingly full, balanced tone.
- • The included gig bag with backpack straps is a genuinely useful addition.
- • 48 basses offer a comfortable range for most traditional styles.
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit dynamic range and tonal complexity compared to higher-end models.
- • The action on the keys feels a little stiff and requires some break-in.
- • Bass button layout is fairly basic, lacking advanced ergonomic refinements.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 520197
$461
#7
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Startone Piano Accordion 48 Red MKII
by
Startone
Classical
Pop
World Music
Key Feature:
The Startone 48 Red MKII is a solid entry-level piano accordion. It’s a surprisingly good deal for students or hobbyists wanting a playable instrument without a huge investment; the weight makes it comfortable to learn on, and the included gig bag is a bonus.
PROS
- • Surprisingly robust reed construction for the price point.
- • Lightweight for a 48-bass, making it manageable for smaller players.
- • The red finish is striking and adds a touch of flair.
- • Includes a decent gig bag with backpack straps – a real convenience.
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit dynamic range and tonal complexity.
- • Treble register selection feels somewhat basic and unrefined.
- • Bass buttons lack the precise feel of higher-end models; a learning curve.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 520199
$461
#8
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Startone Piano Accordion 96 Black MKII
by
Startone
Classical
Jazz
Pop
Key Feature:
The Startone 96 Black MKII is a great entry point into piano accordion playing, offering a decent sound and manageable weight. It’s perfect for students or players looking for an affordable, portable instrument without needing top-tier professional features. The build quality is respectable for the price, though it won't fool a seasoned pro.
PROS
- • Solid, well-aligned reed voicing offers a surprisingly rich tone.
- • Red bellows provide a touch of visual flair and good air seal.
- • Lightweight for a 96-bass accordion, making it manageable for students.
- • Gig bag with backpack straps adds significant portability and convenience.
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit dynamic range and long-term tonal complexity.
- • The action feels a bit stiff, requiring some break-in time and potentially regulation.
- • Bass button layout follows a common system, may not suit all players’ preferences.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 513161
$658
#9
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Startone Piano Accordion 72 Black MKII
by
Startone
World Music
Folk
Jazz
Key Feature:
The Startone 72 Black MKII is a surprisingly capable instrument for the price. It's a great entry point for students or players looking for a compact, playable piano accordion without a premium price tag. The build is decent and the sound, while not the most nuanced, is certainly usable for folk, traditional, and even some light classical pieces.
PROS
- • Solid German reed construction delivers a surprisingly robust tone.
- • Lightweight for a 72-bass, making it manageable for smaller players.
- • Attractive black finish with red bellows adds a touch of visual flair.
- • Includes a functional case and strap – ready to play out of the box.
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit tonal flexibility compared to higher-end models.
- • The action feels a little stiff; requires some break-in time.
- • Bass buttons may feel a bit cramped for players with larger hands.
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 513157
$582
#10
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Startone Kids Accordion Red MKII
by
Startone
Classical
Jazz
Tango
Key Feature:
This Startone Kids Accordion is a solid entry point for young learners or those just curious about the instrument. The bright red finish and lightweight design make it fun to handle, and the basic reed setup provides a straightforward learning experience. It's a budget-friendly option ideal for introducing kids to the joys of accordion playing.
PROS
- • Bright, cheerful red finish is visually appealing for children
- • Lightweight at 3.1kg makes it manageable for smaller players
- • Simple two-rank reeds offer a clear, basic sound for learning
- • Included case and strap provide convenient storage and playing
CONS
- • Standard reed plates limit tonal complexity and dynamic range
- • Eight bass buttons offer limited chord options for more advanced players
- • Plastic construction, while lightweight, impacts overall durability
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 513148
$218
How to Choose the Best Piano Accordions
1
Tone
Startones generally deliver a warmer, rounder tone than some of their brighter competitors. It's not a huge difference, but it's noticeable - less ice-picky treble, more of a usable midrange honk that cuts through a folk band without being harsh. The bass response has a surprising amount of low-end thump for the price point.
2
Action & Key/Button Response
The action is consistently decent across the range. You'll find a bit more play in the keys than a top-tier instrument, but it's generally responsive and allows for decent articulation. Button response is also pretty good, though some models might benefit from a quick voicing adjustment.
3
Build Quality
The reeds are generally well-tuned out of the box, and the bellows are surprisingly robust for the price. They're not going to last forever under heavy gigging, but they're a noticeable step up from the absolute cheapest options. Expect some minor cosmetic imperfections - this isn't a museum piece.
4
Bellows & Airflow
The bellows offer a reasonable amount of airflow, which is important for dynamic playing. They don't have the headroom of a professional-grade accordion, so you might notice compression at higher volumes, but for most genres, it's perfectly adequate. Bellows wrap is often a simple, functional design - nothing fancy.
5
Value for Money
This is where Startone really shines. You get a lot of playable instrument for the price. They're often the sweet spot for players who want a reliable accordion without the crippling cost of a Hohner or similar brand. It's a clear case of getting more than you pay for.
Buying Guide
Don't expect miracles - these are budget-friendly instruments. The lower-end models will show their age with more wear and tear, and the reeds might need a little tweaking. Spend a little more for a model with a higher reed count if you're serious about recording or playing in a louder band. Always check the bellows for leaks and the key/button action before you buy.
Our Methodology
We're not just looking at spec sheets here. We've spent hours playing these accordions, comparing them to Hohner, Weltmeister, and other contenders in the same price range. Our testing involves everything from bedroom practice and band rehearsals to tracking in a semi-pro studio - we need to know how they hold up in real-world scenarios, not just in a showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. They're accessible and forgiving, making them a great starting point for learning. The tone is pleasant enough to keep you motivated, and the price means you're not risking a huge investment.
Hohners generally have a more refined tone and better overall build quality, but you pay a premium. Startone offers a great compromise for players on a budget. Think of it as a 'good enough' that still delivers a satisfying playing experience.
They're incredibly versatile. Folk, polka, Irish traditional, even some blues and jazz - they can handle it all. The warmer tone leans towards genres where a bright, piercing sound isn't desired.
It's not always necessary, but a little voicing can go a long way. Even a minor adjustment can improve the responsiveness and clarity of the tone. It's a common practice with many accordions, regardless of brand.
The main differences lie in reed count (affects volume and sustain), bass register range, and bellows size. Higher-end models often have a more refined action and better overall build quality, but the differences are incremental.
