The best diatonic accordions: Hohner vs Castagnari

The Accordion, a musical instrument that is both complex and captivating, finds its place in many musical genres around the world. An emblem of popular music, the accordion comes in two major models: diatonic accordion And the chromatic accordion. In this article, we will focus our attention on the diatonic accordion and take a close look at two emblematic brands: Hohner And Castagnari.

An overview of the diatonic accordion

The diatonic accordion is a musical instrument with bellows and keyboard, whose sound is produced by the passage of air through metal blades, which vibrate and produce the melody. It is also called “button accordion” because of its buttons instead of the keys of a piano.

This instrument is distinguished by its compact format, its lighter weight compared to other accordion models and the richness of its sounds. It is mainly used in folk and traditional music. The sound produced may vary depending on the number of voice, hence the terms flute voice Or bassoon voice to describe the tone of the accordion.

Hohner: an essential reference

Hohner, a German brand founded in 1857, is an essential reference in the manufacturing of accordions. Its products are recognized for their quality, reliability and unique sound. Among their flagship products, we find diatonic accordions Hohner Morgane And Hohner Merlin.

L’Hohner Morgane diatonic accordion is a model of choice for beginners. It is equipped with 2 rows of voices, a robust bellows and an easy-to-use keyboard. Its lightness and practical size make it the ideal instrument for learning the accordion.

L’Hohner Merlin diatonic accordion is, for its part, a more sophisticated instrument, intended for more experienced musicians. He introduces 3 rows of voices, thus offering a wide range of sounds. Its strength and durability are also major assets.

Castagnari: Italian elegance

On the Italian side, Castagnari establishes itself as a renowned reference. Founded in 1914, this family business is distinguished by the quality of its diatonic accordions, created with passion and know-how.

The model Castagnari Studio, with its elegant design and melodious sounds, is very popular with musicians. This high-end instrument offers a wide variety of tones thanks to its 3 left voices. Its manufacturing quality guarantees excellent durability.

How to choose your diatonic accordion?

The choice of your diatonic accordion will depend on several factors such as your level, the type of music you want to play and your budget. It is recommended to test different models before making your choice, in order to find the one that suits you best.

Hohner accordions are renowned for their robustness and sound quality. The Morgane and Merlin models are particularly recommended for their value for money. If you are a beginner, opt for a model with 2 rows of voices, easier to master.

Castagnari accordions are recognized for their elegance and the finesse of their sound. If you are an experienced musician and looking for a high-quality instrument, the Studio model might be right for you.

Remember that the important thing is to choose an accordion that you like and that inspires your musical creativity.

Conclusion & Opinion

In conclusion, the choice between a Hohner or Castagnari diatonic accordion will essentially depend on your personal preferences, your level and your budget. Both brands offer quality instruments, each with its own characteristics and advantages.

Take the time to try them, to feel the bellows under your hands, to hear the different voice and feel the vibrations of the music. Do not forget that THE best accordion will be the one that resonates with you and which makes you want to play. So, Hohner or Castagnari, which will you choose?