Startone Accordion B-Handle Black

I'm learning the accordion, and I did a lot of research before buying this one. I wanted an accordion that was small, and piano accordions do not fit the bill. It would have been nice if this was a 96-bass rather than a 72-bass, but of course, that would not mean that this accordion would be capable of generating more tones, simply that some transitions on the left hand would be easier to achieve.

I love the system used on the right hand. You can transpose extremely easily because all of the patterns you learn can start on any of the three columns and sequences of four rows. The fourth and fifth columns duplicate the functions of the first and second to facilitate this.

If you're going for this, make sure this is the model you want. It is a B-system (Bayan) accordion and not the style of fingering for the right hand that you usually find in the West. That said, looking at the various youtube videos of people playing these, I thought I would prefer this style. It seems to be working out well for me!

Tuning seems to be good as far as my ears go.

If you want more features than this offers in a chromatic button accordion, you will pay several times this price.

I have to repeat the problem mentioned by the other reviewer, LexAlex -
06.03.2023
'It was not properly wrapped for shipping. As a result, the accordion arrived with left-hand buttons stuck inside'
My bass buttons arrived like this too, earlier today.
I thought I would have to send it back, but I popped them out with a needle. 4 of the 6 rows were stuck right down in the holes, many stuck behind the case plastic. It seems fine now, but I will have to monitor the product during the 30 day return period.
Is this a shipping problem, or a production problem? It does seem like something Thomann needs to notice.

Otherwise I like the accordion very much.
It has a nice wet/musette/tremolo style sound, which is what the product description is referring to when it says '2-reed ranks on the treble side'
As a guitar player buying a first accordion, I mistakenly thought that might mean it has two different setting buttons, but the instrument actually has only has 1 tone mode. This is fine, as I was looking for the beautiful classic sound.
Good volume
Classy black sleekness with the rich red of the bellows, looks just as nice as the photos

I wanted to give this a higher rating but I have to give it a 3 for the delivery condition, which is the last thing you want to see when unboxing an expensive delivery.
If I end up having to send it back I don't want a refund, but a new replacement item, as it is a great instrument.

I do not have an expensive CBA to compare it to but I do have button accordion experience. This is a student instrument at a price point that can not be beat. If you're in the US like me where this instrument is not common, it's the cheapest you can buy a playable CBA (new or used), includes straps and a gig bag, and comes with robust warranty. I can attest that even in US the warranty works as I had to invoke it when my first instrument arrived unplayably damaged during shipping. The return process was extremely slow and an incredible hassle, but I was ultimately able to get a refund though I believe I ate part of my own return shipping.

The second instrument I was sent is nice and playable. It's student quality but perfectly good for learning and making music on, and I'm impressed you get so much at this price point.