Hohner HA-3100 Panther GCF Diatonic Accordion  

The Panther was my first accordion several years ago and it has served me well over this time. I still enjoy its sweet, mellow tone and the action of the buttons are good. I would definite purchase another. 

Nice box that blows away the competition from other makers importing from China.  I would recommend a Panther over any other box as a new beginner's purchase, but buyer beware, you may want to buy one from a showroom where you are sure it is in tune and working properly.  Because mine came with several stuck reeds that would not sound in both the bass and treble ends, plus the tuning above the octave on each of the rows was very poor, almost a quarter tone flat.  This is unacceptable at any price.  Hohner should employ a quality control team to inspect what is coming out of the Chinese factories before dispatching the accordions to US dealers.  Many guitar companies do this, Hohner should do it too. 

I bought a sofiamari but returned in exchange for the panther.  I am very happy I did. The bellow action is faster, buttons are smoother/softer, overall construction is nice.  For a chinese made piece they did stick to hohners requirements.  Just wish the bass strap was adjustable and that it came with leather straps and a case.  Very well worth it for a newbee as myself.

My first impression of the accordion was the lack of attention to details. This accordion is very bare bones and simple, don't expect anything fancy.  Everything is basically held together with basic wood screws (including the straps).  As I began playing it I realized the sound was very nice and pronounced, it sure sounded like a more expensive accordion but the overall feel of it is cheap.  It lacks a bellow pad which I find very annoying but that is a minor detail; the buttons overall feel good with a minor annoying chatter from the left hand buttons (you don't hear the chatter while playing).  All in all this accordion is a great value for it's price, it sounds like a $1k model but the feel and finish is relative to it's price.  I would definitely recommend this instrument if your looking for something to learn on.

Without a doubt an excellent accordion for the price.  It has a very clean and bold sound as if playing a Corona II.  The action of the buttons are easy and light. I also love the matte finish.  I just wish they offered it in other colors and keys.