How to Mic an Accordion (Complete Guide for Performers)

Introduction: How Do You Mic an Accordion for Performance?

If you're trying to figure out how to mic an accordion, this is the guide for you. Whether you're performing on the street, at an open mic, in a full concert setting, or just trying to record at home—this article takes out all the guesswork.

We’re going to cover every possible way to amplify your instrument so you can get out there and perform. Accordion is a misunderstood instrument, but that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t hear it.

This guide is long, but it’s worth it—stay through to the end if you can. We’ll cover:

• Pro tips

• Gear recommendations

• Pros and cons of each method

• Accessories you'll need

If you enjoy this kind of deep-dive content, support the channel by clicking any of the gear links below (they’re affiliate links—won’t cost you anything extra, but helps the channel).

Method #1: Mic & Stand (1 or 2 Mics)

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For: Open mics, small gigs, basic recordings

Not Ideal For: Full bands, noisy environments, big venues

Recommended Mic: Shure SM57

✅ Pros:

• Simple and easy to understand

• Quick setup for most open mic hosts or sound engineers

• Often available for free at venues

❌ Cons:

• You have to stay stationary

• Prone to environmental audio bleed

• Feedback risk

• Bulky, especially if using two mics

🔧 Accessories:

• Mic stands

• XLR cables

💡 Tips:

• Turn off stage monitors to reduce feedback

• Angle speakers away or stay behind them

Method #2: Gooseneck Microphones

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For: Street performing, open mics, small/medium concerts

Recommended Gear:

• Kimufun CX710 Wireless

• Myers Feather 2 Accordion Pickup

• Myers Grip Plus 6 w/ Bass Extension Accordion Pickup

✅ Pros:

• Freedom to move around

• Moderate price point

❌ Cons:

• Can fall off without careful mounting

• Some setups feel a little jerry-rigged

• Still prone to feedback

🔧 Accessories:

• Gorilla Mounting Putty

• Wireless transmitters

💡 Tips:

• Face away from speakers

• Articulate mic angles carefully toward the accordion

• "Kill the monitors"

Method #3: Grill-Mounted Exterior Mics

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Best For: Performances and light recording

Recommended Gear: DJR Accordion Mics

✅ Pros:

• Compact and discrete

• Good mobility

• Reliable sound

❌ Cons:

• Semi-permanent placement

🔧 Accessories:

• Wireless transmitters

💡 Tips:

• Can pick up keyboard/bass clatter—play louder and dial back input gain

Method #4: Stereo Mics (Pencil Condensers)

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Best For: High-end concerts and pro recordings

Recommended Gear:

• Samson CO2 Pencil Condenser Mics

• sE8 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

🎧 Stereo Techniques:

1. X/Y – Reduces phasing

2. Spaced Pair – Hard pan L/R for a wide image

3. ORTF – Simulates human ears (17cm spacing, 110° angle)

4. NOS – Wider ambiance (30cm spacing, 90° angle)

✅ Pros:

• Natural, dynamic sound

• Stereo realism

❌ Cons:

• Installation is tricky and time-consuming

• Expensive

• Battery replacement requires bass side disassembly

🔧 Accessories:

• Stereo mic mounting bar

• Mic Couplers

• Measuring tape

• Protractor

💡 Tips:

• Reference: Samson Mic Techniques

Method #5: Internal Microphone Install

Difficulty: Hard to install, Easy to use

Best For: All live performances

Recommended Gear: Harmonik Microphones

✅ Pros:

• Plug-and-play once installed

• Full mobility

• Feedback-resistant

• Mono and stereo options

❌ Cons:

• Install can take ~4 hours

• May need to ship accordion for installation

• Requires battery changes via bass side

🔧 Accessories:

• 12v battery door

• Wireless transmitters

💡 Tips:

• If ordering online, request the mic install in advance to save hassle and shipping

Method #6: Fully Electric Accordion

Difficulty: Ridiculously Easy

Best For: Any setting, any gig

Recommended Brands: Roland, Bugari Evo, Korg

✅ Pros:

• Ultimate convenience

• Full freedom of movement

• Zero feedback

• Stereo/mono and headphone output options

❌ Cons:

• High cost

• Still requires battery maintenance and charging

🔧 Accessories:

• Wireless transmitters

Conclusion: Ready to Amplify?

Whether you're just getting into performing or looking to upgrade your current mic setup, I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect way to amplify your accordion. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for you.

For visual learners, don’t forget to check out the full video on YouTube where I give you a closer look.