Is the Bandoneon still made today? A short History
🎧 Still Built, Still Played
Yes, new bandoneons are still made today — but only by a few skilled hands around the world. This rare instrument survived wars, factory closures, and the digital age. Let’s explore how modern bandoneon production works — and why these handmade instruments are more relevant than ever.
The Bandoneon’s Rise, Fall—and Comeback
The bandoneon began as a church organ replacement in 19th-century Germany. Then came Argentina — and tango changed everything. But after World War II, production nearly stopped. Factories closed. Tools were lost. For decades, players relied only on old instruments.
Yet today, a small but passionate group of makers has revived the craft. That’s right: modern bandoneon production is alive — from Germany to Argentina and even the U.S.
Who makes Bandoneons today?
🛠️ Handmade by a Few
Unlike mass-produced instruments, bandoneons are built by hand. Most are made by independent instrument makers — craftsmen who learned from retired makers or restored vintage instruments for years before building their own.
Some known makers include:
- Harry Geuns (Belgium)
builds new instruments and teaches restoration - Alfred Arnold replicas (Germany/Argentina)
based on historic models - Smaller U.S. and European workshops
often custom-built for tango players
🪗 Are new Bandoneons available?
Yes, but they’re rare — and not cheap. Prices often start at $4,000 to $7,000 for student models and go over $10,000 for concert-grade instruments.
Most are made to order. That means you’ll wait months, sometimes a year, to get one. But the wait is worth it: today’s bandoneons match — or even exceed — the quality of vintage instruments.
How Bandoneons are built now
⚙️Small Series, Big Craft
Here’s what modern bandoneon production looks like:
Materials: wood, leather, steel reeds, mother-of-pearl buttons
Tech: some use CNC machines, others stick to hand tools
Tuning: still done by ear, reed by reed
Finish: fully custom—players choose layout, color, and tuning style
Each instrument takes 100–300 hours to complete. This is not factory work—it’s art.
🎯 Nice to Know
The bandoneon may look like a small accordion, but they’re different!
Want to know exactly why?
› Read more
Why this matters
The world doesn’t need another mass-made product. It needs meaning. The fact that people still ask “is the bandoneon still made today?” shows one thing: there’s growing curiosity for great, human craft.
If you want an instrument with soul, this is it.
Quick Summary 📌
Yes, bandoneons are still made today — by a few expert makers
Production is manual, slow, and often custom
Prices start at $4,000+, with long wait times
Most modern makers are based in Europe and Argentina
The instrument is thriving again, especially in the tango scene
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