My US$50 chinese 8 bass 'Hero' piano accordion does truly amazing things, and is so small and light. It lacks a bit in volume, and a bit in tone, being a bit 'muffled' and 'old reed organy'.

I fitted real strap mounts and an old pair of leather straps to lock it down, and it handles just like a bought one! Fits into an airline carry on bag, with room for toothbrushes, underwear, etc.

Have often wondered just what the X-ray guys would make of it, and whether they would try to seize it as a 'weapon of terror'... "If you don't fly me to Cuba, I'll play Lady of Spain! Again!"

The second best 'cheap one' is my little red 32 bass Settimo Soprani and it's a real screamer - which is why I named it 'Blondie'...

I have a 48 bass version too, but somehow it's just not got the 'oomph' of the 32 bass. It's black - I think red ones just go faster...