About Us
Squeezebox Marketplace — The UK’s Leading Accordion & Melodeon Specialist
Squeezebox Marketplace is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of accordions, melodeons, and free-reed instruments, offering a carefully curated selection of world-class instruments alongside premium accessories, including specialist protective gig bags, straps to suit all sizes of instrument, and a considered range of traditional music books.
Supplying accordions and melodeons to players across the UK, from beginners to professional musicians, Squeezebox Marketplace combines decades of hands-on experience with a deep understanding of what players truly need from their instruments.
Our authority is reinforced through exclusive UK supply of Pigini accordions and Dino Baffetti instruments, alongside close working relationships with leading European makers including Bugari, Fisitalia, Brandoni, Fabio Balloni Burini, and Saltarelle. Alongside these, we have introduced our own Kingfisher accordion range, developed to offer outstanding value, reliability, and playability for beginners and advancing players, without compromising on the standards we expect as specialists.
Visit Us — Showrooms & Locations
We operate a specialist, appointment-based showroom model, allowing us to give each customer the time, space, and expert guidance they need when choosing an instrument. Whether you are exploring melodeons or browsing our wider range of accordions, we are here to help.
North Yorkshire Headquarters
Byways, Marton Cum Grafton, YO51 9QQ
Home to John Turner, with appointments also available with Alan Shute.
South of England Showroom
Unit 1, The Courtyard, Stype, Hungerford RG17 0RE
A well-stocked showroom led by Paul Hutchinson.
Scotland — By Appointment
Glasgow (Alan Shute) and Orkney (Colin Nicholson)
Selected instruments available to try closer to home.
Our Expertise
Every instrument is inspected, checked and prepared before sale, with ongoing support available from experienced players and technicians who understand the practical realities of accordion and melodeon ownership.
Unlike general music retailers, Squeezebox Marketplace is entirely focused on accordions and melodeons. Every instrument we offer is selected based on playability, tonal character, build quality, and long-term reliability, not simply price point.
We are active within the UK folk and accordion community, regularly attending festivals, workshops and traditional music events across the country. This keeps us closely connected to the musicians we serve and allows players to try instruments in real musical environments rather than simply reading specifications online.
Players can explore our current ranges of melodeons, accordions, and selected beginner-friendly options within the Kingfisher range.
If you're unsure where to start, we also provide practical guides covering everything from choosing your first instrument to understanding your options for buying, renting or using accordion finance vs rental in the UK.
Meet the Team
John Turner — Founder
With nearly 35 years of experience in the distribution of accordions and melodeons in the UK, John Turner is a cornerstone of the British folk music retail scene.
A founding member of several influential music businesses, including involvement in the historic Dave Mallinson Music operation, John helped establish one of the largest traditional instrument retailers in Yorkshire.
He has built long-standing relationships with leading makers including Dino Baffetti, Pigini, Bugari, Saltarelle, Fisitalia, Brandoni, and Fabio Balloni Burini. A lifelong accordion enthusiast, John is passionate about accessibility and has recently introduced an accordion rental scheme designed to bring high-quality instruments to more players across the UK.
Based in Boroughbridge, John regularly attends folk and accordion festivals, maintaining close ties with the playing community.
Alan Shute — Scotland Specialist
Based in Glasgow, Alan is a highly experienced accordionist and educator within the Scottish folk scene.
He is a lead tutor with the Glasgow Folk Workshop and contributes to workshops at Celtic Connections. Alan also offers a bespoke, in-person service for customers across Scotland, allowing players to try instruments in a more personal setting.
Paul Hutchinson — Professional Artist & Advisor
Based at our Hungerford showroom, Paul is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading accordionists.
As part of Belshazzar’s Feast, he toured internationally for over 25 years and received a BBC Folk Awards nomination. His playing blends folk, classical, and contemporary influences, bringing a high level of musical insight to our instrument selection and advice.
Jon Loomes — Multi-Instrumentalist & Technical Specialist
Jon is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and recording specialist with a deep understanding of traditional music.
He is also behind Talking Cat Recording Studios, where he works as a sound engineer and composer. Jon supports customers not only in choosing instruments, but in developing their wider musical journey.
Colin J Nicholson — Performer & Consultant
Born in Orkney and raised on the sound of the piano accordion, Colin has performed internationally across a wide range of musical settings.
He offers customers in Scotland the opportunity to try selected instruments locally and brings a calm, experienced perspective to both playing and instrument selection.
Why Choose Squeezebox Marketplace?
- Over three decades of specialist accordion experience
- Exclusive UK relationships with leading manufacturers
- Dedicated, appointment-based service
- Active involvement in the UK folk music community
- Honest, expert advice tailored to each player
Talk to Us
Whether you’re choosing your first melodeon, upgrading to a professional accordion, or simply want clear, honest advice, we are here to help. To discuss your requirements, contact us here.
Squeezebox Marketplace — real expertise, real instruments, real musicians.