Thinking about accordion players..I was just thinking about the best "keyboard players" I have personally known...and my top ten were all accordion players at some point...

Several of these players went on to be great keyboard players other then accordion..

I would say my all time favorite players (acquaintances)..the top 3 were accordion only players...followed closely by players that went onto piano and organ..

The two former accordion to organ players I knew..were as good as anyone I have heard..John DeCarlo and Roger Pense..
Mr Pense was my grandmother's neighbor, and I started to listen to him in my pre teens..He was a master on the Hammond..
Mr DeCarlo was at the Hammond dealer I worked in the mid 60's ...These guys played effortlessly on the Hammond..

The absolute best keyboard player was my accordion teacher in my 5th year of study (17 years old)..James Wood was the most amazing player on accordion...He played with some great trios over the years (Bucky Harris Trio)..and had the respect of many other gifted players...

I know of at least 4 other great accordion players that were Jimmy Wood students..

I have 2 other close friends that still play accordion with great accomplishment...

Too bad accordion is not getting any respect in teaching schools..it is a great way to study music and theory..