If you are interested in Cajun music then a single row 10 button key of C or D will do. Call Savoy music center for possible used boxes or for an affordable mid range box, try Gabbanelli Cajun King or Weltmeister. There are dealers near you in NYC who sell Weltmeister and you can go directly to Gabbanelli. For instruction, go to Big Nick Box lessons web site to start. Then go to the main page and order Vol 1 of "Learn to Play Cajun Accordion". Nick is an excellent teacher and it is a great way to get started. If you are interested in Irish then a good two row BC or C#D will do. There is a dealer in Philadelphia, Liberty Bellows who may help. You can also try Alex Bell or John Nolan in NYC. They can also recommend instructors. Good luck

The Button Box (link 1) in Amherst lists their in-stock used instruments here: http://www.buttonbox.com/instruments-in-stock.html

The Bon Temps for sale a few posts down looks like a deal. You can check out Allons Danser in Philly. Link #2 They have dances with La. bands all the time and it would be worth the trip to see and hear it live. Cajun and Zydeco depending on who is in town. We're playing Connolly's in midtown NYC this sat. night 8 to after midnight. I'll have single rows and a triple row you can check out. It's a bit of a trip but would be doable. 121 W. 45th St. between 6th and Bway. Link 3. [ Good luck. Keep squeezin'.

Steve, forgot to mention in my other post: Buy an occasion only if you're sure that everything is in good shape or coming from a reliable source; so many accordions are offered at almost the new price while often in severe need of maintenance, it's just like buying a 2nd hand car ... Nout

This accordion might be worth checking out as a beginning instrument.

http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/msg/2878821923.html

I have no knowledge of or relation to the seller.
DP

Hmmmm...I checked out the accordion on craiglist you directed me to. Very interesting.....but.....it's in the key of D and I've been told to buy an instrument in the key of C since most music is played in that key that is available. Well, obviously, I don't know if that's true or no. Can anyone provide some guidance on this? Thanks.

D is perfect for cajun playing and more, most players start with a C. Though i think it's a nine key accordion ... Nout

Ds are great for Cajun music, but that vast majority of cajun songs are played on a C. If you have any desire at all to go to Augusta, Balfa camp, or come down to Louisiana to play at some of the regular jams, you will have to bring a C accordion. Also, most people find it easier to sing to a C box rather than a higher pitched D. Whoever told you to get a C first was right. Get a C first and if you like playing the music than you can get a D or even a Bb later.

Seller advised me that he had sold the box. The would-be buyer posted on Craigslist last week that he sent the money but never got the accordion.

ah, thought so, something was amiss ... just like this car i bought from craighslist poster:



- Nout

Stay away from Craigs list. Nothing but scammers. Use Ebay if you must but you should buy from a dealer. The Button Box in MA is an excellent dealer. They sell the Weltmeister Cajun and can get you a C box. Try Gabbanelli, they have them in stock.If you buy the Gabbanelli, get Tip A Mono reeds. If you are low on funds then try Marc Savoy, he might have a used box for sale. Good luck.

As for Button Box the Weltmeisters there are quite expensive compared to europe, even the Cajun tuned ones. It's quality is just not good enough to justify 1200 U$D, and the reeds are not as tough as binci's and the sound is mediocre .... A Gabinelli probably would be a far better choice, if coming from texas and fitted with a better class reeds. - Nout

Thanks for the insight!!! A lot to do. Steve

There is nothing wrong with buying off of Craigslist, but you must buy local. If you can't drive over and look at and play the instrument, forget it.

It's not worth it.

Never buy off of craigslist and have something shipped.

DP

Just purchase a NEW Gabbanelli Cajun King. It will last long enough for you to cut your teeth. If your gums become infected, it's your's to keep in the corner of your closet as a reminder that your head was there but your heart wasn't but you're not out of a lot of money... just low T levels and disinterest in taking on any new hobbies.

Here's the link... http://gabbanelli.gostorego.com/accordions/cajun-king.html

Go get 'em.