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
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.
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.
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.
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
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