Struggling with something like an HA-114 could possibly make you give up playing.
You can make almost all your money back, or all of it, or more (depending on price increases), if you buy a major La. brand, try it, and, if it doesn't work out, sell it.
I think I would be easily inclined to buy a good LA-made accordion in the first place. That makes sense. I would love to come down, drive around, and test different accordions in different shops, but I'm very much out of the region, and a trip down to Acadiana is easily 8 hours away by car. Worth it? I'm sure a trip would be a blast, but it's hard to plan with a busy schedule. And I would love to start learning some Accordion 101 basics even now (I have heard Big Nick's DVD's are excellent). Do people even rent accordions - even for a few weeks just to get started? And are there music stores in Lafayette and other cities that have good accordions in stock, ready for purchase? And for learning how to play the box, do many people find a teacher and take lessons in a traditional manner? Thanks.
Do you have experience playing any other musical instruments?
I'm a beginner, & recently purchased an accordion (my first Cajun) from Jr Martin. It's very nice, & I'm very satisfied with it. He had two in stock, & the other may still be available.
Before the purchase, I watched lessons on YouTube, and Big Nick's web site. I now have Big Nick's DVDs #1 & #2. These are superb for learning. I have no desire or need to get a teacher.
Prior to getting the accordion, I downloaded the Zydaccordion application to my iPad. It's a very well done application, but ----.
The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week
