I'm the second owner, but it's brand new, not a scratch. VERY beautiful! Golden bird's eye maple throughout, even the endplates. So easy to play, uses air so efficiently, so loud! I'm very thrilled and humbled to finally own a REAL Cajun accordion.....unbelieveable.
I'm not worried about it, Patrick. I have more guns than accordions....and I have 10 accordions. :)
I'm in San Diego. Heart of Cajun country.......NOT!
Congratulations Tim. That is a real beauty. I wish you well with it. You are in a good area for Cajun/Zydeco. There is quite a lot of activity in So Cal. When I lived in Los Angeles, I went to dances twice a month in Long Beach. There were dances all over San Diego, especially at the War Memorial Hall in Balboa Park. I saw the San Diego Cajun Playboys there. Good luck with your new "toy". Keep squeezin'
Thanks, Dana. My wife calls this forum my "Support Group." Yes, dear. Helps with my bad habit.
You know, honestly, a part of me feels I don't deserve an accordion this nice because I can't play that well yet. On the other hand, it's helping me learn faster because I'm not running into box limitations, i.e., bellows freedom, valve/reed efficiency, finger board action. I'm already doing things I couldn't get on the lesser boxes.
So let's keep introducing people to Cajun music and lets keep pushing new enthusiasts like me to learn more.
Tim, you should not feel guilty about having a top quality instrument. I have been down this road a few times and believe me, when you go from a mid range to a top range instrument, you quickly realize what a joy it is to play. And yes it does make a difference in how you play. With a top quality instrument, playing is less work and more pleasure. You will learn to play in time one song at a time. Follow Big Nick's videos and you will pick it up quickly. I learned to play Cajun music when I lived in So Cal. I'm back in Massachusetts where I'm originally from and I still enjoy playing Cajun music. I'm playing a black Gabbanelli Cajun King with Tip a Mano reeds in C. It does a nice job. So enjoy your top quality instrument, you deserve it, and keep squeezin'.
It's a beauty Tim and it sounds good I suppose.
Congrats!!
We all know the feeling, that we all had with our first LA-made Cajun Acoordion. Don't matter which brand it was.
Mark, the crawfish appear to be stencil-painted on. There's also a crawfish embossed under the MARTIN name.
My wife is upset that I pushed her over and brought my accordion to bed with me. Maybe if she looked as good as this accordion.... :)
My musical world changed when I finally bought a Martin in C - and again when I bought one in D. I'm told I can't afford one in Bb!!
You'll love it and congratulations
robin