I disagree. That box has been all over the world played by the hardest working man in Zydeco. It's got the mojo for sure. If you are going to be in Houston take it in to John G. and have him do the fix or send it to him. Otherwise, you can take it to any builder in La and they will fix it for you. Or you can do it yourself. I've had my gab apart to adjust the spring tension. Not difficult. Sounds like it may be a spring. I remember when he sold that box. Keep it, fix it and enjoy it. By the way, there is a book out called Texas Zydeco that has a great pic of Leroy playing that box. Get him to autograph it for you. JMHO
I appreciate all the comments, and I've paid attention to them all also. Last night was my first time takin "grace" out a la Maison.. I loved it the piece of card stock really worked well and man the sound. Im more zydeco than Cajun and my work on the one row is very apish, not unlike my piano accordion work! which is my main axe. As most of you know the one row is pretty cool, but once you take off you 25 lb+ box and plug your wireless in and get dancin groovin and playin on a one row do you really appreciate it! The new sound for the band, the ring that I've always been searching for on piano accordion that I can never find no matter how much I spend. I'm keepin her, I may buy another gab, if I can find a D for 5 let me know. I didn't want to get into provenance because it doesn't mean anything when talking about instrument quality, but as Jonny Ace said this thing has got the mojo, and if it needs it I can get it restored. Le Roy is an awesome player and a great guy, ten yrs ago he let me lead his band for a few numbers and I will never forget that night, the first time I got to lead a band of La zydeco guys! Thanks guys for lookin out for me. Sometime a man is gonna do what a man is gonna do even if it's a little foolish.
Leroy has brought me up also and as you say it is always quite a thrill. I try and do the same if there is a player in the house. I agree with you that a Gab with an internal mic sounds pretty good in Zydeco.
Keep squeezin' that box bro.