On a trip down to NOLA I fell in love with the sound and style of the cajun squeeze box. I'm a long time piano/percussion/guitar/vibes/etc. player and would love to pick up a reasonably priced instrument to get started on (although I'm already drooling over the Savoys, etc).
Any good recommendations for a box I can get somewhere in the $300-500 range that isn't a piece of garbage? Or is my best bet to stalk ebay/craigslist and cross my fingers for a used beauty in serviceable shape?
Welcome to the forum. You will need to spend more than $300-500 for a decent new starter box that is not made in China. Weltmeister and Gabbanelli have good starter boxes for $1000 - $1200. Check eBay for used boxes. Craigslist is also a good place to look. This forum is probably the best place to find a good new or used box to start with. When you get your box, get Big Nicks instructional DVDs to learn how to play. It will be money very well spent. Good luck.