Somebody posted here that Michael who runs the business "Irish Dancemaster" would put decent reeds into some makes of toy accordions. I know El Jeffe had done this to his own "toy" with some success.

So I emailed Michael - he was happy to do the job for $75 plus shipping - and he tuned it "Cajun" at my request (I haven't compared it note-for-note with my Bon Cajun, but it sounds good).

Results: quick response on the reeds; robust concertina-like tone: I'm very happy to have something I can throw in my "sound guy" bag and toot on for a few minutes.

The bellows are very small, so you don't get much air to work with - especially if you engage the bass notes. And the bellows still have a plastic scrunchy sound. But the thing was transformed from a useless piece of plastic into an accordion for under $100!

Good experience all around. I put his web site on link #1, above.

Steve Blais

I met a guy who uses one of these in his children's birthday party act. Lots of fun.