Best .. Haven't played it yet . . but for my money for veteran builders.... Jude Moreau
For mass producers.. Martin and Savoy.. Tina makes very good accordeons.
Between Martin and Savoy : tough, it would depend on who would have the respect for the player and the wood and the project to do miters.
Both are fine traditional "Cajun" boxes...
I'd still go with a Moreau for traditional
or for the newer builders , easy, L'Ainse Gris (sp) from LaFleur.. I haven't played one, but in looking at the design materials and workmanship I'd commit without a reservation for a "new style" advanced thought box...
For non Cajun one rows..
Castagnari of Italy, Rees Wesson of Wales , Martin of France, Gaillard of Brittany,
( who may make another batch after an absence of 15 yeras for his one rows) Bergstrom of Norway..
The notion that Tina builds Acadiana accordions for Marc is a complete myth. Tina's roll in that shop is to deal with customers, answer the phone and basically run the music store while Marc is in the back building accordions. Everytime I go to the shop Marc is in the back building accordions.
The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week
