Yes, the keys are limited on a Cajun box. But when playing Cajun music that doesn't matter at all, because the entire repertoire evolved around the use of C and D accordions. In Zydeco, Bb is also very commonly used.
Most players perform with at least 2 different key accordions and sometimes more. Lately, I have been bringing a Bb and C accordion to gigs, as well as the F-Bb-Eb triple row. Between those three accordions, I can cover a lot of different keys.
I have heard people attempt to play Cajun music on a piano accordion, and it just never sounds right to me. I agree with what others have said that if you work at it really hard, you can emulate the style reasonably well, but why work that hard when there is a much simpler solution: use a Cajun accordion to play Cajun music.
Well David,
Thank You very much for Your time on this issue.
I travel to New Orleans a couple of times a Year and it's bout the only place I get to hear this style live.
The general consensus of opinion seems to be in agreement with You.
I am a guitarist and the layout on the Piano just seemed to be more adaptable to Me.
Where is
your locale by the way; I'm in New Jersey.
Yes, I am acquainted with him. He is a very accomplished triple row player. I haven't seen him in some time though. I tried to offer him a gig at our local Zydeco dance hall, but I never heard back from him. I should ping him again.
I understand perfectly and am very fimilar with his music. I think he should still listen to some early Chenier so that he will be able hear the possibilities of the piano accordion.
Several years ago while exhibiting in Montmagny Quebec we went to a concert there and heard a band from Beaumont Texas playing cajun on the piano accordion. It was a four reed instrument and specially tuned and while not authenic they had the technique down pat. Sounded very, very cajun. But then, I like the sound of all accordions.