It's a long story, but I now have a "Cajun Queen" accordion, made by Stinson Behlen of Slaton, Texas. While I have found some information on the late Mr. Behlen, I can't seem to find anything about this particular instrument. It sounds good; there are 10 buttons, four knobs, and three silver valves. I apologize if my terminology is wrong; this is the first time I've even picked up an accordion. (I actually thought it was a concertina.) It seems to be in perfect working order. Does anyone have any information about this accordion that they're willing to share? Is it a good instrument? My kids really want to play it, but thus far I've resisted. Would it be appropriate for a beginner, or is this an instrument for a trained musician? Would I be better served by selling it and buying something simpler for a child? My fear is that it's a rather valuable, hand-made instrument and I'm considering letting my seven year-old play it. I suppose part of this is risk assessment on my part. I haven't seen another for sale, so I can't even guess at its value. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=2646

Agree with you. Don't let the kids play with it.

There may be someone in this forum, or somewhere, who wants it more than you do and you could make a tidy profit. Let's face it; Stinson is not gonna make any more of them.

A picture and the key signature of the instrument would be nice.

JB

I am willing to make a trade for my fine sounding Ariette Cajun box. It is machine built in the country that sells to all the USA. Its one of about 25 million but if you decide to make a trade you can own one of them. E mail me

Can you post a picture?

Here you go. I hope that works, I couldn't see how to insert the photo here.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101960624030688&set=a.693252469498.2334662.16735909&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101960631924868&set=pcb.10101960633197318&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101960632788138&set=a.693252469498.2334662.16735909&type=1&theater

That is a nice old box and belongs to someone who can appreciate it, Cajun musical history and the culture in general. It is most definitely not a toy. If you are not going to play the music, please sell it to someone who will. It also isn't a decoration.

And thank you for sharing the photos.

That's little more than a modified Hohner 114. It would be appropriate for a child to play and depending on how well it plays, I would not see it being valued much more than $200-$500 which is very cheap for an accordion.

Do you still have this! I am his great niece and would be interested in it!!!
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