Is it possible to change the key of a Cajun accordion from, say, C to G?

I know that the G reeds would be considerably larger than the C reeds. I imagine it is possible that the reed blocks used for C might be too short for G. In that case, it would mean removing the old reed blocks. But since the reed blocks are permanently glued in place, that could present a big problem.

As for cost, it means the cost of the G reeds, plus labor. Maybe there is some trade in value on the C reeds?

What does it cost a builder these days for a set of Binci handmade reeds?

Maybe it would be better to start over - instead of retrofitting a C accordion to be G, it might be better to get a new one in G and sell the C?

So many questions...

-David

I did it a few times, but you'll need to adapt about 10-15 % of the reed chamber's size. When you use a good sounding accordion chances are that the refit will sound good too. Sometimes a dull sounding one will benefit from a change of brand, or type: i changed a dullish walnut Acadian C to a D with brass-plated reeds, a great improvement. For the USA i would suggest a local builder or repairman, maybe Elton Doucet? From C to G might not work out easy since i expect some more reed chambers need to be enlarged than with a change from C to D or Bb to C. A new set of Binci #1 aluminum base plated reeds is around 300 U$D i guess. - Nout

Depends on the maker, kind of. A Martin uses deeper reed blocks than an Acadian, so if it's a Martin you may get away with it, with minor deepening for the big reed tips. If it's an Acadian, that's a pretty big jump.

Reed blocks aren't really permanent, I still have my first one, and I've changed reed blocks 6 times. My poor experimental guinea pig.

I agree with Nout, check with Elton.

The accordion in question is a Larry Miller Bon Cajun.

I spoke with Larry briefly the other day, and he made it sound like it would not be a good idea. He thought that removing the reed blocks would damage the plywood of the faceplate.

So, I don't know what to think, other than I don't need 2 Bon Cajun's in C, and I would very much like to have one in G.

Anyone have a G to trade?

-David

"removing the reed blocks would damage the plywood "

Can be minimized, but yeah, it'll mess it up a little (the backing plate, not the faceplate), but it's just wood, can be fixed. I still think you're better off selling it and buying a G, unless you had some real attachment to it.

Excellent illustration why buying a box such as a Castagnari Melodeon, is sensible... removable reed blocks.

I haven't played a Castignari, but every other box I've played with removable reed blocks has less volume than a similar box with glued reed blocks.

Castignari's are in a class by themselves. They are exceptional in every way.

But I can't say that I have played one side by side with a Cajun accordion with an eye to comparing their loudness.

Castagnaris are plenty loud..

I don't care about loud, I care about:

1. Q U A L I T Y
2. Tone
3. Playability
4. Durability
5. Ease of tuning
6. Ease of serviceability ,repair, maintenance
7. Ease of reed replacement (I have owned 12 Castagnaris and never replaced a reed or a spring.)
8. Value, expensive and worth every dime
9. Distinction
10. Resale (though not so important)
11. Mitered corners : )

Is their tuning such that they sound like a cajun box though? And, if not, would you be willing to retune? Are there 4 voice castignaris?

The Castagnari "Melodeon" is a 1 row 10 button, 2 bass, diatonic, bisonoric bellows driven aerophone. with four stops with LMMH reeds. It is built to a very high standard. Theor standard reeds are Antonelli tipo a mano. I believe the current price is $2750 US, you can check that at the Button Box. They have a web site.

Castagnari generally tunes 12TET from dry through a variety of wet tunings.

I have never heard of one tuned to "just" tuning..

I would not buy a Castagnari tuned to "just" tuning nor would I have one retuned to "Cajun" tuning.

Thought this could be done, I would not advise it.
The Castagnari is not a "Cajun" box.. it is something a bit different. You would need to see and play one to understand that.

When I had one in C stupidly sold it) I played Cajun tunes and they sounded fine.. though not dischordant. (to my ear)

The link shows Brendan Begley playing an older model with an added extension on the fingerboard because he has such long fingers. New ones look the same as this one minus the keyboard addition.

Just make sure you don't open the air valve : )