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CAJUN ACCORDION DISCUSSION GROUP

 

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Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

Methinks we have identified the difference in a Cajun accordion and a melodeon.

Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

A melodeon in England is any diatonic button accordeon.

A melodeon in Ireland and Canada is a one row accordeon.

It all depends on where you are.

A "Cajun " accordeon is an accordeon made by a Cajun.

The rest are one row bisonoric, diatonic, bellows driven aerophones

Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

I do not find the thumb strap to be restrictive. I can easily position my hand so that 4 fingers can cover 4 buttons on the full range of the keyboard. That includes the "home" position of buttons 5, 6, 7, 8, and also the low note position of buttons 1, 2, 3, 4, and the high note position of buttons 7, 8, 9, 10. I can easily and quickly shift between these three areas.

I suppose that YMMV depending on the size of your hands. Mine are fairly big, so maybe that's why I don't find my hand movements to be unduly restricted by the thumb strap.

Since I always play standing up, it is not an option to brace the accordion with a knee, leg or thigh.

Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

Bohemian, it seems like you hold your accordion like Sharon Shannon, is that correct? You see this approach very often with Irish players.
I have a two row Castagnari and tried it too (for Irish trad), but never really got the hang of it. Maybe my left arm is too short.

Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

I keep my fingers crossed .... lol

Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

Peer,

not only is your left arm too short, but your right arm is not long enough.

Re: Fingers position on cajun accordion

Yes, OMG yes I play like Sharron Shannon..
Gag me...


NO.


Sharon Shannnon uses a huge bit of foam on the bass side. plays stepped keyboards, and has talent and skill I will never have.
She plays like no one.

However, I do play like 90% of the Irish players as to position.

Lock the box.

As one very famous Irish B/C player now living in America says..
Get a shot glass of whiskey, put it on the top of the box and play without spilling a drop.

I never play standing up.

I sit and lock the box. One last thing to worry about.



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