Greetings from the Pacific Northwest United States. This is my first post here. I'm a beginner, just starting out on my quest to learn the Cajun accordion. I recently acquired my first box, a L'Esprit Acadien in the key of D. The bass side of the box has a stenciled inscription which reads "R Savignano * J Miller". I was told that the box has Binci reeds.

I'm hoping that someone can enlighten me about the origin of this box. Was it made by (or for) Jay Miller? Is it an authentic Cajun product? Who is R Savignano?

Thanks in advance!
Jim

Looks like a Louisiana built accordion.
Jay Miller is a grandson of Larry Miller and he made a lot boxes.
Jay also built accordions for a while.
Maybe R Savignano built it with the help of Jay or opposite.
I'm sure somebody from Louisiana knows it

Hey Jim, I remember selling that box to you after you weren't pleased with the first one. I'm an amateur woodworker and have made 8 for my own pleasure never intending to sell but sometimes due to finances I have offered one or two. I made the "outside" and Jay installed the inside-reeds,reed blocks etc.as it seemed too difficult for me. I sold one to a guy in the UK, one to you and one to a guy in NH. Those are the only 3 out in public so you won't find much info on them. Still enjoying it?
Rich

Oops- In re reading your post perhaps you're not the guy I sold the D to originally. I think he may have come from CA-can't remember.
Rich Savignano

I guess you could say that the inside is "authentic" as it was done by Jay. The rest was done by an Italian from MA!!

Hello, Richard.
Thanks so much for your replies and info. I purchased this box only last week so I'm not the buyer you remember. It's a wonderfully built accordion and sounds great!
May I ask what year you built it?
Best regards,
Jim

Hi Jim, Thanks for the kind words but the "sound" came from Jay and Larry and I think the accordion was built in 2009.
Rich