i;d have a hard time, as a beginner, not getting a computer accordion
if only for the ease of key changes
you can follow records instantly by figuring out the key and switching

not sure about long term reliability though
same is true of old 'real' accordions too

wle

I (Vmat)originally posted this thread and thank all responses that have a helpful tone. Both Bauxologist and David have given me very good information--I am very green re diatonic accordions, but am very interested in Cajun/Zydeco/Creole music.

David responded first with very helpful information, and Bauxologist followed with additional good info. Thanks to both of you. I have been reading all responses and did not detect any negative tone from David. He has been a great help to me, and has treated a greenhorn like me with respect.

So on with the topic... This thread is additionally helpful because you both have tried to provide supplementary info. for the LACK of information that is included with Hohner accordions (and probably many others) that I feel should have been printed or plated on the instrument itself. It boggles my mind that a manufacturer or crafter who charges its customer such a high price for the item would not show pride in his/her workmanship without any mark or indication of the maker or year in which the expensive item was made. Why do so many Italian accordions include the "Made in Italy" mark? It seems that the sellers of these accordions show pride in the product being sold by including a photo of this mark. We assume that if it has that mark, it is a good product.

I just purchased an older used Hohner Ariette single row (C) Cajun style accordion on Ebay. I did not want to buy a new Hohner Ariette because my research showed high dissatisfaction for these China-made boxes. So I asked the seller how old it was and if she knew where it was made. I was told it was 25 years old and that it probably was not made in China back then. I have had it for a few weeks and although it does not have near the quality of a real Cajun product, I wanted to start somewhere with my limited funds, and I find it to be working fine and giving me motivation to play it more and more. Eventually, I hope to be interested in a reliable beginner 3-row, hence the reason for this thread. I'm also thinking that many other beginners like me will benefit from all of your input. Provenance for accordions--like many other vintage items--is difficult and so often subjective. Thanks for all relevant input.

You have been duped by my observation.

All Ariettes are made in China and none are 25 years old.

Makers mark their accordeons "made in Italy" because by law they must identify the source. The Italians stamp or emboss because they take pride in their efforts.

Contrarily, the "Made in China" boxes usually have a label. Easily removed.

Others may have not been negative to you. However, the information is questionable. ie the Hohner International is an inferior instrument and to be avoided.

May I recommend you visit melodeon.net for the most reliable information on diatonic accordeons. Also fewer "one uppers" and limited "attitude".

Thanks, Bauxologist. Good to have your input. Will accept and move forward till I gain enough minimum skill to graduate to a 3-row, maybe Panther/International, etc. Being a senior citizen, I don't know whether I will live long enough to develop skill to move to expensive (better) boxes.

If you keep your eyes open, I believe you may run across a German made Corona.

Define senior citizen ... I'll bet I am up there with you and I am still at it.

I called the Button Box for some guidance on the currently made 3 row entry level boxes...
Their opinion was there is no better value than the Hohner Panther in that price range.

If you have a chance call Doug Creighton at the Button Box , he's a straight shooter.

413-665-7793