Agree whole heartedly Brian

Accordions made in factories should be compared with accordions made in factories, NOT with customized accordions made by artisans. We wouldn't compare the cost of a house drawn by an architect (who will do exactly what you want, hire the workers, choose the building materials and follow the building of your house) with the cost of a prefabricated house.

My conclusion is that today's Hohner Ariettes should be of the same quality as pre-WWII Monarchs or Sterlings. That's where I see "a rip-off". (I unfortunately began my trip with an Ariette ).
(That's what I meant in my second post. Sorry for not being clear enough, Bryan).

Christian nailed it pretty much.

2500$ for a semi-factory built LA made accordion (no name dropping) is certainly not cheap, but heck, people have to make a living - even cajuns - and if the buyer likes the product, that's totally cool with me.

2500$ for a custom box with unique detailing (custom stamped corners, individually lathed stops etc.) is cheap considering the production time involved.

500$ for a chinese made accordion shaped object where corners are cut on every single part is a ripoff period.

Now I'm still wondering why no one yet has come up with a good copy of the Monarch design for moderate $$$. Gabbanelli is sort of close but they have all stand up reeds... close but no cigar.

(just my 2 cents)

Jeff Hildreth, could not agree more (we typed simultaneously).

Gabbanelli doesn't make their "Cajun" accordion.

And a Hohner is closer to boxes of old.. and considerably more class.

The Ariette is a con job..


A "custom made " box ..
Give me a plain Jane box with no fluting.. no stamped corners.. no butts and the highest workmanship possible with Artigiana or other high quality hand made reed. Use one board for the whole box and line up the grain in successive pieces..ie book match left and right on the chassis bits.. .. That is what Castagnari and others do every day. No foo foo (bling) anywhere.

In a previous post I commented on Seattle's minimum wage and hourly reduction..
the average reduction in hours was 9.. this made up the difference for the employer.

Minimum wage can backfire.. beware of getting what you want.

"Use one board for the whole box and line up the grain in successive pieces..ie book match left and right on the chassis bits"

I've done this on almost all my boxes, and I honestly can only remember 1 person noticing. But I still do it, especially on figured woods if the board allows.

Bryan,

And that is why I consider your efforts to be at the top of the list of Cajun builders of the new era of accordeons.

And if I wanted a traditional Cajun accordeon, Jude Moreau.