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.