Learn to play the scale using octaves. Dirk Powell explains this and demonstrates on his tape. Play it up and down. Always practice this first last and always. Listen to the music. YouTube is a Godsend. Eventually you will be able to hear a Cajun song and play the tune using octaves automatically. Learn the embellishments that make the music sound Cajun and or Zydeco. Triplets are key. Wilson Savoy explains how to do these on his tapes.
Most importantly have fun and enjoy the ride.

Thanks Johnny Ace for great advice. I have Dirk Powell’s dvds coming. Not familiar will Wilson Savoy’s tapes. Are there specific lessons available? Source? Obviously there is a lot to learn and although information is out there one needs the help from those of you in the forums. I live in the West so don’t have live sources I can go to for instruction.

Wilson did a Cajun accordion instruction video that was very helpful and entertaining. It was done 10-15 years ago. Go to his website and see if it is available. He has unfinished productions including one on Wayne Toups.
I thing the title of his instruction tape is Cajun Accordion Stules or something similar.

Couldn’t find Wilson Savoy’s website. I think it is or was almenapictures.com. His DVD sounds interesting but not sure how to get.

"Cajun Rhythm and Improvisation" a DVD by Wilson Savoy. Produced by Almena Pictures.

The DVD doesn’t seem to be available anymore and also Almena Picture/ Productions doesn’t appear exist any longer. Too bad as it seemed to be a popular DVD.

Rick, you can try to ask Wilson himself.
You can mail him with the contact data of the Pine leaf Boys.

If you want a butt jointed accordeon go with Savoy, Martin or Miller.

For a step up in design and workmanship

Try mitered corner boxes from Jude Moreau, John Doucet.. and I am sure there are others who care about such workmanship details.

I prefer Older (50s) Hohner HA114
Castagnari from Italy (have owned several) simply outstanding.
Messervier Quebec
Melodie Quebec (don't personally like the maker but the boxes are exquisite)

Jeff, you're right about Castagnari which is beautifull built, but the reeds are all standing up :blush:
My Falcon has also mitered corners and Rusty Sanner built also accordions with mitered corners because he learned a lot from the late Mr Randy Falcon.
Even my leak old Hohner in low G has mitered corners.
For me it's not a big deal, because I play my Martins Juniors with the same pleasure as the Falcon or the Castagnari :blush:
The Savoys and Millers I was obliged to play on , are also very fine instruments :blush:
Maybe it's time for The Mitered Corner Two Step :joy: :joy: :joy:

I only pay accordions with butt joints. They sound better.

Play, not pay. Don't know if the Globe has butt joints.

No where in a quality accordeon will you see a butt joint.

It is a cost cutter and time saver for the lazy or inept.

You will never see a butt joint in any type of woodworking in Japan.

I saw a lot of butts in Japan at the sento public bath...