.. with regards to the triple row debate below.. a two reed box will not satisfy the three to four reed sound that Zydeco prefers..
.. a Hohner Panther is the best economical triple row according to me ( and everyone on the Tejano Conjunto fourm ). Any others should be last resort.
... I have a mint condition 70's Corona IIIR in GCF ( three reed and 5 registers ) for sale at $875 shipping included. Please email if interested.
...Roy Carrier and ( and Andre Thierry ) on occasion played GCF triple row accordions..and they sounded as bluesy to my ear as most. I found FBbEb the right choice for accomodating lower voiced singing if anything.
... I would give more priority to the three reed set up than the key if going into zydeco. But that's just my three cents..
The IIIR is a great zydeco box. Fitted with an internal mic it has all the power you need. My EAD IIIR came from Glen a while back so if he is selling it you know it is good.
For further information...Louisiana's Zydeco Joe pictures on this link site playing what looks like a Corona 111R ...and that guy CAN pump out the Zydeco..no problem...seen him play LIVE many times.
Some of the older players used a two reed Corona.. Boozoo played a Corona and an Erica.. Ambrose Sam played a 2.5 row Hohner Club model ( in one video I saw of him at least ).. I may be wrong.
Queen Ida.. probably plays the Corona II because it is light...and more manageable for her stature.. ??
Al Rapone plays a Corona II, Big Hat Filds plays a Corona II, and Terrance Simien plays a Corona II..
Most zydeco players and listeners want to hear a three or four reed box.. two reed is for tex mex ( tejano and conjunto ) ? But modern Norteno prefers 3 to 4 reed boxes.. ( Ramon Ayala style )...
Do you think if you play a Corona II but pump up the bass ( low ) setting on the PA mixer channel you could make them sound more Zydeco ' growly '.?
And what is Terrance doing with that cover ' thing' over the face plate of his Corona II..presume it's some tailor made mic pick up??..refer photos in link below.